DERRY — Adding morning classes to the school district's adult basic education program this year has been a success, according to adult education services director Barrie-jane Corey, who added that she expects to see the morning program grow next year.

This year, the adult education services department provided services to 150 adults, Corey said. Of those, 66 took part in adult learner services programs, 55 took English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, and 32 were in the Adult Basic Education program working toward their GEDs.

“The adult basic education population comes to us looking for services for several reasons,” said Corey. “Some come to increase their skills to maintain employment and some are looking to get their GED.”

Of the 32 adults in the basic education program, Corey said 11 earned their GEDs this year and another five are awaiting results from the test they took two weeks ago.

“We are very hopeful and confident that they will pass,” she said.

Although the adult basic education program population has been on the decline statewide, Corey said there has been an increase in people taking advantage of the program in Derry.

One of the reasons for the increase in Derry could be the addition of a morning class at the Marion Gerrish Community Center, according to Corey.

“We had a lot of people calling into the center who wanted to take classes, but weren't able to come in the evening,” she said. “They either had childcare issues or part-time employment. We were very grateful that we were able to get some space over at the Marion Gerrish Community Center to offer classes in the morning.”

With changes in the GED testing procedure scheduled to take effect in January of 2014, Corey said she expects to see an increase in the adult education population next year.

“I expect there will be students looking to get their GED before that test changes,” she said.

Superintendent Mary Ellen Hannon commended Corey for the growth of the program and the ability to provide morning classes.

“There was some struggle with where we were going to hold the day class because we didn't have room in our classrooms,” she said. “Barrie-jane approached and was able to get the use of the Marion Gerrish Center. It's a great growing of our program, and we hope to have a lot more students in the fall.”