Board approves one‑year license for private after‑school program at Dickinson

The Northport‑East Northport Board of Education voted to approve a one‑year licensing agreement allowing a private provider to operate an after‑school childcare program at Dickinson for the 2025–26 school year.

Superintendent David Moyer said the operator, referenced as KCE Champions (a transfer of ownership from Kindercare), will run a privately administered program that uses district space under a license agreement, not a lease. "They will privately run this program. It's administered by them. They will charge fees to them," a board member summarized at the meeting. The district will provide busing from four elementary schools to the Dickinson site, and program hours were described as roughly 2:20 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Moyer and staff said program rates shared with the district were expected to be about $85 per week for full‑time after‑school care and about $55 per week for one to two days; the operator also planned registration fees and discounts for military families and multiple children. The district emphasized the program is parent‑funded and not district‑operated.

Board members asked several logistical questions about space and tenant conflicts. Staff said the license is intentionally a one‑year term with renewal options to preserve district flexibility if a daytime tenant or other use of the building becomes available. The district noted alternative spaces within Dickinson (for example, the gymnasium) could be used if physical‑space issues arise.

Trustees also raised that BOCES had previously occupied part of Dickinson and invested in improvements (including air conditioning); staff said BOCES subsequently relocated and the district understood that decision. The superintendent said the operator would publish enrollment and program information publicly the day after the meeting, pending the meeting outcome.

Action: The board approved the licensing agreement as presented. The motion and second were recorded in the meeting minutes; the transcript does not provide a numerical vote tally.

Context: Board members described district efforts to respond to community requests for more after‑school options and noted that internal attempts to operate district‑run childcare were not feasible. The one‑year license was described as a practical step to provide more options to families while preserving flexibility over space and future tenants.

What’s next: Staff will finalize negotiated terms, publish operator information, and proceed with the one‑year license and busing arrangements if parents enroll in the program.