In a recent meeting of the Bexar County Commissioners Court, significant discussions centered around the success and expansion of the Summer Boost program, which aims to enhance educational outcomes for local students. The program, which served 8,000 students last year, reported impressive growth in academic proficiency, with students gaining an average of 17 points in reading and 18 points in math. This year, the program anticipates serving up to 9,500 students, contingent on enrollment.

Commissioner Moody highlighted the program's financial impact, noting that a proposed $150,000 funding from the county would leverage an extraordinary return on investment of 107 to 1, thanks to additional support from national and local philanthropic sources. This funding is not only crucial for educational support but also for providing summer jobs for teachers, thereby benefiting the community economically.

The court discussed the criteria for school participation in the program, which is open to various charter schools and district partners across Bexar County. While there were slightly fewer schools participating this year compared to last, all applicants were approved, indicating a robust interest in the program. However, questions arose regarding the distribution of participating schools, particularly in the eastern half of the county, prompting a request for further clarification on transportation options for students from different areas.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the funding contributions, which received unanimous support from the commissioners. This decision underscores the court's commitment to addressing educational challenges in the wake of declining academic performance post-COVID-19.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach by Bexar County officials to enhance educational opportunities for students, while also fostering community engagement and economic growth through strategic funding initiatives. As the summer program prepares for its upcoming session, the court's support signals a strong investment in the future of local education.