Worcester County Public Schools was awarded a $150,000 grant amid concerns that five northern schools would not be able to host summer academy programs this year as spending is scaled back.
Showell Elementary
File photo
By Tara Fischer, Staff Writer
Worcester County Public Schools was awarded $150,000 from the Donnie Williams Foundation amid concerns that five northern schools would not be able to host summer academy programs this year as spending is scaled back.
The funds will be used primarily for teacher salaries and a small amount for instructional materials and transportation for the 2024 summer programs at Showell Elementary, Ocean City Elementary, Berlin Intermediate, Stephen Decatur Middle, and Stephen Decatur High.
WCPS received the Maintenance of Effort funding formula from the Worcester County Commissioners last spring, which provided the system with the most minimal amount of money allowed by state law. The decision forced the county to eliminate locally funded after school and summer program options from the five northern schools. However, with the recent funding award and other outside resources, officials are hoping to reinstate the programs.
“At the time, we promised the Board of Education that we would pursue every avenue to secure funding to restore these critical programs,” Superintendent of Schools Lou Taylor said in a news release provided by Coordinator of Public Relations and Special Programs Carrie Sterrs. “We have restored afterschool programs at these schools utilizing grant funds. We are very grateful to the Donnie Williams Foundation for its help as we restore our summer academies at these schools.”
WCPS Coordinator of Instruction Tamara Mills said the local operating budget traditionally supported the northern schools’ summer academies, as their regular-school-year population did not meet the 50% economically disadvantaged threshold to qualify for additional support. However, they were able to apply for the Donnie Williams grant this year.
The Donnie Williams Foundation, founded by Maryland native Donnie Williams, provides funds to educational and youth programs in St. Mary’s, Wicomico and Worcester counties.
The local summer programs offers services for special education students and keep children learning during a season when they would typically be removed from an academic environment.
“Summer academy keeps learning regression from happening,” Mills said. “It prevents the summer slide.”
The academies also provide a consistent schedule for students who need it the most, as getting out of a routine can negatively impact behavior and foster emotional learning opportunities.
“The program is not just for students who have a hard time academically but also for those who struggle socially,” Mills said. “There are plenty of opportunities for enrichment in the summer.”
Mills has observed considerable support from the community. At a Feb.20 WCPS Board of Education meeting, Showell Elementary School mother and Parent Teacher Association member Lauren Falotico reiterated the importance of the programs.
“My youngest attended summer academy last summer, and it was truly a transformational experience for her,” she said. “Summer academy is vital for education. It creates well-adjusted students for the upcoming school year. It provides a structured environment and prevents academic slides. With summer academy, students can continue their education, services, and growth.”
With COVID-19 relief money in previous years, the alternative sessions could accommodate nearly 1,000 students county-wide. However, as the school system recalibrates to decreased resources, officials plan to service 700 to 850 kids.
Mills said the five schools’ programs are estimated to cost $377,000 with the scaled-back funding. The Donnie Williams award will contribute $150,000. Another $20,000 from the Maryland State Department of Education-approved reallocation of the Prekindergarten Expansion grant is also intended for the summer academies.
The schools will request the remaining $207,000 from the Worcester County Commissioners. Mills hopes that, through discussions and community advocacy, the body will see the benefit the summer programs provide.
“We are grateful to the Donnie Williams Foundation,” Mills said. “They are a wonderful partner, and their foundation does much good in the community. We hope the commissioners will see we are trying to be fiscally responsible and the academic and emotional value we offer to Worcester County students.”