Students who utilize the after-school program in the Opp City Schools system will do so in a new location beginning in August.

Board members on Tuesday agreed to move the program from Opp Middle School to Opp Elementary School.

“The rationale for moving the RACE TRAC program to OES will be beneficial for the following reasons,” OCS superintendent Michael Smithart said. “One -Numbers. Approximately 75 percent of the participants are elementary school students.

“Two -Logistics. OES is equipped with a gymnasium and playground for recreational activities,” he said. “The facilities at OMS are utilized by athletic teams in the afternoon.”

Additionally, about 75 students are bused from OES to OMS for the after-school program, Smithart said.

“We will have fewer students from OMS to OES,” he said. “Although this could have an impact on our future transportation allocation, we feel it will be minimal. Having the program at OES may encourage greater participation from elementary students.”

Smithart also told board members he’d like to have someone not employed with the system to run the after-school program.

“Preferably someone who hasn’t already put in a full day,” he said. “Someone who may have some new ideas.”

-Kendra Bolling