School committee approves $29,000 transfer to fund April Acceleration Academy

The Brockton School Committee voted on March 17 to transfer $29,000 to fund an April Acceleration Academy modeled on last year’s program.

Assistant Superintendent Karen Spalding presented the request, saying the model would serve grades three through five, be housed at the George over April vacation and would replicate staffing and costs from the prior year. The estimated cost — $29,000 — covers literacy teachers, a program supervisor, a nurse, materials and other expenses.

Spalding said the program served roughly 100 students last year and that expanding the program would depend on staffing availability. Committee members asked whether the district could add additional sessions or broaden grade bands; Spalding said expansion would be possible if sufficient staff could be recruited and the committee could authorize more funds later.

Transportation logistics were discussed: students would be bused from their neighborhood schools to the George (the program itself does not carry a separate transportation budget in this transfer), and Spalding said she will present disaggregated transportation costs at an upcoming transportation presentation.

The committee approved the transfer by roll call. Members voting in the affirmative were recorded in sequence on the record during the roll call.

What this means: The district will fund the April Acceleration Academy using the approved $29,000 transfer; administrators said they will work to finalize student selection criteria, staffing and transportation arrangements and return with additional cost detail if expansions are requested.