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District highlights growth of expanded‑learning programs amid federal funding uncertainty
Summary
Washington Unified staff described rapid growth in after‑school and intersession programs, noted state grant support (ACES, ELOP) and reassured the board that current local and state funding sustain programs despite federal uncertainty.
District staff presented a detailed update on expanded‑learning programs and the district’s participation in 'Lights On After School,' emphasizing substantial enrollment growth and program offerings.
Ryan Carroll, coordinator of expanded learning, said the district expanded from five after‑school sites when he started in 2022 to seven sites this year, with average daily attendance rising to about 1,300 students and total enrollment approaching 1,450. Carroll described program activities (hands‑on STEM experiments, arts, cooking, physical activity), partnerships with the YMCA and community organizations, and intersession programming across multiple school sites.
Carroll outlined the funding picture: California has two state grants (ACES and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) that provide baseline funding in the state, supplemented by federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants in other states. He noted federal funding uncertainty for after‑school programs but said WUSD’s programs currently rely on state grants and district allocations.
Carroll framed the expansion as a response to strong parent demand and capacity building: the district reported year‑over‑year increases (e.g., from ~436 to 928 to over 1,200 attendees across three school years), and staff said they will continue to track enrollment and capacity needs.
What happens next: staff will continue program growth planning, monitor funding developments at the federal level and report back to the board on capacity, costs and grant‑funding status.
