By Andrea Calcagno
 
November 17, 2009
 
GOLD HILL, Ore. - The city of Gold Hill will no longer support the preschool or after school programs at Patrick Elementary School.
 
Central Point School District officials say the city's attorney did not recommend continuing the programs due to liability insurance costs.
 
The preschool program will now be run by the Central Point School District. District officials say recent Title 1 funding make this is a convenient time to do so.
 
"There are really specific requirements around preschool programs, specific curriculum that we have to offer. And we now have Title 1 money through the stimulus, monies that allow us to expand that program and run it ourselves," District 6 Superintendent Randy Gravon said.
 
Patrick Elementary says the preschool will accept around 16 students into the program, and there will be scholarship opportunities for low income students.
 
Meanwhile, the after school program will be run through the Jackson County 4H Extension Service.
 
The 4H currently runs the after school program in Sams Valley, where representatives say the program is successful.
 
The county 4H is part of the Oregon University System. Representatives say current employees will become employees of the Oregon University System.
 
Since the 4H is non-profit, representatives expect the cost of the program to remain similar.