Watchung Hills OKs YMCA-Chatham Adult School Agreement

Parlez-vous François? Or would you like to?

Perhaps you'd like to learn more about how to use your iPad or iPhone, or sit in on a discussion about films with some leading New York critics.

These are some of the programs offered by the Chatham Adult School, which will be launching an adult education program at Watchung Hills Regional in September. The classes will be possible after the Watchung Hill's board of education approved a plan to provide space at the school to programs for adults offered by the the Chatham Adult School and Somerset Hills YMCA at Monday's meeting.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to serve your community," Andi Williams, the Y's vice-president of Strategic Partnerships. 

Watchung Hills board member Chris Collins has been is discussions with the Y for about the better part of a year after school board members decided to pull the plug on the Watchung Hills Adult School, which has operated at a deficit for many years.

Under the terms of the agreement, the school will provide non-gym space for programs at no cost and will receive a portion of tuitions paid for classes.

Warren resident and YMCA Board member Tanya McAusland said plans for specific programs are still being developed (sorry, Francophiles), but will be set in the coming weeks. She said some polling and surveys may be undertaken tyo help guide the decisions.

"We really need to launch this, marketing-wise, just to create some excitement in the community," Williams added.