BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
Brooker Community Charter School Principal Felecia Moss presented the Brooker Community School Board with numerous pages of graphs and charts of student progress data. She explained the parameters used to evaluate how the students are progressing in various areas and where there are weaknesses to address.
The data gave a general overview but was limited by the short term of evaluation and small numbers to provide averages. Over time, the data will offer better data to assess. Some data collected was more specific and offered a picture of which students may require special attention in certain areas. Overall, the progress is positive in most areas. Plans of action discussed included individual tutoring. A third-grade summer reading camp is in the works. Goals were set to increase achievement percentages at the next evaluation.
Financial stability is always a challenge for a new school, especially for one that relied on community support to get off the ground. The school is anticipating award of a Department of Education Charter Schools Program grant given to qualifying new schools. When awarded, it will be a substantial sum of money. In the proposed budget for the grant were large items, such as a badly needed new and used bus.
Although the funds are reimbursable, the board is naturally reluctant to make any major outlay until funds are in hand. Chairperson Suzanne McRee never fails to remind everyone that great care needs to be taken to assure funds are used wisely. McRee pointed out that it is only because of the generosity of the community getting the school up and running that these new funding opportunities may be available at all.
The Alumni Reunion at Belle Oaks Barn in February was a huge success. There was sold out dinner seating for 250 people. Between attendance and the auctions the school raised about $27,000. But, the reunion was about more than raising funds; it was about honoring the deep roots of the small town and of the school over the ages.
Looking forward, the board is planning to add sixth grade next school year, and the school will participate in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. It has a maximum capacity of 20 students, with an adult to student ratio of 1/11 required. This could make funding difficult if salaries for two adults are required for 3-4 hours per day, but per student funding covers only 12 students.
Another downfall of the program is the need for commitment from the parents that the registered students will consistently show up. The school is not paid if the student doesn’t attend, even though the staff is on site and must be paid. Also, materials are not provided so that will also be up to the school to provide.
Recruiting in general for the next school year is in full swing. The application has been revised, and there are new sign-ups coming in. Nine kindergartners signed up from Love’n & Learning Day Care. Commitment from existing students is good. Advertising is being done through local media and social media, as well as in person visits to local area churches. There is an announcement at the local theater and in the county fair booklet.
Brooker Community School is a public charter school. Enrollment for the next school year is open to anyone in the K-6th grade level, and some transportation is available. If you are interested in enrolling a student, call 352-485-1545 or visit the website at www.brookercommunityschool.com.
