Buchanan presents summer school gains and credit-recovery results

Eric Johansen, Buchanan Community Schools’ summer school coordinator, told the school board on Sept. 15 that the district’s summer program aims to halt "summer slide" and boost learning for students who are struggling academically.

Johansen said the program runs 22 days in June and July, meets four days each week from 8 a.m. to noon, and provides breakfast and lunch. "Our main group of kids that we want to reach are the kids that are struggling academically," he said.

The presentation included participation and outcome figures for the most recent year. Johansen said 94 students in kindergarten through seventh grade participated and that about 70 percent of those students had attendance of 70 percent or better. He also reported credit-recovery performance: "In 2024, 124 of the 137 classes were passed for a 91 percent completion rate," Johansen said. He described 2025 figures as "a little bit lower" and noted a small fee was charged this year that may have changed participation patterns.

Johansen said feedback surveys showed strong approval: he reported 100 percent of responding parents and 100 percent of staff indicated they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the summer program and saw instruction as beneficial. He said staff responses emphasized increases in student confidence and engagement.

Board members thanked the presenters and noted the program’s role in student retention and recovery of credit. The presentation materials will be shared with district staff for follow-up reporting.

The board took no formal vote on the presentation; it was provided as an informational update.