Summer school served 114 students; 90 received extended-school-year services, coordinator says

Tara Evans, the district's summer school coordinator for special education, reported to the School Committee Sept. 2 that the 2025 summer program served 114 students from pre-K through high school and skill classes. "This summer, our program ran 4 or 5 weeks, Monday through Thursday, from 08:30 to 11:30 and from July 7 through August 7," Evans said. She said 90 of the 114 students received extended school year (ESY) services based on individual education programs (IEPs) and that the program employed 43 staff, including teachers, teaching assistants and service providers. Evans said budget constraints prevented off-site field trips, so the program brought community partners to campus. The Sustainable Nantucket farm and a presentation from the Nantucket Historical Association were singled out as highlights that let students engage in hands-on learning without bus travel. Program feedback, Evans said, praised the structure and community connections and suggested earlier registration next year. The summer showcase and classroom projects were open for drop-in visits by parents, and volunteer and community donations supported on-site activities. Evans said the district hopes to expand community programming next summer and scheduled the 2026 summer program for July 6–Aug. 6. Committee members asked about registration timing and whether community partners donated time; Evans said registration started later than preferred because student identification depends on teacher recommendations and confirmed that community partners donated their time during the session. No budget vote related to summer school occurred at the meeting.