CROP program gets funding for schools

Staff Report

May 28, 2008 04:00 am

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The CROP program run by the Otsego-Northern Catskills Board of Cooperative Educational Services has received funding for 12 participating schools, according to a media release.

The funds cover the comprehensive after-school program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade at Cooperstown, Edmeston, Laurens, Milford, Morris and Worcester Central schools, whose programs have been operating since July 2000. Also included in the funding are programs at Andes, Charlotte Valley, Margaretville, Roxbury, Schenevus, and South Kortright Central school, whose funding was not renewed last year.

However, those programs were able to continue through the support of the state Assembly and in-kind contributions from each district. The funding at Cherry Valley, Jefferson and Stamford Central Schools, as well as Riverside Elementary in Oneonta, needs to be renewed next year.

The Creating Rural Opportunities Partnership program was one of 107 grants awarded by the state Education Department through funds provided by the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.

"We're very excited," said program director Kris Kaschak. "We've all been on pins and needles the last two months" waiting for word about the grant.

With the current economy, these types of programs are important to offer, he said.

The summer programs at the schools will not be supported through CROP, but Kaschak said districts will be working with municipalities to provide some activities.