Novi board approves Right at School to run before‑ and after‑school care, approves staff transition supports

The Novi Community School District Board of Education voted April 23 to authorize a contract and memorandum of understanding with Right at School to operate the district’s before‑ and after‑school CARE program, following a presentation by district leadership on financial shortfalls and negotiated staff protections.

Superintendent Mica told the board the district had run a sustained deficit in the CARE program, noting an audited loss of about $840,000 in 2022–23. He said district officials explored rate increases that an analysis showed would require a 40–45% rise to reach break‑even, which would place fees “outside of the market” and limit access for families. The district pursued external partners and negotiated terms with Right at School that officials said preserve program quality while protecting existing staff and district finances.

Dr. Laura Carino, who led detailed negotiations, described Right at School’s STEM‑oriented curriculum, licensing and safety procedures, and a revenue‑share model that the district expects will improve financial sustainability while maintaining comparable pricing tiers. She said the vendor will offer flexible enrollment options, including punch‑card and morning/afternoon‑only choices, intended to reduce wait‑list pressure and increase access.

The board asked for and received specific provisions the district negotiated to protect current employees. Dr. Carino said there are 34 affected staff (care leaders and care aides). Negotiated protections include a pathway for veteran employees (those with 10 or more years) to remain district employees, transitional stipends for those who transfer to Right at School (a $10,000 stipend for care leaders and $2,500 for care aides for staff with five or more years), and commitments to maintain comparable hourly pay rates. The district also scheduled individualized choice meetings for staff, family‑facing informational sessions, and summer training to support a smooth handoff for the 2026–27 school year.

Public commenters at the meeting urged additional protections and voiced concerns about related operational steps. Preschool teacher Allison Angus described a classroom aide who—because of the privatization—would lose full‑time status and possibly cause the aide’s high‑school‑aged child to change schools; Angus asked the board to consider allowing those students to remain through graduation. Other district employees and parents, including a long‑time early‑childhood instructor, said the change could reduce infant and toddler capacity and advised continued dialogue about alternatives.

Board members acknowledged the community concerns while emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the negotiated staff protections. Trustee Beaudoin moved to approve the contract and memorandum of understanding; Trustee Cook supported the motion. The board approved the Right at School agreement by voice vote, recorded as 7 to 0.

The board’s approval transfers operation of the CARE program to Right at School under the terms negotiated by the district; the contract includes provisions described to the board for staff transition, stipends, and registration timing. Administrators said more detailed family communications and Q&A sessions will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

Next steps: the district will hold group informational sessions with Right at School, open registration in spring, and conduct one‑on‑one meetings with staff to confirm choices and timelines. The changes are intended to be in place for the 2026–27 school year.