PORT TOWNSEND — School district officials are considering the elimination of drivers education by next summer even though there are currently no other vehicle training options available for students in Port Townsend.
The announcement follows a vote Monday by the School Board to continue the program for one more year.
School Superintendent Carol Andreasen said a drop in state funding for the program, including recent cuts for those enrolled for free or reduced rates, is leading the school district to seriously consider dropping the program in 2003.
“The District is trying to make up its mind to continue it or not,” Andreasen said Tuesday. “But it’s just not to our advantage when their isn’t any support.”
Andreasen said the future of the drivers education program is questionable “unless the state puts money in.”
To fill the need for drivers training for students, the school district is looking at the possibility of asking a private company, such as Peninsula Driving School of Sequim, to offer vehicle education in Port Townsend, Andreasen said.
That would mean a slight rise in cost for students.
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The rest of the story appears in today’s Jefferson County edition of the Peninsula Daily News. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.
