District says federal grant freeze jeopardizes after-school programming funded by 21st Century grants

Superintendent Stevenowski told the Richfield School Board on July 14 that a federal action has frozen approximately $6 billion in federal grant funding and that the district's 21st Century grant — which funds after-school partnerships with the Beacons Network, Boys & Girls Club and YMCA — is affected. "We had expected to hear back about the grant in early May. We have not heard whether we would theoretically be recipients or not," Stevenowski said, describing the status as "up in the air." He said the district is working with community partners to develop contingency plans and will bring draft plans to the board by the second meeting in August. The superintendent said core academic after-school services (extended targeted services focused on reading and math) and the district's paid childcare program, Richfield Fun Club, would continue. He said the grant funds support the more "robust programming" beyond those core offerings that many families and staff value. Board members asked questions but no formal action was taken at the July 14 public meeting. Stevenowski asked for time to work with partners and return with options, noting the district must resolve programming plans before the school year begins.