Board raises tuition for summer school

Pupils will have to pay a higher price for failing courses this year.

The Columbia County Board of Education voted Tuesday to increase the cost of summer school tuition by 5 percent.

School Superintendent Tommy Price said the program operated at a deficit last year when tuition rates were at $190 per course. More than 800 pupils attended summer school last year. The plan is to raise the rate to $250 this year, or $275 for out-of-county students.

"When a child fails, it's got a price tag associated with it. Yes, we've got a responsibility, but there's got to be some individual responsibility, too," Price said.

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He said most who take summer school have failed courses during the regular school year, but about 10 to 15 percent take it for advancement.

School board member Regina Buccafusco said she would like for the school system start a grant program for those who could not afford the price of summer school. Board Chairman Wayne Bridges agreed.

"I would't want to see anybody shy away from summer school because of the price," Bridges said.

Board member Lee Muns was the only board member to oppose the rate hike.

Also at the meeting, Rose Carraway was named summer-school principal and Gregory Bunn was named assistant principal. Lakeside High School will play host to the summer session this year.