http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-922163.mp3
Roseville, IL – One western Illinois community is bucking the trend when it comes to school consolidations and state funding worries. Roseville recently lost its public elementary school, but a new private school has opened.
It's reminiscent of a long-lost education system in America: the one room school house.
Roseville Community Christian School opened its doors this year with an enrollment of three students: April Rogers in second grade, Jessi Wainman in third, and Melaina Blunt in fourth.
The girls all sit in one room and each has a large, expansive table to themselves.
Karyn Beavers is the school's only paid employee. She's taught in a variety of public districts during her career, but this is the first time she's taught in a Christian school. That's always been a dream of hers.
"I'm actually a graduate of Galesburg Christian School," says Beavers. "I've always had a passion for Christian education. When I went into teaching my goal was to teach in a Christian school, but I also wanted to be close to home."
Tuition is $2,950 per year. The school is relying heavily on donations this year, but that doesn't worry RCCS board Vice President Paul Peterson.
"If we board members, or anyone else reaches into their pockets and pulls out money to sustain this school to make it go, and there's one soul saved, it's worth it," says Peterson. "Everyone is so wrapped up in the money aspect, but there's more to this world than money. That's what it amounts to. On top of that, they're getting a good education."
To listen to an audio feature about Roseville Community Christian School, click "play" on the audio link above.