District may be forced to cancel class

A money mess will likely mean no summer school for hundreds of Richmond County middle school pupils and costlier tuition for high school students.

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The district hasn't found the funds to hire teachers for all grade levels, said Dr. Virginia Bradshaw, assistant superintendent for instruction. Instead, the district plans to target elementary children who can't read, eighth-graders preparing to take algebra I and all high school students.

"If additional funding is (found), we would like to be able to serve more grade levels," Dr. Bradshaw said.

The district spent more money this year on resources during the school year, preparing pupils for crucial Criterion Referenced Competency Test. That left less money for summer school.

The looming budget crisis also led Superintendent Charles Larke to increase the price of tuition for high school classes a second year. With the board's approval, tuition for each course rose from $170 to $200 for county students and from $200 to $250 for out-of-county students. Students must pay by money order or certified check, a policy adopted last year.

In middle schools last year, more than 800 pupils attended six-week summer sessions for math and reading. Some said the smaller classes and extra attention were what they needed.

But this year, middle school pupils will be offered a brief math program as the district works to increase the number of them taking algebra I, Dr. Bradshaw said. Pupils can take the two-week preview of algebraic concepts, which is normally covered in the first six weeks of algebra I.

The elementary program this summer will focus on reading. Struggling readers in kindergarten through third grade - especially third-graders who failed the state's reading test - will be asked to attend, Dr. Bradshaw said.

State law requires summer sessions for third-graders who fail. After the session, they can retake the test. Those who fail a second time will remain in third grade. Parents can appeal.

High school classes will be held at Lucy C. Laney High School; registration will be May 28. Classes will be held June 1 to July 21.

Reach Greg Rickabaugh at (706) 828-3851 or greg.rickabaugh@augustachronicle.com.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Here's a look at Richmond County's summer enrichment programs at each level:
Elementary: Reading programs for struggling children in kindergarten through third grade.
Middle: Two-week algebra I preview targeting eighth-graders.
High: Regular schedule for all grades. Tuition per course: $200 for residents; $250 for nonresidents.

--From the Tuesday, May 4, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle