Millcreek middle school and high school students needing emotional, behavioral or academic support may be enrolled in a new alternative education program in Millcreek beginning this fall.
Millcreek Township School District currently pays Erie’s Perseus House Charter School of Excellence to provide alternative education for Millcreek students. The district plans to launch its own alternative education program for the 2024-25 school year.
The goal is to provide quality alternative education for more Millcreek students at less cost. The district expects to operate its own program — for 10 to 12 middle school students and 10 to 12 high school students — for less than the approximately $200,000 that it spends each year for Perseus House services.
“We can do that and actually be able to save the district money while gaining more seats than we currently have,” schools Superintendent John Cavanagh told school directors Monday.
This is a photo of the former Ridgefield Elementary School at 3227 Highland Road in Millcreek, when it was offered for sale or lease in 2014.
Program A, B, Cs
The alternative education program will be held at the former Ridgefield Elementary School at West 32nd Street and Highland Road.
Millcreek Township School District closed the school in 2013 but still owns it. The Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center leases space in the building.
Also in the building are a teacher, special education teacher, counselor and administrator overseeing Millcreek Township School District’s cyber education program. Those employees additionally will oversee the new alternative education program.
Two more teachers for the program would be shifted from positions at McDowell High School. Also needed will be a secretary, two educational assistants, a school security officer and possibly a nurse, Cavanagh said.
School board to vote
Millcreek Township school directors will vote on the proposed program on Feb. 24.
“Soft costs” for its launch requested by school director Mike Lindner will be provided before the vote, district administrators said. Linder questioned if any renovations will be required at the school and how meals will be provided for students, as well as potential one-time costs to launch the program.
Renovations will not be necessary, although classrooms may need to be arranged to suit the program, district CFO Aaron O’Toole said. Whiteboards also may be needed.
Meals most likely will be prepared at other district schools and taken to Ridgefield, where equipment will be available to warm them. Custodians already are employed at the school, O’Toole said.
What’s in a name? Maybe more money for the Millcreek Township School District
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Alternative education in Millcreek: superintendent outlines new plan
