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Chatham County Schools to partner with YMCA for Power Scholars Academy summer program
Summary
Board approved a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA to run a five-week Power Scholars Academy for K–3 students, expanding academic and enrichment offerings and proposing two host sites with shared funding.
The Chatham County Board of Education approved a memorandum of understanding to partner with the YMCA of the Triangle to deliver the Power Scholars Academy this summer for students in kindergarten through third grade.
Dr. Moran and district staff described the program as a five-week, whole-child summer program that combines morning academic instruction (reading and math) with afternoon enrichment and Friday field trips. Kim Keith, vice president of youth development with the YMCA of the Triangle, introduced the YMCA team; Dr. Jamie West discussed curriculum and assessment. Dr. West said Power Scholars integrates a structured curriculum (BellXcel/Bell Excel as presented) and uses STAR assessment to measure growth.
Presenters said the program would exceed the state’s minimum requirement (the state requires programs for grades 2 and 3) by including K–1, which the district has historically served. The district said it would use Chatham County Schools teachers for instruction and offer those teachers priority for summer employment. Staff emphasized that teachers would be paid at the same rates the district has previously paid for summer work.
District materials reported a per-student cost of $13.75 per week and a total program cost of $481,000 for five weeks; presenters said that is higher than the program’s typical historical cost range of roughly $350,000–$400,000. The YMCA indicated donor support and partnership on grant applications (including a 21st Century Learning grant) to reduce the district share; presenters said, given those partnerships, the net cost to the district was expected to be close to prior years’ totals. The district also said it will provide facilities, transportation and meals as in prior summers.
The board approved the motion to adopt the initial summer plan and the YMCA memorandum of understanding, allowing administration to adjust the plan if state requirements change. Staff said the program will operate at two sites—Pittsboro Elementary and Virginia Cross—and emphasized transportation would be provided.
A board member moved the motion; the board seconded and approved it by voice vote.
