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Parents press district on $198,000 two‑week STEAM summer academy; superintendent outlines what’s included
Summary
A resident questioned the cost and scope of a $198,000 contract with Catalyst Academics (also called Mint Holdings) for a two‑week Westbury Future Makers STEAM academy for about 225 students; the superintendent said the price covers curriculum, materials, robots, day‑to‑day oversight and professional development for teachers.
During public comment at the Westbury board meeting, a resident asked for details about the district contract with Catalyst Academics (also referenced as Mint Holdings) to run the Westbury Future Makers STEAM academy this summer.
Resident Isabella Hamilton Lomax said the total cost — $198,000 for a two‑week, three‑hour‑per‑day program — “seems a little high” compared with typical full‑day camps. “So what are we getting for the camp?” she asked.
The superintendent replied that the STEAM academy will serve about 225 scholars entering grades 1 through 8 and that the contract bundles multiple elements: all hands‑on materials (including robots), the curriculum, on‑site staff from the vendor who will provide job‑embedded coaching and training for district teachers, and oversight by the district’s summer coordinator. “It goes beyond what a typical contract might look like because it is all 3 of those components together — professional development, materials management, and curriculum, as well as oversight on a day to day basis,” the superintendent said.
District staff said the program has run in past years in other formats; last year the district filled roughly 80% of seats under a different structure, and this year officials expect to run a 225‑seat academy on a first‑come, first‑serve basis with a wait list if demand exceeds seats. Staff also said the district expanded other summer offerings (an Active Zone and a fine and performing arts program) using savings from program adjustments.
The contract item (agenda line 5 gs) was initially tabled for further discussion by the board during the meeting and later untabled and approved as part of a block vote after executive session.
