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Parents and residents press Portsmouth council for expanded after‑school care and to reverse library cutbacks
Summary
During public comment at the Aug. 4 council meeting, several residents urged action on after‑school programming — especially for New Franklin School families — and voiced concern about library hour reductions and a position cut. Speakers asked city and schools to take a holistic look at after‑school capacity and to protect library services.
Multiple parents and community members used the Aug. 4 public-comment period to urge the council and school department to address gaps in after-school care and to question recent library staffing and hour reductions.
A parent representing New Franklin School families said her household lacks after-school care three weeks before the school year began and described full rosters across available programs; she asked the city and school department to take a holistic look so New Franklin families have similar options to those at other elementary schools. Another speaker asked the city and the schools to examine busing and enrollment eligibility that had left some families ineligible for existing programs.
Separately, a resident and public-health consultant said she was disappointed to read in a library newsletter that a position had been cut and that hours will be reduced, calling libraries a critical community resource and urging the city to consider investing in institutions that provide free services for residents, remote workers, cooling centers and people experiencing homelessness.
Councilors and staff acknowledged the comments and noted that the recreation department and school department had some capacity; they encouraged continued engagement as the city and school staff finalize programing and capital improvements, including CIP items that touch on school playgrounds and facilities.
Action: Public comment only; no council motion or vote. Staff indicated they will continue conversations with families and report back as CIP and program planning proceed.
