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Jenkintown SD weighs expansion of after‑school care and in‑day clubs amid staffing concerns
Summary
District administrators told the school board they have several aftercare candidates and plan to present an aide job description; board members and parents debated scheduling clubs during recess versus after school and flagged space, staffing and budget tradeoffs.
District administrators told the Jenkintown SD board on Oct. 13 they are moving to fill open spots in the before‑ and after‑school care program and are planning a staffing proposal for board approval.
"We currently have 7 or 8 families that have consistently been contacting Carmen Taylor regarding the status of the wait list," the administrator said, adding that three candidates have recently applied and one was interviewed. The administrator said the district expects to bring an aide job description (an under‑18 aide position supervised by certified staff) for approval, and hopes to have staffing decisions on an upcoming agenda or by Nov. 13.
The board and members of the public pressed administrators about how new co‑curricular clubs will fit into the school day. Administrators outlined a mix of offerings: Pokémon club, art club, Kindness Club, WeVideo, yoga, a student council adviser, and Reading Olympics. Reading Olympics would field four teams of about 12 students each, roughly 48 students total.
Parents and board members urged caution about displacing recess for young children. "I don't think it's appropriate to take away a recess for a club," resident Julian Greenberry said, citing developmental needs and urging additional aftercare space if participation increases. Administrator responses emphasized rotating scheduling, a potential consistent afternoon slot for after‑school activities, and better coordination with coaches and the Home and School Association to allow volunteer‑led clubs or outside fee‑based providers.
Administrators noted budget line items for co‑curricular programs: eight adviser slots budgeted at $1,122 each, with Reading Olympics leaving an approximate $1,166 balance for other uses. They said some program budgets could be repurposed if the board approves and that volunteer leaders would be vetted through standard district procedures.
The board asked staff to refine scheduling proposals and report back with a clearer plan for balancing recess, after‑school offerings and staffing needs. No formal board action on program changes was taken at the meeting.
