DANA POINT : City, Schools Consider Academic Camps Plan

The City Council is scheduled tonight to consider joining with Capistrano Unified School District to offer academic camps at R.H. Dana Elementary School.

Under a conceptual plan, the district and city this summer would provide a science and technology camp, plus a reading camp for elementary school students. The camps would cost $250 to cover teachers’ salaries, supplies and the city’s administrative expenses.

By law, school districts cannot charge for classroom education. Having the city participate in a joint venture, however, would allow the school district to offer academic courses for families who are willing to pay a fee, said Austin Buffum, a coordinator for elementary instructional support.

Because of a financial crisis brought on by Orange County’s Dec. 6 bankruptcy, the school district will not be offering free summer school classes at as many campuses this year as last, Buffum said.

In 1994, half a dozen elementary schools had summer classes, which are usually geared for academic remediation or enrichment, Buffum said. This year, only four schools will offer such classes.

“The demand for summer school has far exceeded our capacity,” Buffum said.

Bonnie Nicholl, community services manager for Dana Point, said that, if the council approves the program in concept, a final plan will be presented next month.