Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation After School Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission weighs $372,000 extended‑day program expansion into five schools
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a proposed $372,000 addition to the draft budget to expand extended‑day recreation programs into five school sites; staff said fees charged to families would offset the cost and the plan aims to “break even.” Commissioners asked about equity and site selection.
City staff on June 3 presented a proposed expansion of the recreation department’s extended‑day program into five school sites that would add $372,000 to the draft budget but be offset by program fees, according to the finance director.
Finance staff said the program expansion assumes the city would operate programs at Lake Hart Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Live Oak Elementary, Morningside Pre‑K and Magnolia Pre‑K; the projected revenue is about $375,000 and the projected program cost about $371,000, producing a near break‑even outcome. Staff said the schools currently charge about $30 per week for existing after‑school care and the city would mirror that fee if it assumed operation.
Why it matters
The proposal would shift program administration to the city at multiple campuses, introduce recreation programming earlier in students’ experience and create part‑time seasonal hires to staff five after‑school sites. Commissioners raised equity concerns about placing programs where families can pay rather than prioritizing need.
Discussion highlights
- Site selection: Commissioners asked why some schools with greater need were not included. Staff said the initial list came from the school system and reflected where a city program could feasibly operate without a large subsidy. Commissioner Chad Warbington and others urged a joint meeting with the school board to coordinate site selection and funding.
- Staffing and cost: Staff said the expansion would require roughly 31 recreation employees (part‑time) and two coordinators; current projections assume 37 weeks of service and $30 per week family fees consistent with existing practice.
- Funding: Staff and commissioners discussed federal and state grant possibilities but said the current proposal assumes program fees would offset costs; no grant appropriation was adopted at the meeting.
Next steps
Commissioners asked staff to coordinate with the school system, present a consolidated plan for school‑city collaboration, and return with more analysis on need‑based placement and potential outside funding. No formal budget amendment was adopted that day.
