Summer school has now faced the budget cutting chopping block with the new changes going into effect this summer.

The district is reducing the Rockwood Summer Academy from a six week program (with two three week sessions) to four weeks with morning and afternoon classes. Additionally, Rockwod eliminated all elective classes, so students will only be able to take core classes they previously failed or Art Fundamentals and Personal Fitness and Wellness.

Matt Dieckhaus, LHS junior principal, said funding for summer school programs was historically provided by the state.

“Due to current financial strains, the state has indicated funding may not be available this year,” Dieckhaus said.  “Since the state will not finalize a budget until April or May, Rockwood had to move forward with planning even though it would be at Rockwood expense.”

When all expenses were paid by the state, the sum was $1.65 million. This year’s program, funded by the district, will cost $993,000. Dieckhaus said the district was uncertain about cuts in the future.

In past years, the district served 2,000 students. With the cuts this year, enrollment will be down by about 40 percent due to the limited seating.

“It will decrease the number of students who will have an opportunity for summer coursework,” Dieckhaus said.  “This means students should plan future course schedules very carefully, since Summer Academy funding in the years ahead is still uncertain.”

Dieckhaus said he has received complaints because of the cuts.

“Some concerns have been expressed as to how they will fit the classes they want into their schedules without being able to free space via summer courses,” Dieckhaus said.

Taylor Land, senior, said he was disappointed by the change.

“The cuts to summer school limit educational opportunitities for many students who were counting on summer school,” Land said.

Blythe Grupe, junior, said she had planned to take her second required gym class this summer.

“Even people who aren’t failing still need to take certain classes to meet graduation requirements,” Grupe said. “Rockwood should at least offer those.”

Grupe also said previous summer school sessions provided chances to take interesting electives students couldn’t fit into their normal schedule.

The district won’t charge for summer courses anytime soon either with current Missouri law, which does not allow a school district to charge a fee for summer courses and still issue credit, Dieckhaus added.

“We are hoping, if funding ‘dries up’ the legislature will change this law and allow local districts to charge a fee and still issue credit,” Diekhaus said.

This year’s Summer Academy will take place at Lafayette and Rockwood Summit High Schools.