After-School Clubs for At-Risk Students a Go in West Deptford

Although the West Deptford school district had to make significant cuts to its 2013 budget in the face of the shrinking ratable base in the township, it was able to preserve enrichment and after-school student support programs.

At the September meeting of the Board of Education, district leaders renewed four such programs aimed at aiding the development of elementary school children.

For a total amount of $3,389, the school district re-upped: a Handwriting/Fine Motor Skills Club for $522; a Math Skills Club for $522; a Social Skills Club for $261; and a Music Club for $1,042.

That funding was unchanged from previous years, according to Superintendent Kevin Kitchenman. All four after-school programs are aimed at assisting students at Oakview Elementary School, and are effective immediately. 

In February, Kitchenman stated the district might have to cut into its budget for at-risk students; in May, Kitchenman stated in a presentation to the public that funding for at-risk students would continue.

However, the district had to cut the implementation of a gym floor at Oakview, a project that would’ve cost $25,000, and a fire-alarm system for Greenfields, which was projected to cost $250,000.

The district also has saved money helping at-risk students at the high school level. In four years, the district has saved $149,000 through the West Deptford Alternative School, and no one dropped out of the system this past year.