Districts outline after‑school supports; staffing, bus routing and funding limit expansion

District representatives told the subcommittee that after‑school and extended‑learning programs are a primary short‑term support for students whose families need supervision and nutrition outside school hours and that program availability varies by district.

Fresno Unified representatives said after‑school programs are free with no district‑level wait list. Sanger Unified said its after‑school program — funded through state expanded learning funds — serves about 4,000 students and runs until 6 p.m., including a snack. Clovis Unified said 17 schools offer no‑cost campus club (all Title I sites), 18 schools charge fees but waive them for low‑income students, and the district has reduced fees where families cannot afford them.

Trustees and council members identified major barriers to expanding access: staffing shortages (for campus club and extended‑learning programs), classroom and facility capacity, and transportation. Clovis Unified said staffing remains the most significant constraint, with ongoing hiring efforts and some wait lists for campus club seats. Council member Richardson asked whether bus routing expansion is primarily constrained by funding, vehicles, or drivers; district staff said staffing and driver availability are recurring limiting factors. Members discussed targeting expansions to neighborhoods identified by aggregate data (counts by ZIP code or school attendance area) so the city and districts could deploy sites, buses or partners like Boys & Girls Club where they are most needed.

Districts said additional funding and grant pursuit could help expand free seats; council members asked staff to consider partnerships and grants to bridge short‑term needs while longer‑term housing and infrastructure solutions are pursued.