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Richfield board approves fee-based after-school care at Centennial Elementary starting Oct. 1
Summary
The Richfield School Board authorized Community Education to open a fee-based after-school program at Centennial Elementary after federal 21st Century grant funding did not arrive; the district expects up to a $65,000 risk to the general fund depending on enrollment.
The Richfield School Board on Sept. 15 authorized Richfield Public Schools Community Education to open a fee-based after‑school childcare program at Centennial Elementary School, with a targeted start date of Oct. 1 and daily hours through 6 p.m. The board approved the program in a voice vote after hearing a staff presentation on enrollment projections, staffing and budget risks.
The program was proposed after the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant that previously paid for free Beacons after‑school programming did not fund a new cohort this year. Amy Skari Klecker, director of Community Education, told the board a district survey produced commitments from families representing roughly 55 students and that the program would charge a market-rate top fee of $20 per day with a sliding scale for families who qualify for free-and-reduced-price lunch.
The district estimates total program costs near $115,000. Community Education estimated a potential shortfall — described during the meeting as the district’s maximum risk exposure — of about $65,000, dependent on final enrollment and daily participation. "School age care programs are funded really only on parent fees," Klecker said; she added the program would need roughly 40–45 consistently attending students at the $20 per‑day rate to break even.
District staff said they have already posted for one full‑time site lead and two to three part‑time staff and have identified a strong site lead candidate; hires would be finalized only after board approval. The program schedule presented to the board is weekdays from Oct. 1 through June 5, ending at 6 p.m., and will include snack/meal planning coordinated with Nutrition Services.
During discussion, board members asked for clearer cost examples for families (monthly totals, minimum-day commitments) and for an early update on enrollment and budget impact. Superintendent Steve Yudnowski (presenting the item) and staff committed to an update in early winter. Director Lisonbee moved approval and Director Paulus seconded; the chair announced the motion carried by voice vote and the board "approved the after school care program at Centennial Elementary School."
The program replaces a Beacon-funded option that Centennial lost this year; middle and high school Beacon sites will operate at reduced levels through other funding sources, staff said.
The board asked staff to publish clear pricing examples (monthly cost ranges, minimum-days-per-week requirement) and to report back on actual enrollment and the program’s budget impact in December or January.
