Gifted-and‑Talented (ALA) report: district receives $59,942.91; mini‑grants and stipends funded

The board received the district’s required report on the state-funded gifted-and‑talented program (R277707). The district reported a total award of $59,942.91 for the year, with $53,799.06 available for expenditure and $6,143.85 categorized as indirect costs.

Adam McNichol outlined the spending plan: stipends for seven ALA teachers plus one coordinator (total about $17,000), teacher mini‑grants (increased to $1,500 per award this year), a $5,000 programmatic mini‑grant pool for principals, $8,000 for principal-directed curricula or experiences, reimbursement for teachers pursuing gifted-and‑talent endorsements and $2,000 for data/reporting tools. The district emphasized accountability measures for the mini‑grants and an explicit priority for teacher development.

McNichol said ALA enrollment stood at 119 students (about 2.6% of K–6 enrollment) and that the district had 100 students signed up for ALA testing as of the previous day, giving an early indication of next-year cohorts. He highlighted high assessment performance for ALA students on statewide measures and described an increased Hispanic/Latino representation in the program this year.

Olivia Lott, the new ALA coordinator, described enrichment programming aligned to the IB framework—project-based learning, national-history projects, research skills and performance cycles—and Bree Weber described national professional development she attended with district support. Board members asked about how mini‑grants interact with other foundation-funded opportunities; staff confirmed mini‑grants do not preclude applying for additional funds.

This item was informational; the board did not take action.