Although the Columbia County summer school program is not designed as a moneymaker, the school system ended up with a $7,516 profit this year. That unexpected windfall, though, won't go far.
Superintendent Charles Nagle said the profit will be used to help offset the $99,000 loss the system incurred from online classes, which also are offered during the academic year, in 2007-08.
Because of these losses, he said, the system might have to make changes to its online program. The system pays $300 per class to the state, which operates the online system, and pupils who enroll in online courses for enrichment pay the full amount in tuition.
Students who take online classes to try to pass a course they have failed pay $150 per class, but those who pass their remedial classes receive a $70 refund.
"If people sign up for remedial (classes) and drop out, we still pay $300 for the online course," Mr. Nagle said.
He said the system might have to do away with the refund for passing. Mr. Nagle also said the system lost $15,000 on the program the previous year.
Michael Canady, the director of alternative programs, who oversees summer school, said 283 pupils took online classes this summer, along with 66 in the fall and 101 in the spring.
Overall, 625 middle and high school pupils took 950 enrichment and remedial classes in the summer school program. Last year, 615 middle and high school pupils took 966 enrichment and remedial classes during the summer. These figures don't include eighth-graders who took Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests remedial classes this summer.
Richmond County enrollment figures and costs weren't available, said Louis Svehla, the school system spokesman.
He said the system offers online credit recovery classes at a cost of $200 per class, but students who pass their remedial courses don't get a refund.
The county's high school students must pay fees to attend summer school, and nearly $112,000 in delinquent fees are still outstanding from 2003-07, according to the school system. The school board is considering how to recoup the fees.
Staff Writer Greg Gelpi contributed to this story.
Reach Betsy Gilliland at (706) 868-1222, ext. 113, or betsy.gilliland@augustachronicle.com.
SCHOOL COSTS
These costs apply to regular summer school classes only. There is no charge for Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests remediation classes.
- Tuition for remedial and enrichment classes: $88,905
- Administrative expenses (teacher salaries, benefits and supplies): $81,389
- Excess revenue over expenses: $7,516
Source: Columbia County Board of Education
icon.
