Modesto District's OK likely on repairs to gas lines

At tonight's meeting, Modesto City Schools board members are expected to approve an emergency resolution to spend $75,000 to repair gas lines at Modesto High.

An underground leak discovered near the pool Aug. 15 caused a shutdown of natural gas service to about one-third of the campus, an agenda report says. Although having room heaters off has not been a problem, hot water for gym showers, hand washing or kitchen cleanup has been missed. The pool heater is off as well.

An emergency declaration will allow the district to bypass the competitive bid process to speed repairs.

Board members also will digest a mix of financial news.

Unaudited final numbers for the 2011-12 budget year, which ended June 30, show the district ended last year ahead of budget by $12.4 million, or 0.5 percent, in large part from salary savings. The district dipped into the red, but by less than the $21 million deficit originally expected.

District reserves will be tested this year, however, by the state's fiscal problems.

The board is expected tonight to authorize borrowing $15 million from Stanislaus County to meet cash flow needs created by irregular and delayed state payments.

The state budget sets what schools will receive, but much of that funding arrives late or in the next fiscal year. Stanislaus County has provided low-cost interim financing to several smaller districts in recent years.

In other business, the board is expected to:

• Hold a first reading of a change in graduation requirements, allowing students to substitute career technical education courses for a year of visual or performing arts, or foreign language. A final decision will not be made at this meeting.

• Update the district's anti-bullying and safe-schools policies to prohibit harassment based on gender identity and provide a process for submitting complaints.

Bee education reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339.

The Modesto City Schools board will meet at 6 p.m. in the staff development center, 425 Locust St. The agenda is posted at http://bit.ly/MCSmeetings.