Learn More Center asks North Manchester for $10,000 to sustain local adult-education classes

Cecilia Johnson, representing the Learn More Center, asked the North Manchester Town Council on March 4 for $10,000 to support the center’s North Manchester campus. "I am requesting $10,000 again for the North Manchester campus," Johnson said, describing two-days-a-week operations and pending state and federal funding that affect timing of the request.

Johnson detailed recent outcomes at the local site, saying the center served 63 students at the North Manchester campus last year and that 51 of those students, or about 81 percent, achieved a measurable skill gain such as improved English proficiency or a high-school-equivalency certification. She also said the program overall served 188 students countywide and noted the organization recently purchased about $143,000 of training equipment that will reduce restricted fund balances when invoices are paid.

A council member asked whether 46 HSE (high-school equivalency) graduates was typical; Johnson said that figure was unusually high compared with past years and credited partnerships, including one with Josiah Whites, for helping reach the students. Johnson did not name a preferred payment schedule but said the request was coming earlier than usual because some outside funds are still pending.

The request was presented as part of new business during the council’s meeting; council members did not vote on the $10,000 request at that meeting.

The Learn More Center is a local adult-education provider; Johnson said the center focuses on students without a high school diploma and people who may have required IEP support. The council did not take a final funding vote on the request at the March 4 meeting, and Johnson thanked the council for its past support and encouragement.