Each elementary and middle school provides transportation and after-school or summer programs at no additional cost to parents, Ballowe said. But at the high school level, parents are required to pay for courses and provide transportation, Ballowe said. Bluffton Elementary School provides remediation for students during each of the three intersessions, all of the Hilton Head and Bluffton schools will provide some summer school. But course offerings are often dependent on enrollment. Hilton Head High School is offering summer school this year, but it is contingent on enough students enrolling, said Principal Helen Ryan.
Most board members agree the issue needs further discussion.
School board member Michael Rivers said he hopes his fellow board members will continue to explore all of their options. Hopefully, there are solutions we haven't thought of yet.