COMPASS program deserves school support

Gloucester Daily Times May 11, 2005, editorial page B6

A choice between funding a program with a proven record of success and one that, according to a recent audit, "has been unable to measure its success over the years," ought to be easy.

The Gloucester School Committee, however, chose to eliminate $24,000 to maintain the highly successful COMPASS program for at-risk high school students while retaining a parallel program at the high school called Alliance that costs the system more than six times as much.

The decision defies both logic and fiscal responsibility.

COMPASS, which began two years ago and is run off-campus by Action Inc., employs tutors to help students who have had trouble in the regular high school program. The students work at a customized pace, and its record of success is impressive. Last year all five students in the program graduated. This year, all 11 seniors in the program will graduate, and one has received a John and Abigail Adams Scholarship — a full, four-year ride to a state college or university.

The recent audit of the school department by MGT of America found the COMPASS program, "has all the key components of an effective alternative education ..." while the Alliance program had been "unable to measure its success." Alliance, which employs three teachers to provide enrichment to at-risk students within the high school, costs the system more than $150,000.

COMPASS's expenses are similar, but the program has received $137,000 in funding from other sources. MGT recommended that the Alliance students be transferred to the COMPASS program.

Instead, the School Committee has done just the opposite. Jonathan Pope, committee chairman, said it is too late to reverse the funding decision, arguing Alliance is a school program, while COMPASS is not.

But the choice should not be based on that. It should be based on what works. If committee members and other local officials care about the future of Gloucester's most vulnerable students, they should find a way to come up with what amounts to less than one-tenth of 1 percent of a $32 million budget. That is less than a drop in the bucket, but its impact will be felt for generations.

For related articles:

COMPASS program a success Gloucester Daily Times (letter) May 27, 2005
Tutor program in need of assistance Gloucester Daily Times 5/13/05
Rough seas ahead for high school's COMPASS program Gloucester Daily Times 5/10/05