Kentucky’s well known laboratory school is working to navigate through a change in mission while facing some financial challenges and the pandemic. Eastern Kentucky University’s Board of Regents got an update last week.
Through action of the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year, Model in Richmond became the Commonwealth’s designated laboratory school. Model Superintendent John Williamson told the board there had been a 10% drop in student enrollment but no plans to change the tuition rate. EKU Board of Regents Chair Lewis Diaz reminded Williamson Eastern could do no more with its support. “You’ve made it work so far and I know you’ll continue to make it work and the university cannot subsidize Model Laboratory School beyond what it already does,” said Diaz.
Williamson said Model is requested state approval to seek federal grant dollars to help with operation of the k-12 school.
John Williamson said the long standing laboratory school is also becoming more closely connected with Eastern Kentucky University. Williamson noted a large number of Eastern students are connecting with Model. “I’m happy to report that this year we have more undergraduate students than ever before on our Model campus. Part of that is because of the pandemic. Other public schools would not allow students to come in and do practica and observations and student teaching. And we certainly welcomed all the EKU students into our building,” explained Williamson.
As the Commonwealth’s lab school, the superintendent said there is an effort to reach out to students across the state and get them on EKU’s campus.
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