School District Considers Hiring "Partner" for Summer School

The West Contra Costa Unified School District is proposing to spend $1.5 million to hire a nonprofit educational organization to assist in operating summer school programs this year.

District staff are recommending the deal for approval at its Wednesday night meeting.

The district board would "partner" with the nonprofit Building Educated Leaders for Life for the summer school program for grades K-8, according to a district report to directors. The organization, founded in New York City in 1996, "exists to partner with districts to help transform the academic achievements, self-confidence, and life trajectories of children living in under-resourced, urban communities," according to its website. It has expanded into six states.

BELL would operate its program 6.5 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Classroom sizes would be two instructors for every 20 students. That contrasts with previous class sizes with a ratio of 27 to 1 for grades K-6 and 38 to 1 for grades 7 and 8, according to the district report.

Advertisements for teaching jobs on the BELL website lists credentials, at least a Bachelor's degree and three years of experience working with children  among the requirements for applicants. It is not clear if current district teachers would be eligible or interested in filling the positions in the West County district. BELL also is advertising for teacher assistant jobs, which require a high school diploma.

Wednesday's meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Lovonya DeJean Middle School at 3400 MacDonald Ave. in Richmond.