An alternative school for at-risk kids in Battle Creek has found a new school district to oversee its academic program. .
Marshall Schools was the only district to apply to take over the academic program at the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy.
The alternative school program has operated for 14 years at the National Guard base in Battle Creek. The academy serves about 250 at-risk young people from across Michigan annually.
Battle Creek schools ended its relationship with the academy this Spring, citing budget reasons. The move threatened the future of the program.
“Even though it serves all of Michigan, it’s important to have it remain at Fort Custer and the VA hospital,” says Randy Davis, Marshall’s school superintendent, “So we stepped forward.”
Marshall school officials will oversee the academy’s academics. The students will not attend classes in Marshall.
This is the second big addition to the Marshall school district this year.
This spring, Marshall agreed to accept students from Albion where district officials decided to close the local high school.
