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Board approves new after‑school vendors after parents and staff raise alarm about CARES transition
Summary
Trustees approved contracts with YMCA of the East Bay, Diana Dare and Wright at School after parents and staff said they learned—sometimes by word of mouth—that the CARES program was ceasing; the superintendent said existing providers in good standing will be offered comparable positions and communications were forthcoming.
The Mount Diablo Unified School District board approved three independent contractor agreements for after‑school services after parents and CARES staff raised alarms about a last‑minute transition and lack of district communication.
Multiple parents and staff told the board they learned that the CARES after‑school program would cease operating on campuses with only two weeks' notice. Cora Mitchell said "families have received 0 communication whatsoever from the district" and described parents "panicking" after learning the change by word‑of‑mouth. Jennifer Sylvester and other speakers said staff were scared after being told they would need to reapply for positions with new vendors.
Superintendent Clark said the district made a business decision to change providers and that existing after‑care providers "in good standing with the district will have the opportunity to remain in comparable positions even under new management." He also said the contracts are one‑year terms and that families and staff will have an opportunity to weigh in during future procurement cycles. The board pulled several items from the consent agenda to allow public comment and then approved independent contractor agreements with YMCA of the East Bay, with Diana Dare, and with Wright at School by vote 5‑0 with the student board member concurring.
Trustees and staff said they expected communications to go out to families the evening of the meeting to explain the transitions and next steps. District counsel and HR said every effort would be made to retain existing after‑care staff who are in good standing, but that background checks, hiring paperwork and training timelines create practical constraints for a rapid transition.
Because the contracts are for one year, speakers said families and community organizations will have an opportunity to respond or propose alternatives in future procurement rounds. The board did not change the district's one‑year contract term at the meeting.
