Board approves $1.53 million in after‑school contracts; $153,600 in summer amendments added

The Public Library Board approved funding for after‑school and summer programs in fiscal year 2026, awarding $1,529,250 to 12 organizations to operate after‑school and summer slots. The board also approved contract amendments totaling $153,600 to extend June camp programming at three public‑housing sites.

Anna Hara Tunian, who introduced the items as a lead for the youth programming office, said the 12 organizations will provide 560 after‑school slots and 305 summer slots through the contracts she presented. In total for FY26, the full program portfolio will fund 23 organizations operating at 56 sites and serving children from 62 schools, with a combined allocation of about $4.1 million.

Board members asked about child‑safety safeguards and oversight. Tunian and staff described required background checks, mandatory training in positive youth development, site visits, external assessors that review program quality, and contract insurance requirements including general liability and molestation coverage. Tunian said transportation for afternoon drops is embedded in the contracts and that the city pays other bus costs directly to Metro Public Schools.

The amendments add $153,600 to extend June summer camps in three public‑housing communities: Preston Taylor Apartments (Black Lemonade), Sudicor Apartments (Aspiring Youth Enrichment Services) and Henry Hale Apartments (Bethlehem Center). The three extensions will serve an additional approximately 120 slots across month‑long, five‑day camps in June 2025, Tunian said.

Board members moved and seconded the two separate approvals. Both the contract awards of $1,529,250 and the $153,600 amendment carried on voice votes.