(WGTD)---A program that allows Kenosha high school students with newborns to stay in school while their infants are cared for onsite could be eliminated next year.
The Infant Lab was launched more than 30 years ago at Reuther High School, then moved to Indian Trail five years ago.
Over time, enrollment has dwindled as the number of teen births plummeted, and alternatives—such as e-school—grew in popularity.
Now, district administration is recommending that the school board eliminate the lab and accompanying parent and child education programs at an annual savings of well over $300,000.
The school board is expected to consider the recommendation Tuesday night.
The cut would eliminate a teacher/supervisor position, and five support personnel. In anticipation of continued lower enrollment, three support staff have already been encouraged to apply for other positions in the district.
There are 6 babies in the Infant Lab program this year compared to 51 in the 2009 school year. And---the number of students taking the parenting classes has dropped from 50 to 11 in the same time frame.
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