Dr. Prendergast also gave a report on the recent focus groups and informational meetings hosted by the International Baccalaureate Committee for parents interested in the IB diploma program. She said 45 parents representing all grade levels attended either the day meeting on Feb. 25th or the evening meeting on March 5th.

She also explained why the program cost was not presented at the meetings. Nanine Cuttitta, high school principal, and David Perrotta, high school assistant principal, who are also members of the IB committee, had attended a level 1 IB training session for administration and coordination. The February meeting of the IB committee, where they were to present and discuss their findings with other members of the committee, was cancelled due to inclement weather. The IB committee therefore did not have all of the data needed in time for the focus groups.

Dr. Prendergast said an announcement was made at the beginning of each meeting stating that funds had not been allocated in the 2009-10 school budget due to the current economic crisis. The program is expensive, with a start-up fee that ranges from $50,000 to $100,000.

The IB committee will meet later this month to review the training session findings, as well as the feedback and questions raised at the parent focus group meetings. She said all questions were recorded and will be shared with the entire IB committee. A summary of the parent focus group meeting will be made available to the community on the district's Web site.

"The members of the committee appreciated the comments and the conversation which took place amongst the groups and the members look forward to updating the Board later this spring with regard to the committee's findings and recommendations," she said.