The Newburgh City School District Board of Education voted May 21 to approve letters of commitment allowing two community organizations to apply for the same after-school grant to serve high school students.

Superintendent Dr. Baughn presented the items as part of the superintendent's report and identified items 4.2 and 4.3 for board action. Board members asked for clarification about what a "letter of commitment" would mean in practice.

District staff member Dr. Brown explained that both the Best Resource Center and the Boys & Girls Club were applying for the same grant and that the district's letters were to show local support for the applicants. "They would both like to offer an after school program for our high school students. They have not been given the grant yet. They're applying for the grant. Hopefully, they will both get it. 1 of them may get it," Dr. Brown said. "Neither of them may get it." Dr. Brown said that if either or both groups were awarded funding, the district would support programs at the respective sites.

Board members pressed for clarity on why the district was issuing letters to both organizations; Miss Mackenzie Boucher noted the two items were "bordered the exact same way," and Miss Politi asked why both organizations needed district commitment if the applications were the same. Dr. Brown reiterated that the letters simply allowed the organizations to apply and that the district would support program operation at either site if funding was awarded.

On roll call, the board approved resolution 4.3 (letter of commitment to Best Resource Center) and the companion item for the Boys & Girls Club; the clerk recorded yes votes from a majority of members and the items passed.

Why it matters: the district's letters of commitment do not award funds; they indicate local support so community organizations can apply for competitive grants that, if awarded, could expand after-school offerings for high-school students.