By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
While there could be a few modifications, summer school programming should look similar when it returns next year in the Waterford Graded School District.
In recent months, district officials have been looking at the structure of the types of offerings provided when the traditional school year is not in session.
In recent months, administrators and members of the School Board have been discussing the possibility of widening the number of course offerings.
If more resources were allocated toward summer school and enrollment rises, the district could potentially receive more income from the state. But the effort would also mean greater expenses since the district would have to hire certified teachers in each class.
“It would have to be a very robust program to generate revenue,” Superintendent Chris Joch said. “But it could be a good source of income for us, and it could be good for students’ experiences.”
At their Policy and Curriculum Committee meeting in October, the board decided to maintain a status-quo approach and offer a similar blend of course offerings from years past.
Plans call for offering math and reading courses for students in need of remediation. The menu of offerings will likely include a number of personal enrichment courses as well, including summer band and school preparedness.
“I’d be more interested in keeping it light and fun,” School Board President Dan Jensen said. “I think it should be kept light and flexible.”
In recent committee meetings, Jensen expressed concern about allocating too many financial resources toward summer school – at the expense of traditional school-year programming.
Summer school has been run through the Waterford Recreation Department, which is operated by the district. During the board’s most recent discussion, all indications pointed to the department continuing its role in the program.
“I like the way our recreation department has been functioning,” Jensen said.
Joch said the recreation department works with him as course offerings and schedules are assembled.
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