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Webster Groves board hears parents push to fill Adventure Club staffing gaps as wait list grows
Summary
Parents and program managers told the Webster Groves School District Board that the Adventure Club after‑school program has 454 enrolled students, an 83‑child PM wait list and needs about nine additional staff to enroll more children; board members discussed recruitment, hiring timelines and small barriers such as fingerprint/TB test costs.
Parents and program staff urged the Webster Groves School District Board of Education on Tuesday to prioritize hiring for the district’s Adventure Club after‑school program, which managers said currently enrolls about 454 students and carries an 83‑child wait list for afternoon sessions.
The concern drew a public comment from parent Sean Eagleburger, who said the wait list for elementary students looks “very similar” to the start of the school year and that the program needs additional hires at particular sites to open slots. Board members followed with questions during the superintendent’s report and a presentation by Jana Ramsey, the Adventure Club coordinator and Ambrose Family Center representative.
Ramsey told the board the program has about 454 students enrolled — roughly 100 more than last year — and 83 students waiting for PM care; morning wait lists are minimal and offers have been made. She said the program currently needs nine additional staff to reduce the PM list and that managers and leads have been hired for most schools. Ramsey said the district has received about 30 applicants since last May, with several interviews scheduled.
Board members pressed for details on how newly hired staff are allocated across schools, noting imbalances at some sites. Ramsey said staffing assignments are not a simple one‑to‑one ratio because part‑time schedules vary and some hires work only certain days; managers and returning staff are often kept at their previous schools to maintain continuity. She described the target state ratio as roughly 16:1 but cautioned the program’s scheduling complexity prevents a strict application of that rule.
Board members also discussed procedural and financial barriers that slow hires. Ramsey said new hires must be board‑approved at regular meetings unless the board establishes a preapproval process; after board approval, hires must complete fingerprinting, TB testing and other paperwork, which can delay start dates. One board member suggested the district consider reimbursing fingerprint or TB test fees for Adventure Club hires when cost is a barrier; Ramsey said some applicants have delayed starts for that reason. The TB test expense was estimated by a board member at $50–$60.
Superintendent and staff said the district is recruiting on local college job boards (WashU, Webster, Lindenwood, Marshall) and exploring incentives for applicants who can work full weeks. Board members asked staff to return with options to speed approvals and remove hiring barriers where possible.
The discussion followed public comment from Eagleburger and a later report from staff; no formal board action was taken during that portion of the meeting.
