Board approves higher SCOPE summer fees after advisory discussions; community donors may be solicited

The Springfield School District 186 Board of Education approved an increase to its SCOPE summer program fees on April 21, following input from an advisory group that included SCOPE staff, parents and administrators.

The board authorized a weekly fee of $155 per child (up from $125) and an activity fee of $30 per child for the full-day program that runs roughly 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Board and staff presenters said the increase reflects the full-day schedule, transportation and field-trip costs, and the district’s goal of operating the program in-house without outsourcing.

District staff described an advisory meeting with scope employees, parents and school administrators and said they would return with additional planning for fall programming, marketing to boost enrollment and options for an online donation mechanism so community members can contribute to keep the program affordable for families. Staff noted the district previously used ESSER funding and private donations to support activity costs and cited about $54,000 in prior ESSER activity supports over past summers.

Public speakers included John Barry of Teamsters Local 916, who thanked the board for maintaining the SCOPE program and urged continued partnership, and several parents and staff who spoke in favor of preserving the program’s staffing and offerings. One board member clarified that there was never a formal proposal earlier to end SCOPE.

The motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. Board members said they expect to finalize registration timing and any donation platform before the start of summer registration, and to continue advisory-group deliberations on enrollment trends and program locations.

The board’s action applies to summer 2025; staff will bring more details and registration materials back to the board prior to program sign-up.