With declining enrollments, Inter-Lakes is getting cozy with Moultonborough

The Inter-Lakes School Board took a formal step toward further collaboration with the Moultonborough School District last night when it approved a memorandum of understanding that will allow high school students from one district to attend a designated class at the other district on a tuition-free basis. Although the agreement at this point concerns only three classes, and is only in effect for two school years, it is explicitly a pilot program toward possible greater cooperation in future years.

The memorandum begins: "In an effort to effectively meet the evolving educational needs of students and to increase cost efficiencies within the two districts, we have reached agreement in relation to the sharing of district resources. The basis for this agreement is that our small school districts are likely to find it increasingly difficult to provide students with quality learning opportunities that are responsive to their needs, interests and aptitudes in a cost effective manner." Declining enrollment was cited as a factor in the decision to combine resources.

The agreement, which after last night had been approved by both districts, allows Moultonborough students to attend the Introduction to Computers and Advanced Placement Computers at Inter-Lakes. Inter-Lakes students will be able to take Advanced Placement Environmental Studies at Moultonborough Academy.

The memo adds, "If circumstances warrant, additional classes may be considered under the terms of this agreement."

The shared classes would be capped at 20 students, with priority being given to local students over those from the neighboring district. Only students in good academic and behavioral standing will be eligible for the program.

Students would be responsible for their own transportation. The two schools are about nine miles apart.

The agreement passed the Inter-Lakes board without challenge. After adoption, Howard Cunningham proposed that the board "authorize the superintendent to continue the development of the model presented to us in this memorandum of understanding with the Moultonborough School District." That measure also passed easily.

Cunningham also commended Superintendent Phil McCormack and his Moultonborough counterpart for their work so far. "This is just the direction we need to go as a smaller district," Cunningham said.

NOTES: The board voted to approve a proposed 2009-2010 operating budget of $18.9-million, an increase of one-quarter of one percent over the current budget. A public hearing on the budget has been scheduled for Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Inter-Lakes High School Auditorium . . . . . At its next meeting on Feb. 10, the board will be presented with wording for a potential warrant article asking voters whether or not they'd like to spend about $14,000 on equipment and about $2,000 annually to record board meetings. The recordings would then be broadcast on Lakes Region Public Access Television (MetroCast Channel 26) and available for download from the school's web site . . . . . .The board is considering making its drug and alcohol police more consequential by requiring parents of a student suspected of being intoxicated to have the child take a drug test before returning to school. That policy was returned to the policy review committee for further evaluation . . . . . . Board Chair Jack Carty announced that long-time Board Member Carl Johnson does not intend to run for re-election in March. The filing deadline is Friday. . . . . . The next Inter-Lakes School Board meeting is scheduled for February 10.