Flipping the Script on Summer: Solving the Rural Childcare and Enrollment Crisis Simultaneously

Learning Presentation
Presentation Date:
Presentation Time:
Location:

Handouts

Audience:
Superintendents, Business Managers, School Board Members, Elementary/Middle School Principals, and Summer School Directors looking for innovative enrollment and community engagement strategies.


DESCRIPTION:

‍ ‍Rural school districts routinely face a compounding triad of challenges: declining enrollment, tight operational budgets, and a severe shortage of local, affordable childcare. Marshall Public Schools turned these systemic hurdles into a massive community victory by building a robust, 6-week summer ecosystem that engages an incredible 78% of our student population (700 out of 900 total students).

By structuring a seamless, free, full-day experience, our program seamlessly combines morning academics and electives with an active afternoon day camp, rotating sports clinics, and a district-run T-ball program.

In this interactive session, the Marshall leadership team will provide a practical, scalable blueprint that covers:

  • The Workforce Framework: How to capitalize on internal talent by hiring and supervising 40+ certified staff alongside 60+ high school students working as paid aides and camp counselors.

  • The Logistics Engine: How providing free transportation and free community-wide meals directly addresses rural shortages while doubling as a highly effective marketing mechanism.

  • The ROI of Re-Engagement: Strategic methods to use summer programming to actively win back homeschool, private school, and open-enrolled-out families to your district.

PRESENTER: Rich Peters, Summer School Director

Rich Peters is an energetic, people-centered educational leader who has dedicated over 11 years to championing student success at the Marshall Early Learning Center. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and high-energy leadership style, Rich specializes in cultivating a culture where both students and staff are inspired to innovate, achieve, and celebrate their growth. He masterfully balances high expectations with deep empathy, challenging his team to be their best while providing the unwavering support they need to get there. A cornerstone of the Marshall Public School community, Rich’s commitment to building strong relationships and positive environments has made him a deeply respected and trusted leader.

PRESENTER: Corrie Becker, Summer School Coordinator

Corrie Becker is a powerhouse administrator whose organizational expertise, collaborative leadership, and dedication to service anchor the district’s operational success. Tasked with the monumental feat of managing summer programming and complex master schedules across four distinct school buildings, Corrie is widely recognized for her meticulous attention to detail and her uncanny ability to unite diverse teams around a shared vision. She routinely goes above and beyond to bridge the gap between students, staff, and families, making her a vital architect of the district’s year-round success and a trusted leader within the community.

PRESENTER: Brian Zacho, Business Manager

Brian Zacho brings over 20 years of multifaceted public education experience to his role as Business Manager, having served as a middle school teacher, principal, district administrator, athletic director, and transportation director. A truly team-centered leader, Brian is the definition of leading by example, whether he is optimizing district budgets, mentoring staff, or stepping behind the wheel to drive a school bus when a route needs coverage. His leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in relationship-building, collaboration, and removing barriers so that rural students and staff have every opportunity to thrive.