By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

The Bucyrus City Schools Superintendent unveiled a different way for Bucyrus students to gain credits for school at the Bucyrus City School District’s Board of Education meeting Thursday night.

During his report to the Board Superintendent Kevin Kimmel unveiled a flyer for the program Educational Options. The program is for students interested in nontraditional options. The program was adopted to slow down the snowball effect of students enrolling through the community school TRECA Digital Academy. There will be no added cost to the student or parents.

Kimmel explained the program was in place due to lost revenue saying, “Last year alone we approached $730,000 in lost revenue due to the students withdrawing from our district to online digital community schools, so what we are offering now is an opportunity for our students to stay as a Bucyrus student, take a nontraditional course-load and we can provide the support services like counseling teacher support, and tutoring.”

“The program isn’t just for struggling students; the program can be used for students who want to advance their credits as well,” Kimmel added.

With Board President Susan Stone abstaining, and Adam Stone absent, the Bucyrus School Board approved a contract 3-0 with North Central State College to provide dual enrollment to NCSC and Bucyrus High School. Prior to the vote Superintendent Kimmel addressed to the board explaining that through the dual enrollment the school will not receive a fee for the student attending both NCSC and Bucyrus High School.

Along with approving all certified staff and classified staff, the Bucyrus Board also approved a contract with Colonel Crawford, Crestline, and Galion school districts for shared transportation services to the Tomorrow Center with costs not to exceed $12,000.

After adjourning the Bucyrus Board members, Treasurer, and Superintendent went on a tour of both the elementary and secondary schools with each buildings’ principal as well as maintenance staff.

The Bucyrus City School District will hold a State of the School address on September 9 at 7 PM; the public is welcome to attend.