Blue Ridge officials outline after‑school expansion under federal 21st Century grant
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Summary
District coordinators told the board the 21st Century grant funds tutoring, Saturday schools and enrichment; they said the program served 266 students so far and plans to add a greenhouse, art programming and a mountain‑biking club. Volunteers and background‑checked tutors will be sought.
Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32 (4397) staff described plans Tuesday for an expanded after‑school program funded by a federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, saying it already has served 266 students and will add academic and enrichment opportunities.
Vakari Chartier, who said she is new to the district and is working at the junior high, told the board the grant is “the only federal funding dedicated to safe, meaningful after school programs for our students.” Tasha (site coordinator) said tutoring runs Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30 at both the junior high and high school and that the program has also run Saturday school and credit‑recovery sessions. “In total since that time, we have served 266 students,” she said.
Presenters outlined planned spring and summer offerings that include a greenhouse for hands‑on learning, art and multimedia classes, English language arts targeted tutoring and a mountain‑biking club in partnership with a local Wheel Fund that will provide bikes and trail support. The coordinators said the grant supplements — but does not replace — existing programs.
Board members pressed presenters on logistics and safety. The chair asked whether volunteers would be required to undergo background checks; a presenter said, “Yes,” and that the district staff (Mary Ford was named in discussion) can facilitate that process. District staff also reported they have arranged transportation so bus drivers can remain until 5:30 p.m. to take students home.
The presenters described the grant duration and funding profile: it is a five‑year award that requires annual reapplication, funded at 100% for the first three years and estimated at 75% for the final two years. They asked the public to help recruit adult volunteers with skills — from cooking to cultural‑heritage programming — and directed interested adults to contact Vakari or Tasha.
What happens next: presenters said coordinators will continue outreach for tutors and volunteers and will return to the board with program updates and any budget implications when required.
