Amery's community education seeks to expand reach

August 8, 2026 - 23:06

The community education department in Amery is set to build on a year of solid participation, according to its new director. Amanda Warner presented her first annual report to the school board on Monday, using the moment to highlight the strong turnout in youth programming and to lay out a vision for reaching more residents in the coming months.

Warner pointed to the steady numbers in after-school activities and seasonal youth leagues as proof that families are actively seeking out what the district has to offer. But she also made clear that the current reach is only part of the story. The goal now is to expand beyond the traditional base of school-age children and their parents, moving into areas like adult enrichment, workforce skills, and intergenerational classes.

The report showed that while youth programs remain the backbone of the department, there is untapped demand among older residents and local businesses looking for affordable training options. Warner told the board that she plans to survey the community in the spring to identify specific gaps, then tailor new offerings around those responses. She also mentioned exploring partnerships with nearby towns and county organizations to share resources and avoid duplicating efforts.

Board members responded positively to the update, with several noting that community education often serves as a bridge between the school district and the wider public. No formal vote was taken, but Warner said she will return with a detailed expansion plan before the next budget cycle. For now, she is focused on keeping existing programs reliable while testing a few pilot courses in adult fitness and basic technology skills later this spring.