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Merced schools report ELOP expansion, return $8.4M of 2023‑24 allocation; ELO center and transportation cited as constraints
Summary
District staff told trustees the 2023‑24 Expanded Learning Opportunities allocation was $17.1 million; about $8.4 million was returned because it could not be spent within reporting windows. Staff outlined growth plans (MARS, summer academy), a planned ELO center (DSA review underway) and transportation/ staffing constraints limiting program expansion.
District staff on Sept. 23 presented an annual report on Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELOP), outlining enrollment growth, program expansion and implementation challenges — including a significant returned balance from the 2023‑24 allocation.
Director of State and Federal Programs Aaron Alexander told the board the district received a $17.1 million allocation for 2023‑24 and was able to expend roughly half before reporting cutoffs, leaving about $8.4 million to be returned. "We were allocated $17.1 million. We were able to expand 8.6 and that means unfortunately we have to return 8.4," Alexander said (staff clarified the return reflected timing and allowable uses). Alexander said the district is budgeted to spend both last year’s allocation and the current year’s allocation in 2025‑26, with plans to reduce returned funds going forward.
Key program metrics presented: the MARS (Merced Academy of Rising Scholars) program has nearly 400 enrolled with 81 waitlisted; partner programs enroll nearly 900 with a wait list exceeding 200. The district reported roughly 35 MARS instructional aides and that hiring remains a constraint; several sites still have open lead positions.
Staff highlighted major capital and program work: the planned ELO (Alo) center is in DSA review with an anticipated bid late in the year and a hopeful completion target in mid‑2026, pending approvals. Transportation capacity — notably limits on electric‑bus range (about 100 miles per full charge) and driver availability — constrains the district’s ability to centralize programs at the ELO center; staff said many programs must remain site‑based unless transportation capacity grows.
Board members pushed for more granular financial breakdowns and asked whether ELOP can support before‑school programs and attendance‑recovery offerings; staff said some uses are allowed but cautioned against supplanting existing district responsibilities and noted state rules about braiding funds and eligible uses. Staff committed to provide a detailed account of returned and spent funds by line item.
Why it matters: ELOP dollars support after‑school, intersession and summer programming that can provide meals, enrichment and targeted instruction for historically underserved students; unspent funds represent missed opportunities in the short term and a planning challenge for district leaders.
Next steps: Staff will deliver a detailed breakdown of the $8.4 million returned for 2023‑24 and report back with refined plans for staffing, transportation and options to increase on‑site and hub programming while complying with state ELOP rules.
