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ALBANY, GA --  
The decision has been made by Dougherty County School System officials to discontinue the Title I Saturday School program.

Dr. David Coley, the Title I director, said this decision is partially due to running out of funds. The amount of money spent on this program was $102, 882. Coley says whatever amount is left over will be refunded to the 13 schools affected by this decision.

Coley also said he hopes this program will not be suspended indefinitely and that he will be working hard to try to re-open Saturday School for the 2013-2014 school year.

According to Coley, the program served on average, about 733 students. For parents who are worried about their students falling behind in school, Coley recommends they apply to the Flexible Learning Program.

Coley sent out an e-mail to all principals and administrators regarding this decision that states:

"A continuing effort is being made to keep the Dougherty County School System Title I Program within the guidelines of Federal and State directives.  Therefore, all Title I Saturday Schools will be discontinued for the remainder of the 2012-2013 school year.

To avoid any confusion, the date for discontinuing Saturday School will be effective Saturday, March 9, 2013.  Please inform all staff that work with this program.

The closing of our Title I Saturday School DOES NOT apply to the Flexible Learning Program.  If additional information is needed, please do not hesitate to call me."

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