Board approves 2025 summer-school program with deposit for remedial classes to boost attendance

The Warren Township High School District 121 board voted on Dec. 17 to approve the district’s 2025 summer-school program with an amendment: remediation courses will include a refundable deposit rather than being entirely free. The board retained the existing fee-waiver process for families unable to pay.

Nate (district staff overseeing summer school) reviewed program changes and said the district historically ran summer programming as self‑funded. He reported that roughly 300 students took remediation courses last year and about 452 students attended advancement courses. Administrators explained remediation courses historically used online coursework and program staffing such as a remediation coordinator; the district has been considering teacher-directed remediation where staffing permits.

Board members and student representatives discussed competing goals: reducing financial barriers to remedial coursework versus improving summer attendance and preventing students from intentionally failing semesters to take free summer options. Several board members and students supported a low deposit model as a compromise: a small up-front deposit that is refunded when students meet attendance or completion requirements. The superintendent recommended mirroring the district's existing ACT deposit practice as a model.

After discussion, the board amended the summer-school approval to include fees for remediation classes modified to include a deposit; the motion passed by roll call. The vote included the continuation of fee waivers for families in need, and district staff will determine deposit details and implementation procedures.

Board discussion emphasized balancing staff morale, student opportunity and attendance incentives. The board directed administration to finalize the deposit amount and process and return with implementation details to staff and families.