Former KXLY news director finds second career, new purpose with math tutoring franchise

School may be out for the summer, but for students wanting to keep their math skills current, brush up for SATs or get some help on work they struggled with during the year, a new business in the Lincoln Heights shopping center is ready to help.

Jerry Post opened Mathnasium in the former Radio Shack spot in December. The math learning center is one of more than 800 franchises throughout the U.S.

The former KXLY news director said when he was ready for a career change, he looked for “something rewarding that would give back to the community and a business I could run myself.”

Mathnasium fit the bill on all counts.

A steady stream of students flowed through the doors on a recent afternoon during the last week of school.

Students, most of whom Post greeted by name, checked in and grabbed their individualized binder, then sat at a table staffed by one of nine math instructors.

“Can we do harder stuff?” a boy said.

Post grinned and replied, “Are you getting everything right?”

He and his wife, KXLY meteorologist Kris Crocker, have three daughters, and his ease around kids shows.

“He’s the father figure of math,” parent Smita Medhi said. “Jerry’s amazing with kids.”

She said her two sons, ages 8 and 9, are good at math, and her older son loves the subject. She brings them to the center several times a week.

“When they’re good in math, they’re confident in other areas,” Medhi said.

Though Post, 47, has spent his adult life in the news business, he said, “I’ve always had a head for numbers and felt comfortable with math.”

He understands not everyone feels that way, and with Common Core now the standard in most states, he also knows parents sometimes struggle when trying to help their children.

“Math battles can become stressful between parents and kids,” Post said. “Parents are often quite emotional when they contact me.”

He said the fact that math is its sole focus is what sets Mathnasium apart from other tutoring centers.

“We hire instructors who have a passion for math,” he said. “The curriculum is really comprehensive.”

The type of students accessing the K-12 center generally fall into three categories:They are struggling with concepts and need to catch up; they are excelling and need a greater challenge; or they are studying for specific exams, like the SAT.

That’s why Lewis and Clark High School student Robby Dunlap was there. The 17-year-old said he soared through the English portion of the SAT, but really struggled with the math portion.

He recently retook the test.

“Everything I’d gone over at Mathnasium I recognized. It’s really helped,” he said. “I know I did better this time. I think I’m more confident in my math skills.”

Post said the center’s ability to boost math confidence comes from developing a customized learning plan for each student.

Testing and assessment are offered free of charge without obligation to purchase anything. If parents wish to enroll their child, an individualized learning plan is developed for the student.

“They’re not just learning computation,” Post said. “Half of our time is spent on applied mathematics – we put things in context and they have to show what they know, which helps them retain the math.”

After their customized plan is in place, students can drop in for a one-hour study session anytime during open hours – no appointment needed.

“The average price per hour starts at $15 and goes to $25,” Post said. “But most parents choose a six-month or 12-month package – it’s like a gym membership.”

He also offers a three-month summer package.

April Buoy appreciates the flexibility. She said her daughter used to hate math but loves to come to Mathnasium.

“She’s excited to come,” Buoy said. “She says the teachers are so patient, and she loves the incentives and rewards.”

Every student gets a punch card. When they achieve certain milestones, they get to choose from an assortment of rewards.

While teens and older kids gravitate to cellphone accessories, the younger set aims straight for the candy – or the Squishies. The soft, squeezable toys are hugely popular.

“I spent a lot of time online searching for the best deal on Squishies,” Post said.

But his biggest surprise during his six months in business has been the distance people are willing to drive to get math help.

“I have families coming from Cheney, Deer Park and Liberty Lake,” he said.

He’s definitely considering opening another location, but for now, Post is savoring this success.

“It’s everything I was hoping for in this job,” he said. “The immediate difference you can make one kid at a time. It the most meaningful thing I could have done.”