The Off Campus Learning Center (OCLC) has its roots in the alternative education program that began in the basement of the old Brunswick High School building in the fall of 1985. The program was launched under the direction of Mike Salvatore, on sabbatical from New York City schools; the program was promoted as a non-traditional approach to earn a diploma. Within that first year, it was clear that being in the high school building was one of the main barriers to students attending the alternative program.
In the fall of 1986, the alternative education program was moved to the old Union Street School, which was located above the Superintendent’s Office at the corner of Union Street and Cumberland Street. Due to this move, the program became known as The Union Street School or Union School for many decades to follow. Beth Schultz was hired to be an additional teacher and the basic structure of alternative education began to take shape. Part-day academic programming was instituted and students were encouraged to find employment for the other part of their school day. Additionally, the concept of operating the program like a work-place emerged. According to the 1988 BHS yearbook, “They create their own schedules to fit around jobs. But don’t believe that they are allowed to come and go as they please. Union Street students are trusted to take responsibility for their own actions, more so than students at the high school.”
By the beginning of the 1988-1989 school year, Mike Salvatore had moved on and Jeff Thompson was hired. Jeff was mentored by Beth Schultz and once she advanced to administrative positions in other school districts, Jeff would remain at Union School/OCLC for thirty three years until his retirement in 2022. Jeff was joined by Brian Brunk, who is currently a wrestling coach at Messiah University, and then by Mike Routhier in 2003.
Over the years, the alternative education program formed a number of partnerships to include Outward Bound, the Brunswick Rotary, Chewonki, and Riverview Martial Arts. Access to the outdoors and other wellness-focused activities proved to be a meaningful way for students to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and experience team-building. Memorable trips included opportunities to experience New England’s maritime heritage through an Outward Bound experience sailing the Penobscot Bay around Hurricane Island for 21 days; skiing at Mt. Abrams and Shawnee Peak; hiking/canoeing/camping from Jackman to Attean Pond in sleet and snow; and sailing for 7 days with Sail Inc. aboard the Harvey Gamage from New Bedford, MA to Mystic, CT.
The Union Street School continued to evolve into the structure and core values that guide programming at OCLC today. In 2009, the Union Street School moved with the Brunswick School Department administrative offices to the Hawthorne School on Federal Street and became known as the Union School. Eventually, the alternative education program was renamed ‘The Off Campus Learning Center’ (OCLC) and was moved to the Coffin School in 2021.
OCLC continues to be an important, viable option for BHS students to earn a diploma and boasts a high graduation rate. For the graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, 100% of the seniors anticipated to graduate did so in accordance with their personalized academic plans. The highest accolades for the Union School and OCLC continue to come from annual student reviews. Since the late 1980s to today, students routinely cite the following attributes of alternative education that helped them to find success:
A small, work-centered environment
Instruction in academic courses combined with other hands-on learning or work experiences
Access to a range of activities to include physical activities and job site visits
Direct connections with caring staff members
A sense of belonging to a smaller school-based community and developing friendships
As we continue to provide valuable, relevant, and meaningful educational experiences at OCLC, we welcome hearing from Union Street School, Union School and OCLC alumni and former staff. Please connect with us if you have any photos, memorabilia, stories to share, or updates about what you are doing.