After‑school group New Horizon Now pitches pilot partnership to Winslow Township schools
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Summary
New Horizon Now, a largely grant‑funded nonprofit that says it serves about 350 students annually, asked the Winslow Township Board of Education for a district pilot to provide on‑site after‑school academic and mental‑health supports. Board members sought details on capacity, staffing and costs.
Dr. Nigel Black, founder of New Horizon Now, presented the nonprofit’s after‑school programming to the Winslow Township Board of Education on Feb. 11, saying the organization provides academic tutoring, social‑emotional learning and mental‑health supports and seeks a pilot partnership with the district.
"We serve 350 students a year," Dr. Black told the board, describing programs that combine small‑group instruction, SEL check‑ins and optional enrichment such as STEAM and music. He said the organization is largely grant‑subsidized and aims to offer free or reduced‑cost services to many families.
Board members pressed for operational details. A board member asked how many students New Horizon Now currently serves at a school site; Richard Antonucci, the group’s executive director, said a typical full program cohort runs about 20 students and that offerings are primarily elementary with some middle‑school participants. Antonucci said the group uses a fee schedule tied to families’ free‑and‑reduced‑lunch status and supplements costs with county grants.
Presenters identified two principal challenges: outreach/awareness in the community and transportation to their centrally located facility. They also listed existing partners and MOUs, including a local social‑service provider that offers a mental‑health wing and prior collaborations with an area family success center.
Dr. Mark Silverstein, introduced as a consultant and former superintendent, told the board he had reviewed the proposal and characterized it as a low‑cost option for the district with potential benefits for students.
The board did not take formal action on Feb. 11. Several members said they wanted follow‑up information on staffing (certification of instructors), capacity at specific schools, a proposed pilot school site, a clear fee schedule, transportation options and how student outcomes would be measured.
The presenters proposed measuring success through student‑level assessments and parent‑set goals and suggested further discussion with district staff about a possible on‑site pilot. The board encouraged staff to continue conversations with New Horizon Now and to report back with details before any contract or MOU is considered.
