Lynchburg schools discuss alternative education

The Lynchburg School Board considered two proposals Tuesday that could bring more major changes to the city’s alternative education programs.

The suggestions involved revamping the pregnant teens program to do away with the child care component and the inception of a new national program called “Ombudsman,” geared toward at-risk students.

The two initiatives, which were only discussed and not voted on, would be part of a larger overhaul of alternative education that has long been in the works in Lynchburg.

Most recently, the school board approved the creation of the Fort Hill Community School, which will move some alternative offerings there. The major initiative is expected to enhance programs and has been a long-term priority for the division.

Discussion about the two proposals lasted more than an hour, and board members had dozens of questions. A vote on the changes could come in August.

Though the heart of talks dealt with how the division could keep students in school, the elimination of child care for mothers in the pregnant teens program was the most emotional element of the discussion.

“We are not trying to be cold and hard and say, ‘this is it, we aren’t doing any of that.’ But our goal and mission should be the education of the young ladies, of the mothers,” Superintendent Paul McKendrick said.

As part of the changes to the

program, McKendrick said he wants to strengthen educational offerings by providing a full schedule of classes, home visits from city schools staff and wrap-around services for students. For example, wrap-around services would ensure women in the program are aware of the resources available through social services.

McKendrick said the Alliance for Families and Children already plays an important role in the pregnant teens program and that will continue. He said officials there are helping work to find child care alternatives.

Tom Prest, Alliance for Families and Children CEO, was present to answer questions. He said his organization has significant concerns about the cut in day care.

“We are beginning a community dialogue about how we can provide child care. We’re not there. We haven’t come up with all the answers yet,” he said.

Officials estimate at the end of the school year, 18 women participated in the program and about 10 babies received care from the program. While the numbers are small, the effect is significant.

“The teen moms need child care and if they don’t have it it’s a barrier to education,” Prest said, adding he is hopeful a third party in the community will be able to help.

The board’s discussion about alternative education changes also included a presentation from a representative of Educational Services of America, the company that oversees “Ombudsman.”

Paula Reed, the company’s vice president of business development, explained the largely computer-based program has been effective in other school divisions, although it has not been utilized in Virginia. Her dollars and cents presentation focused on the bottom line of keeping students in school.

If the division were to implement “Ombudsman,” students in alternative education would be able to take advantage of the program. It helps students who might have trouble in a typical classroom setting and would enable students who need a few credits to finish high school to catch up.

The program sets “individualized learning paths” for students and evaluates them and their progress. Students would work on a computer at his or her own pace with the help of an instructor.

Board members, who had a litany of questions, asked for more information in time for their August meeting, including more information on divisions that have had success with this program. The program would likely be paid for with savings realized by the division’s early retirement program, which cut down on unemployment costs.

In other news, the board:

- Elected a new chairwoman and vice chairman and welcomed its two new members. Mary Ann Barker, who is beginning the third year in her first term, was unanimously elected board chairwoman. Tom Webb, who has served as vice chairman for the last year, was unanimously elected to continue to serve in that position.

It’s the first time since 2004 the board has had a new chair. Longtime board leader Julie Doyle was not eligible for reappointment this year after serving the maximum terms. Board newcomer Charlie White replaced Doyle and attended his first meeting Tuesday. The board’s other new face, Ingrid Hamlett, also attended her first meeting as an appointed official.

- Approved uniforms for students at the new Fort Hill Community School. The uniform policy, which will not apply to students receiving homebound services at the school, will require students wear a long or short sleeve blue polo shirt and khaki pants or skirt.