Sylvania summer classes get high grade

8/14/2002

A second summer of classes in Sylvania schools will, “absolutely” be recommended, Superintendent Lester Schultz said after getting a report on how sessions went this year.

In addition to the report, Mr. Schultz said, a number of parents have told him that they were pleased with the program and others have said they are sorry they didn't know about it.

Mr. Schultz said planning for this year's classes was delayed in some respects as administrators dealt with the closing, cleaning, and reopening of Central Elementary School. The plan to offer classes wasn't made until late April.

Nevertheless, he termed the first-time summer classes a success.

A total of 151 students took high school classes this year, “and I think we'll have an increase of anywhere from 30 to 40 percent next year,” Mr. Schultz said.

“First years are always difficult. You're not sure what you're going to find, but now there is something of a template in place,” and a second year should run more smoothly.

John Duwve, who administered the first-year program, said teachers had a 100 percent attendance rate and pupils had a 96 percent rate.

Pat McNichols, director of curriculum for the schools, said preliminary figures indicate the program made a slight profit.

Expenses were about $17,300 and student fees and late cancellation fees totaled slightly more than $18,500. Administrators had said the goal was not to make a profit by offering classes, but to not lose money.

School board members said the purpose was to allow Sylvania students to take courses closer to home rather than totravel to other districts.

Remedial classes in algebra and science were canceled because not enough pupils enrolled, but 20 signed up for remedial English. Mr. Duwve said 91 took the physical education course and 40 took American government.

Mr. Duwve suggested the board consider going to two semesters next year because more courses could be offered and classes opened to other districts.