Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Board of Education plans to seek funding for an after-school program despite concerns there might not be enough volunteers to work with the students.
The board voted April 27 to apply for another Elementary Community Learning Grant for the program, which Superintendent Tom O’Toole said costs $88,000 to operate. Grants, he said, have dropped from $100,000 when Clintonville joined the program seven years ago to $50,000.
The program teaches the core academic subjects and provides enrichment activities. It was initially offered at the middle school and elementary school, but last year was available only at the elementary level.
Jess See, associate principal at Clintonville Middle School, said he couldn’t find enough people to staff the program.
“I can’t make people teach the program,” he said.
O’Toole said that teachers are in school from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and it is “tough to maintain” the commitment for the after-school program.
Teacher Robyn Rindt agreed, saying she probably would not teach the program next year.
Several parents, students and residents spoke in favor of the program.
“As a parent, we are blessed for the after-school program,” Lisa Olmsted told the board. “Our son needed help with reading. People are doing a wonderful job, and the help has shown on the report card.”
“The after-school program got me ready for algebra,” fourth-grader Cassidy Rose said. “It gives me more time to do homework.”
Resident Mary Kautz said she was confident there would be community members willing to volunteer to help the students. “Kids are sponges, they love to learn,” she said.
Student Darren Carrick suggested the district ask high school students to help with the program as some already serve as mentors.
If enough volunteers aren’t available to run the program, the grant money will be returned to the state.