Fulton County is apparently losing the program that enables students to earn high school equivalency degrees.
Logansport Community Schools is closing its Landmark Adult Learning Centers May 27. The closing eliminates Fulton County's adult basic education program and closes the only testing site available to Fulton County and Marshall County students, Kathy Shavey said, the Rochester Landmark staffer.
"It was all about money, I'm sure," said Shavey. "It's unfortunate because it leaves a lot of people out in the street."
The Rochester Landmark Adult Learning Center program is housed with Rochester Community Schools' Alternative to Suspension and Expulsion program, 727 Main St.
Bev Kramer, Kewanna, has been the Rochester teacher since 1985. She could not be reached Thursday.
Rochester Superintendent Deb Howe said she heard just about the cuts and plans to study the matter further when spring break is over.
The program started in 1979, Shavey said. It is operated by Logansport Community Schools and includes teaching centers in Logansport, Rochester and Winamac. Rochester students come from all of Fulton County and sometimes beyond for test taking.
"We learned Monday the funding has been canceled," Shavey said. Logansport schools and the state Education Department share the cost. She wasn't sure about who cut what money yet.
She continued, "We work with people that have unfinished education history; they have limited transportation; they have limited finances; they have no job. Some of them have been to us before. Some of them, we had their parents," Shavey said. "They come to us for an education. And it's free, to them."
Last year, 87 people were served by the Rochester program.
Of those, 25 earned their GED - or general equivalency diploma - and three entered post secondary studies.
Five of the GED earners were Fulton County Jail inmates, Shavey said.
This year, 80 people are enrolled in the program. To be accepted a student must attend 12 hours of class to register, then maintain at least six hours of class a week to keep their seat.
Shavey said there are 11 students ready to sign up for the GED test. On Wednesday, there was an orientation for 12 new people. They were told up front they may not have teachers or a place to study in two months, but at least they can start their studies, Shavey said.
She said three current students may be able to accelerate their studies and get their test taken before the program closes.
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