Staying with the story
The Springfield News-Sun has reported on the Springfield City Schools’ community approach to education since it began with the arrival of Superintendent David Estrop. We will continue to keep you on top of the progress of the initiative.
The new coordinator of Springfield City Schools’ Learning Cafe program is pleased so far with the potential it has shown.
During a presentation at this past Thursday’s board of education meeting, Learning Cafe Coordinator Matt Kohl said the after-school program at Springfield High School is basically divided into two parts: “Class After Class” sessions from 3-5 p.m. for students and adult programming from 6-8 p.m., with dinner served between the sessions.
Kohl conceded the student portion of the program “is not where it needs to be, by any means.”
In January, participation averaged 30 per day, with 21 students in the computer lab and two or three in classes like English, Algebra, American History and Government. The adult programming averaged 16 adults and family members per day, with “English As A Second Language” and “Wildcat Walk” the most popular offerings.
The Learning Cafe started in March 2011 and is funded by federal “Race To The Top” grant proceeds that the district received three years ago. Board President Ed Leventhal said without that grant, which is set to expire in June, the program wouldn’t be possible.
Superintendent Dr. David Estrop then shared some good news.
“Our lobbying efforts at the federal and state levels have paid off,” he said, explaining that leftover “Race To The Top” grant funds from recipient districts will be retained by Ohio. However, the amount Springfield City Schools will be able to utilize is uncertain right now.
The district is looking for partners to help keep the program growing. Kohl said “The Learning Cafe” already has a number of partnerships within the community, including Clark County Department of Jobs and Family Services, Springfield Promise Neighborhood, Second Harvest Foodbank, Clark County Combined Health District, Operators Training Committee of Ohio and Marriage Resource Center. Also, the local Ohio State University Extension Office will be working with students interested in gardening.
Kohl also expects more partnerships in the future, pointing out that Project Woman, Clark County Chapter of the American Red Cross and others have expressed interest.
“The program is designed to provide after-school opportunities to students who do not have them,” Kohl said. “We are here to help our kids succeed.”
Estrop told board members he has encouraged Kohl to visit a similar program in Cincinnati. And, in the future, Estrop hopes participants who can pay to be in the program will be encouraged to do so.
School board member Anita Biles asked if intramural sports could be incorporated into The Learning Cafe program. Kohl answered that consideration “has already started.”
Kohl said all the current programming, as well as potential new offerings, are being analyzed. Leventhal said looking ahead to when the current grant expires, one or two people in a class is not cost-effective.
Also at the board meeting, SCS Treasurer Dale Miller reported that three-quarters of the way through fiscal year, revenue is running about $1 million higher than forecast and expenditures are down about $1 million. He credits higher state basic aidand multiple cost savings throughout the budget.
Once the fiscal year ends, Miller expects revenue to be close to projections and expenditures lower than forecast.
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