The director of the district’s before- and after-school programs presented a proposal on Aug. 28 to increase monthly participant fees by 10 percent, citing a larger-than-expected deficit in the program’s revolving account and rising costs for staffing, supplies, utilities and technology. The director said the program is fully enrolled and that the primary cost pressures are increased need for 1:1 support staff for students with higher needs and a recent requirement for nursing coverage in at least one building.

"We had to hire 4 additional people and they won't be on staff again this year. Unfortunately, we don't know the needs until we get the children on the first day of school," the presenter said, describing unpredictable staffing demands tied to student needs. The presenter and committee members discussed that a sizable share of participating families receive free or reduced lunch benefits; those families qualify for full or 50% reduced program fees under the district’s sliding scale. The director said recent past fee increases (5% three years ago) were insufficient to rebuild the program’s target three-month operating reserve and that a 10% increase, if sustained, could provide stability for several years.

Committee members questioned timing, impacts on families and alternatives, including phasing an increase and maintaining the current free/reduced sliding-scale structure. One committee member asked whether the program could expand capacity if more families opted in; staff said expansion depends on staffing and space, and that the district is exploring partnerships with local colleges to recruit staff. The director asked the committee to: 1) accept the proposal for consideration, 2) allow staff to return with a revised fee-comparison chart showing where the district would sit among neighbors with the proposed rates, and 3) consider a final vote on Sept. 11 to implement new rates Oct. 1 if approved. The committee also directed staff to publicize the plan so families could provide comment ahead of the Sept. 11 vote.

No fee vote was taken at the Aug. 28 meeting. Staff will present updated materials and the committee intends to vote on the proposal at its Sept. 11 meeting.