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Board hears proposal for tuition-free dual-enrollment courses with Lawrence Tech

Rochester Community Schools Board of Education
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Summary

District presenters recommended adding four new high-school courses, including two tuition-free dual-enrollment classes through a Lawrence Technological University partnership; staff said the district is negotiating a rate of about $300 per semester course and the instruction would be provided on an RCS campus to avoid out-of-pocket costs for families.

District staff recommended that the board approve four new high-school courses, including a pair of dual-enrollment classes in higher-level mathematics to be offered in partnership with Lawrence Technological University, presenters said during the Dec. 8 meeting.

The proposal: Staff said the partnership would allow Rochester students to take accredited Lawrence Tech courses (Calc III and differential equations) during the school day on an RCS campus. The model would provide curricular materials and a Lawrence Tech liaison to work with the Rochester instructor; staff described the negotiated district rate at roughly $300 per semester course, significantly lower than typical university tuition and structured so students have no out-of-pocket cost under that negotiated rate.

Equity and logistics: Presenters emphasized that offering the instruction on an RCS campus during the school day provides equitable access. Trustees asked about site rotation so students at other high schools could access the courses, transportation and busing coordination, and whether the courses would be state-approved programs at each school if the program expands. Staff said academic advisors would help students determine the best fit and that the district would apply for state approval for additional sites as enrollment warranted.

Trustee reaction: Trustees expressed broad enthusiasm: one trustee called the outreach from Lawrence Tech “great” and another praised the district for pursuing a tuition-free dual-enrollment option that could expand access while reducing family cost burdens.

Next steps: Staff said they will finalize logistics, seek state approvals for additional school sites if needed, and return with any contracts or course-approval paperwork for board consideration.

Source: Presentation to the board by district staff and representatives describing the Lawrence Technological University partnership.