Moreno Valley board selects Woodcraft Rangers to run after‑school clubs after RFP and parent outcry
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Summary
After a formal RFP that drew 32 responses and public pleas to retain Think Together, the Moreno Valley Unified School District board unanimously approved Woodcraft Rangers as the primary expanded learning provider, citing interest‑based club rotations and built‑in inclusion specialists.
The Moreno Valley Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously to award its expanded learning provider (ELAP) contract to Woodcraft Rangers after a months‑long competitive process and extensive discussion of family feedback.
Board members and staff said the district solicited proposals, received 32 submissions, and evaluated them on program quality, references, inclusion supports and cost. Purchasing director Silvano Jose described the RFP and evaluation process, saying evaluators followed published criteria and that no formal bid protests were received. Director of after‑school services Nick Stearns told the board Woodcraft Rangers ranked highest because of its interest‑based club model, quality‑control coaches and embedded inclusion specialists to support students with disabilities.
The decision followed public comment asking the board to "please reconsider keeping Think Together," a longtime vendor parents credited with positive outcomes for students. Parent Dijanae Brooks told the board Think Together had served children in the district for years and urged continuity for families and students with special needs.
Woodcraft Rangers representatives described how the vendor operates 6–8 week club cycles, rotates high‑demand offerings to avoid wait lists, and embeds a community liaison at each site to engage families. "We have the deepest curriculum enrichment catalog of any provider with more than 100 options," Julie Brooks, CEO of Woodcraft Rangers, said, adding the organization runs regional showcases so families can see student work and participation.
District staff emphasized the vendor change is intended to expand program options and accessibility rather than eliminate after‑school programming. The board approved the ELAP award by roll call vote 5–0.
Next steps include contract finalization and coordination with schools to publish registration windows, anticipated club rotations, and inclusion supports for students who need them.