Schools who won federal Goals 2000 grants also can use that money for programs this summer, he said. Bucholz added that Lannoye's request doesn't reflect a change in policy from the department, which still wants schools to concentrate on early childhood literacy. This is a budgetary issue. R-Three Oaks, said he doesn't oppose removing the mandate. But he wants the state to encourage schools to hold summer school.
Summer school is definitely a higher priority than other things.
Obviously, teaching kids to read at grade level has to be a concern. But schools point out that without knowing how much money is available, planning for summer school is nearly impossible. Fritz Crabb, the director of development and grants for the Grand Rapids schools, said his district had planned to post ads this week asking for 100 summer school teachers.