In a move to save district dollars, the USD 257 adult learning program is changing locations.
Since the program’s implementation in 2009, classes for adult learners were taken online and on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Crossroads School in Gas. Starting this year, the classes will be held at Iola High School.
Due to the somewhat isolated location of the learning center, Iola High School Principal David Grover said two teachers were required to man the Gas school building.
“When it’s night time, just one staff member is not necessarily comfortable being out there. The high school is open almost 24/7. There’s always something going on,” he said.
The adult learning program’s move to IHS will eliminate the district’s need to pay two teachers for four hours of work two nights per week. Only needing one teacher twice a week translates to an estimated $4,320 in savings for the district over the course of nine months.
Grover said because the entire program is facilitated and completed through an online program, the district isn’t required to make available real, in-person teachers. However, if that tool isn’t provided, the program would fail, he said.
“Let’s say you’re working on algebra and it’s virtual. When you hit the wall, you hit the wall,” Grover said. “If you don’t have the support, the people disappear.”
Despite only six adults currently enrolled in the program, Grover said the adult learning program has been an enormous success on two levels.
In the three years of USD 257 adult learning, six adults have earned a high school diploma, adding to the capabilities of Allen County’s work force, Grover said. The program has also brought in more state dollars.
“When we went into this we weren’t looking to make money, but, even the worst case scenario, if you get six (adult students), you’re looking at $20,000,” Grover said.
USD 257 Superintendent of Schools Brian Pekarek agreed the increased dollars are a nice perk, but insisted the true reward of the program is educating those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to earn a degree as an adult.
“It’s not about money. It’s the right thing to do,” he said, pointing to 18 percent of Allen County adults living without a high school diploma to support his position.
The district will review the schedules of the adult learners to decide if Tuesday and Thursday nights will again be designated as study nights for those enrolled.
“We let them (the adult students) get into their routine,” Grover said. “They tend to have children so we let them get their life situated, and then we’ll see which times will work best.”
