Changes sweep Manton schools

MANTON — With the new school year on the horizon, Manton Consolidated Schools is gearing up for some changes.

Manton Middle School will be teaching a new sex education program this year titled “Willing to Wait” through CareNet. A committee has been researching the sex education program that teaches “absolutely abstinence” for about a year; after a representative from CareNet recently presented information about the program to Manton Consolidated Schools Board of Education, the board adopted the program.

“The program focuses on abstinence with a lot of instruction on dealing with peer pressure. It talks about STDs, the economic impact of family, the psychological affects and the physical component of bodies not being mature enough to take on the stress with changes,” said Mark Parsons, superintendent of Manton Consolidated Schools.

The board passed the program because they found it “thorough, direct, and it made sense the way it was put together,” Parsons said.

“Several schools have used it in the area over last few years, and it has a good track record,” he added.

Citing that Manton’s previous sex education program was “very limited,” Parsons believes the new program will be “informative and help people make better choices.”

“As people become more educated and realize the implications, they put themselves in the position to make better informed decisions,” said Parsons who noted it’s important to address that Wexford/Missaukee counties’ teen pregnancy rate is much higher than the state and national level.

Manton schools also has been officially notified that the school will receive grant money from Qualified Zone Academy Bonds. The $226,000 from QZAB can be used only for technology, and building and grounds improvements.

At the last school board meeting on Aug. 6, the board approved a budget reduction plan to cut $310,000 in expenditures, because the school’s budget was at a deficit of $217,000 as of the 2006-07 school year.

The budget reduction plan will occur for the 2007-08 school year. If the plan is carried out accordingly, the board projects the school will end up with about $60,000 by the end of the coming academic year.

While some adjustments may occur, the plan looks to cut two and one-half certified staff positions, elementary special education text books, drivers education program, technology purchases, high school equipment and technology services.

The school plans to put on the chopping block some programs and funding for equipment, but Parsons said the school “isn’t in any bad shape or form.”

“We have concerns that (cutting teachers) increased some class sizes, and we preferred to buy technology this year, but it looks like we can hold off,” Parsons said. “(The budget reduction plan) will help us to balance the books this year. It’s not like we don’t have any technology. It’s the challenge to renew and stay current. I think it’s kind of a hold on right now and we expect to make those purchases one year later than we hoped.”

The next school board meeting is 7 p.m. Monday at Manton High School.

kkiley@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)