FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The 21st Century After School tutoring program, jeopardized last year by funding cuts, is in a stronger position this year with the appointment of 37 tutors in the North Schuylkill School District.
"Last year the funding was cut, but our teachers volunteered from the beginning of the school year, which saved the school district about $60,000," Superintendent Andrew D. Smarkanic said. "The money was reinstated and we're hoping that there's more money for the secondary program. Apparently, not all the schools applied for the after-school program, so that there may be money that we applied for to continue what we did in the elementary and the junior high into the high school, as well."
The program, funded through the U.S. Department of Education, has been in the school district for a few years, Smarkanic said recently. The tutors were approved at the board's March meeting.
With the reinstatement of funds, Smarkanic said the district received $56,870. Between 20 to 40 students take advantage of the program.
"The program can range from art to recreation, tutoring in different subjects, field trips," Smarkanic said. "Most of the money is for technical services and instruction where the kids go through a rotation where some will be in tutoring and some will be in after-school recreation. There is also a hands-on art component.
"In the summer, we'll be taking the students on educational trips. The grant allows us to do that. The teachers enjoy it. The kids like it. That's why our teachers volunteered this year on a rotating basis because they enjoy the connection with the kids."
The current grant funds must be used by mid-September. Smarkanic said this is the first year of a three-year grant.
The school board approved, contingent on the receipt of proper documentation, the following tutors for 2011-12:
Danielle Adams, Margaret Bernosky, Tony Chatkiewicz, Chris Glessner, Jamie Johnson, Larae Kroh, Madeline McDonald, Samantha Miller, Jamie Smith, Liza Ulceski, Ty Wartman, Siobhan White, Joseph Wyatt, Dawn Ayars, Dave Brown, Kieran Connors, Karla Herring, Kim Kaufman, Mary Lang, Dianne Mensch, Michelle Misiewicz, Michelle Smith, John Walsh, Lynn Wetzel, Sandra Wilson, James Baglin, Linda Brown, Jennifer Gatley, Tim Hysock, Donna Kowalski, Jonathan Liem, Megan Miller, John Slotterback, Ann Subick, Jake Wartella, Samantha White and Jessica Wiscount.
The rates for tutors according to the grant proposal stipulations are $23 per hour for state certified teachers and $12 per hour for non-certified teachers.
The board also approved Beverly Ney and Ann Subick as program site coordinators at $25 per hour as required by the guidelines.