Parents and advocates urge $600,000 for Jaycox Elementary before/after-school care

Speakers at Norfolk's public hearing asked the city to prioritize $600,000 to restore before- and after-school care at Jaycox Elementary School.

Keenan Baskerville, who said he had surveyed nearly 250 parents, told the council the lack of out-of-school-time care leaves children unsupervised before the school's 9 a.m. start time and forces some parents to reduce work hours. "This $600,000 I'm asking for is not just an investment that would fund staffing, programming and supplies. In the short term, it means parents can work more and students are safer," Baskerville said.

Elise McMath, representing New Virginia Majority, urged the program be accessible to all students regardless of criteria, arguing such funding would improve attendance, literacy and economic stability.

Carl Pool, who described multi-generational ties to Jaycox, and other speakers said the program previously existed before pandemic-era cuts and recommended partnerships with community groups such as the Boys and Girls Club to deliver services.

Speakers emphasized equity: Jaycox is part of Norfolk's Equity and Excellence Learning Center pilot, but commenters said current before/after care is limited and does not meet citywide needs.

Council did not vote on a funding line at the hearing. The public hearing function was to gather comment ahead of council budget deliberations and appropriation votes.