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Voters fund Schools Out after supporters describe year-round childcare and enrichment demand
Summary
Article 26, a petitioned request for $45,000 to support the Schools Out after-school program, passed after supporters described the program's role in child care, daily snacks, homework help and clubs that allow parents to work full-time.
Article 26, the Schools Out program appropriation, passed after several residents and program leaders described the program's operations and community role.
Program director Katie Luz told the meeting the program serves 40 to 50 children daily and about 200 children over the year, offering snacks, academic support and structured clubs including robotics, art and chess. She said the program uses a sliding-scale fee and offers scholarships so no child is turned away due to cost. Luz said the $45,000 request is an investment in families and that the program supports parents who must work full days.
Some speakers raised procedural concerns about the organization's nonprofit status and whether the group should be a 501(c)(3); others noted that the program depends on grant streams that would be jeopardized if the organization reorganized under a different tax status. The budget committee recommended funding 6-to-3 and the selectmen recommended the article; attendees said the program fills a gap in after-school and summer care and argued the appropriation will help keep local families working.
The article passed by voice/placard vote; the moderator announced Article 26 passed and later moved not to reconsider it.
Ending: Supporters said they will use the local funding to sustain scholarships, maintain staff and preserve program capacity for working families.
