A new school year began this week but it’s the first in 23 years that students won’t have the option of attending the Excel after school program in Calhoun City.
Notice was sent out in July to all past donors informing them of the decision to close the long standing after school and summer learning programs.
“After 23 years of serving Calhoun County, Excel is in the process of concluding services and closing the Calhoun City site,” Sister Liz Brown wrote in the notice mailed out. “All involved are saddened by this necessary decision. We know that many children and families were assisted by Excel’s efforts and we are grateful for the contribution Excel has been able to make.”
Sister Liz, in a telephone interview Tuesday, said the natural decline in students and availability of teachers prompted the decision by the board.
“To keep the program stable we need stable leadership and teachers, and that wasn’t available,” she said. “It became a financial issue.”
The program started in a trailer located where the Calhoun City softball field is today more than two decades ago with Sister Myra Weitl leading the program. It would move to the Calhoun City Square years later. Excel owns the building on the north side of the square and is hopeful it can be used for something similar.
“We have a few things in the hopper,” Sister Liz said. “It won’t be Excel, but we would love to see something making use of that facility.”
She said they are also looking at other options in Calhoun County and have had some interests from different groups regarding a program somewhat similar to Excel.
“We’re open to other options,” Sister Liz said. “We know there is still a need there. We tried to do all we could, and it just didn’t pan out. We stewed over this decision a long time.”
“We’re hoping something else may develop,” she said.