SOUTHWICK – A Southwick resident questioned the school committee this week, asking why his child cannot participate in an upcoming SAT preparation course.
The course costs $60 and is open to students at Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional schools. The man, John Mickalay, asked if his child, who attends private school, could take advantage of the course. Superintendent John Barry said he had already spoken to the man’s wife and said policy dictates the answer is no.
“The guiding policy is home ed, which is also private education,” said Barry.
According to the policy, students not enrolled in the district cannot participate in any extra-curricular activity. Barry said both he and Southwick-Tolland -Granville Regional High School Principal Pamela Hunter consulted the home ed policy in making the decision.
“But it’s pay as you go,” said the parent. “What if I wanted to go?”
“You’re not a student,” said committee member Theodore Locke.
“But I’m a resident,” he said.
Barry said the policy was established several years ago after much discussion.
“About five years ago this committee spent a lot of time on this and got legal advice and we have the policy we have now,” said Barry.
Barry noted there are other extra-curricular that also include a cost, such as sports. The committee stood by its policy to open such activities to students only.
