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Nelson County proposes county‑run after‑school program at Tower River, Rockhurst
Summary
Nelson County Parks & Recreation proposed a county‑run after‑school program at Tower River and Rockhurst schools, targeting about 11–12 children per site and seeking modest staff additions and a part‑time childcare coordinator to ensure coverage and training. The board discussed timing to allow April registration and options for grant support.
Nelson County Parks & Recreation presented a proposal to launch a county‑run after‑school program next school year at Tower River and Rockhurst schools, saying the program could be self‑sustaining if it enrolls roughly 11 to 12 children per site.
The presenter, speaking during a budget presentation, said the department has modeled staffing and revenue and placed detailed line‑item requests in the packet. "If we look at bringing in an estimated 11 to 12 kids per school, which I think very well we can hit, with proper promotion of the program and marketing of the program, the program should be self sustainable," the presenter said. The packet includes a staffing breakdown showing two on‑site staff per location (a site director and group leaders) and an education and recreation supplies line that includes a $3,600 allotment for after‑school materials.
Why it matters: County operation avoids the state childcare licensure barrier that has complicated private or nonprofit providers, and the county said running the program through Parks & Recreation could reduce administrative friction and allow coordinated activities with schools. Dr. Hester, participating in the discussion, said staffing shortages have hampered similar efforts in recent years and welcomed the proposal.
Program design and costs: The county described a staffing model with one site director and group leaders at each site and proposed a part‑time childcare coordinator based in the department office to support training, supply distribution and short‑notice coverage. The presenter described that role as a four‑hour‑per‑day, part‑time position covering roughly the school year (about 175 school days plus roughly 10 additional summer days) and said the coordinator would bring the program "over the break‑even point" but is not required for basic sustainability at the 11–12 child enrollment target. The department also proposed an $8,600 increase in site supervisor pay for the full year to reduce overtime burdens on existing staff.
Board members asked about outside funding. A supervisor asked whether federal subsidies might be available; the presenter said staff would investigate snack and meal grant opportunities and other possible grant support. The presenter also said the department had used state sustainability funds for outdoor recreation projects in recent years and would check revenue lines that might offset initial costs.
Timing and next steps: The presenter said April is the latest practical deadline to begin advertising and open registration so parents see the option before summer break. "I would say kind of that April is very latest. That'll be the parents a month before their kids are released," the presenter said. A board member expressed willingness to consider an earlier approval to support pre‑summer outreach.
The presenter invited follow‑up questions and offered to provide more detailed budget information to supervisors outside the meeting. The board did not take a formal vote on the program during this session; the proposal was presented as part of the departmental budget request for FY27.
