P-Tech Academy in Dunkirk. P-J file photo

A discussion regarding the “reinstatement of the P-TECH program” is on the agenda for tonight’s special meeting of the Jamestown Public Schools Board of Education at 6 p.m.

The discussion also includes a recommended resolution, according to the district’s BoardDocs site, in which the Board of Education would agree to “provide funding for the P-TECH Program through use of existing funding within the current school district budget.”

The Western New York Pathways in Technology Early College High School, known as P-TECH Academy, is located in Dunkirk and provides students a pathway technology program for those looking to pursue a career in manufacturing or technology.

Because of the projected decrease in state aid of around 20%, the board reduced its originally approved 2020-21 budget by around $3 million and chose to disenroll students in the program. Last year, 17 students were enrolled. The district also eliminated the Success Academy, a 5-12 school that provides a range of resources for students who are falling behind in school due to previous traumatic events.

Bret Apthorpe, former JPS superintendent, said in June that the P-TECH program costs the district $400,000 a year. He said the district funds $140,000, with state aid covering the rest of the costs. Because of the expected decrease in state aid, Apthorpe said district officials are not sure the additional funding for the program will be available next school year.

“If our funding was restored to those levels, approximately another $3 million, we could do these things,” Apthorpe said on June 2, noting that if the funding became available, the programs could be saved.

Tuesday’s agenda also includes discussion regarding formulation of a mascot committee that will review the district’s use of the name, the “Red Raider” as well as the formulation of a reopening committee to help the district plan for the 2020-21 school year.

Board participants will be meeting via teleconference. The meeting will be live streamed, recorded and posted on the district’s website and the live stream can be viewed at: http://jpsny.org/BOELive.