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RSU 15 officials weigh two summer-school options and a $50,000 local ask if grant fails
Summary
District administrators proposed a low-cost remote 'summer adventure' and an invite-only in-person program focused on students needing interventions; staff asked for $50,000 in local funds to cover middle‑school staffing if a PreK–4 grant is not awarded. Board members largely supported targeted funding.
Kathy, a district administrator, outlined two options for summer learning meant to reduce the typical “summer slide.” One is a low-cost remote program that would send families weekly 20–40 minute activity packages. The other is an invite-only, in-person intervention model for rising kindergarten through rising ninth-grade students that would prioritize children who received academic interventions during the school year.
Kathy said the district is applying for a Title I summer grant that is due March 31 and will be reviewed in April, with a decision expected by April 30; purchases could start May 1 if awarded. She told the board “if we don't get it, at the end of April, we wouldn't offer summer school again,” and recommended a $50,000 local budget ask to provide middle‑school summer programming (salaries, benefits and supplies) only if the grant does not cover PreK–4 needs.
Board members discussed trade-offs and historic program impacts. One member cited district data showing that “students who participate in the program 80% of the time… were able to show progress” between spring and fall assessments. Multiple board members said they would support a targeted local investment (several favoring the $50,000 middle‑school ask) and urged prioritizing early grades if funds are constrained. Questions focused on staffing, transportation, how ESY/special‑education services are budgeted separately, and whether the proposed model would include field trips or enrichment; staff said the pared‑down option avoids costly field trips to keep the ask reasonable.
Administrators noted prior summer models were largely grant‑funded and that past full-scale five‑week, five‑day programs would cost substantially more (staff estimated near $300,000 for a broad K–8 full‑enrichment model). The administration said they would present refined budget proposals to the finance committee next week and bring a draft to the full board in April, ahead of the district budget meeting on May 21 and the June 9 referendum.
