Nazareth Area School District brings in Pen Argyl drivers school to replace cut program

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The Nazareth Area School Board unanimously approved contracting with a Pen Argyl driving school to replace the high school's driver's education program.

Students looking to prepare for their drivers license will be able to take courses with the David A. Moyer Driving School at their own cost, said Superintendent Victor Lesky. The school already contracts with the Easton Area, Pen Argyl Area and Saucon Valley school districts, he said. Students who pass the course are eligible for a 10 percent discount on their car insurance, he said.

Instead, students have the option of spending $425 for the six-hour after-school course. As part of the course, the driver instructor will also take the student to take his or her drivers test. The school program required students to take the test on their own time, Lesky said.

The district cut its free course in May when it laid off the two drivers education teachers along with five other teaching positions. Administrators considered hiring one teacher back and charging students about $250 for the course, but the school board nixed the idea, Lesky said.

Vice President Maurice Heller said there was no way the district could have afforded the course even in a reduced state. Outsourcing the class won't cost the district any money, which provided real savings in a difficult budget year.

"It was just flat out we didn't have the money," he said.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2011/08/nazareth_area_school_district_18.html