Despite not receiving a number of grants and money that will be held back until October for the 2007-2008 school year, GHES finished with an increase in cash of $8,807.50, according to a preliminary income and expense sheet given to the board. However, Dinsmore said that increase is not reflective of the money yet to be received, as he informed the board the increase in cash from last year could be closer to $100,000. Dinsmore thought the money will be received sometime in October.

After school program

The GHES heard from Heather Ruggero concerning the after school program at GHES. The program runs after school for students and features a number of programs and activities for students as well as an afternoon snack.

Ruggero was asking the board to consider some changes to the program to make it more attractive for students and parents. Though the program finished in the black last year, Ruggero wants to see the program expand and continue to grow.

Ruggero said she began thinking, "what could we do that was simple to start with and what could we do to help make Glacial Hills known for," she said.

Ruggero gave an overview of a program she would like to see the school implement such as having two people come in three days a week to teach the children different sporting techniques and activities. The program could also have a nutritionist come in once a month to teach the students how to make a healthy snack, have a teacher come in and teach dance lessons bimonthly, and perhaps go to a place like the state park one other day a month. She said for this program to work, there must be at least 10 kids enrolled in the after school program.

While Board Chair Lara Amundson said the program will probably continue this year, the actual scope and cost of the program must be weighed with the amount of participation and money coming into the after school program.

Ruggero also informed the board of a federal snack program which could give the school free snacks to students at the after school program should the school qualify. The program is something she would like to have the school look into as it would cut down a big cost for the program and give participants a free healthy snack.

GHES Board Member Joy Pederson said she is currently working on a grant which could give the after school program up to $10,000 if it is approved.

Ruggero said the program could really be a big benefit to not only GHES but the students as well.

"I just think it is a really good cause," she said.

A survey will be sent out to gauge not only the interest in the program but see if parents would be interested in having the program on Friday’s.