The Final Report - Malcolm Shabazz City High School, Madison WI

Decision Item #14: ELIMINATE DRIVER EDUCATION FROM COURSE OFFERINGS ORMAKE SELF SUFFICIENTOption A:Option B:Option C:Eliminate the programDiscontinue offering a credit and charge a fee highenough to recoup all costsContinue to offer program - increase student fee torecoup BTW costsBackground:The District currently offers classroom instruction and behind the wheeltraining for students to fulfill the requirements to be eligible to apply for aWisconsin drivers license. This course offering is not mandated by theState Department of Transportation, nor is it a requirement for graduation.However, high school students may earn ¼ of a credit toward graduationupon successful completion of this program. This credit does not counttoward the minimum credit load requirement.Specifically, the District offers a Traffic Safety classroom course duringschool hours to fulfill the 30 hour instructional requirements related toobtaining a driver license. Traffic Safety Lab Instruction (Behind-the-Wheel) is offered before and after school to fulfill the six hour observationand six hour simulation requirements. Both course offerings are alsoavailable through Summer School and are included in total instructionalminutes when figuring general state aid.Approximately, 57% of Wisconsin school districts currently provide bothclassroom and behind the wheel course offerings. 8% of districts do notoffer driver education and 11% offer driver education as a summer schooloffering only. The District’s current $115 student fee is above therecognized 2000/2001 state average student fee of $87.The District is prohibited from charging a fee for any course for whichcredit is received. State categorical aid is dependent upon the Districtgenerating no more in student fee revenue for the course then than isincurred in cost.Expenditures:The District current spends approximately $490,860* annually to providethis course offering including:Salaries & Fringe $445,375Equipment Replacement, $29,500Rental & RepairInsurance $5,200Material/Supplies $10,785Total $490,860** Minimal costs are also incurred by Administrative Services andTeaching and Learning. These costs are not significant and, therefore,are not included.Virchow, Krause & Co. LLP Page 88March 11, 2002