New school programs might help district revenue

It won’t be punishment, rather enrichment opportunities for students while adding extra money for the San Carlos Elementary School District. This summer, the district is debuting two summer camps, SMART-E Camps, which stands for sport, music, art, technology-enrichment camps. The program will be one of many enrichment opportunities outside the classroom San Carlos hopes to offer in the coming years to benefit children while also possibly augmenting the district’s budget. Starting such programs will not benefit the district financially in the current year; however it will create income in future years.

"We never thought of offering it,” said Michelle Crawford, one of the two district officials organizing these new programs. Being in education, she said the emphasis was always on working with the money given to the district, rather than generating income.

While the district is facing cuts, $2.8 million for next year, it also started looking at ways to generate revenue. Parcel taxes are generally thought of as the sole way for school districts to create income. Locally, schools are beginning to offer before-, after- and summer-school programs to supplement government and tax-generated funds.

Superintendent Craig Baker explained families have long said their needs are not being met in terms of offering after-school programs. Some are available, but there simply is not enough room for all students, he said. In addition, any program will need to be one of quality. These community requests coupled with the district’s need to create a dependable revenue source will hopefully work together as the district begins to roll out these various school programs, he said.

Summer programs will be offered at two schools in the summer, Arundel Elementary School and Central Middle School, said Donna Becht, a district official who is also organizing the programs. Arundel will have a sports focus while Central has a technology focus. Children are able to sign up for any number of one-week camps from July 12 through Aug. 6, which include full- and half-day options. Also, children can take mini sports clinics at the different site. These mini clinics can be in addition to a summer camp or the only thing in which a family decides to participate, she said.

Enrollment for summer programs is open. Plans could change depending on the number of students who sign up and the demands of those interested. The program will focus on enrichment not offered to students during the regular school day, said Crawford. These two programs are the start for San Carlos, which plans to debut after-school and preschool opportunities for the community in the fall. All new programs will be created with parent input.

A variety of surveys are currently being created and focus groups are planned, said Crawford.

Another option being developed is a kinder camp for students about to start kindergarten, said Becht. Such a camp would occur closer to the start of the school year and give children a chance to become accustomed to school basics and offer a visit to their new school to meet the principal before the fall bell rings.

"A lot is being planned,” said Becht.

Some of these programs will include a partnership working with vendors for services. Teachers will be able to take the lead in planning other opportunities. And high school and college students will be hired on to help with the summer programs, said Crawford.

While generating income is a plus, money should not keep a family from inquiring about the opportunities, Crawford said. Scholarships are being explored so all students will have access to these educational programs, she added. In addition, the enrichment opportunities are not limited to San Carlos families. Anyone is welcome to sign up and attend.

Debuting these programs is hopefully the start to growing to offer opportunities on all campuses, said Baker.

For more information about the SMART-E Camps visit www.sancarlos.k12.ca.us or call 508-7333. Camps are $300 per week for elementary school options and $250 per week for the middle school technology camps. Mini clinics and after-camp care options can also be purchased. Those interested in participating in focus groups or surveys can contact Donna Becht at dbecht@sancarlos.k12.ca.us.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.