By Charla Wurm-Adams
cwurm@wbcowqel.com
In a night where several items of a positive nature were discussed at the Bucyrus City Schools Board of Education meeting, the best news of all may have been the district’s Educational Options program.
Starla Johnson shared her experience with board members and had nothing but good to say about the online learning program. Johnson compared the Educational Options to other programs she had used which often had her “in tears.” Johnson said she is able to get the 12.5 credits needed to graduate through Education Options.
Students in the program are able to take part in Bucyrus school extracurriculars like Homecoming and athletics are made to feel part of the “Redmen family.” The Program also provides food service and community counseling.
Superintendent Kevin Kimmel talked about that and what else was on the evening’s agenda.
“Tonight we handed out commendations to our students that have been successfully progressing in our Educational Options program, that was definitely a highlight of tonight,” Kimmel said. “Also the Bucyrus Elks Lodge presented our backpack program with a $2,000 check tonight to help support feeding the students on the weekends.”
Mike McBeth presented the check on behalf of the Elks.
The board also received an update on the district’s five-year financial forecast which shows a decline in enrollment. The district is looking at healthcare options in an effort to lessen any deficit. In addition the district trying to take advantage of various programs provided through state services such as those provided by Senate Bill 21 for special education students.