By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
Rowan-Salisbury School System officials will present dropout prevention strategies to the Board of Education on Monday.
Those strategies include identification of individual students and needs, mentoring, academic support, social support and alternative educational opportunities.
The school systemís dropout rate increased last year.
During the 2009-10 academic year, Rowan-Salisbury had 276 students drop out for a rate of 4.24 percent. The previous year, 254 students dropped out for a rate of 3.84 percent.
The board is also set to decide how much funding the district will request from the Rowan County Commissioners.
During a work session earlier this month, the board was in consensus that it would not ask for additional local monies despite state budget shortfalls.
School board Chairman Dr. Jim Emerson has said that with the county facing revenue shortfalls he feels the school district should only seek the same level of funding.
The board will also:
Receive an update on the school systemís technology initiatives.
Hear a state of the school report on South Rowan High.
Vote on approval of the 2010-11 audit contract from Dixon Hughes. The firm has proposed a fee reduction of 7.89 percent of our current year price.
The school board meeting begins at 5 p.m. Monday at the Long Street Administrative Office, 110 S. Long St., East Spencer.
Contact reporter Sarah Campbell at 704-797-7683.