Board approves Right at School ELOP contract after debate over capacity and affordability

The Burbank Unified School District board approved a contract with Right at School to expand after‑school programming under ELOP after prolonged public comment and trustee debate over whether existing partners could scale to meet demand.

What the contract does: Staff described the Right at School arrangement as a blended model to provide a comprehensive after‑school program across elementary sites (targeting grades 2–5 while maintaining ATB/TK‑K supports). District officials said ELAP funding would cover enrolled, eligible families and other families would pay program fees; the contract also provides some revenue‑share mechanisms in non‑ELAP cases.

Points of contention: Public commenters and some trustees questioned whether the district had exhausted capacity with existing partners such as Boys & Girls Club, whether the program’s price points are affordable to working families, and whether Right at School would maintain continuity with the district’s existing ATB model (which often serves TK and K with certificated support). Trustees asked whether the proposed model could leave families subject to higher fees if they could not access subsidized spots.

Board vote and direction: Following discussion, the board approved the Right at School contract by a 3–2 vote. Supporting trustees framed the contract as an additional option to help clear wait lists and avoid repeated general‑fund contributions to sustain after‑school programs; dissenting trustees argued the district should prioritize expanding current partners and addressing affordability for families. The board directed staff to return with a childcare audit, enrollment and affordability metrics, and continued outreach to existing partners to expand capacity.

Representative quotes "We need to provide the most robust options for our parents if there is demand." — Board member Olsen (paraphrase of statements during debate). "It's a combination of issues — capacity, quality and affordability — and we need to be clear which problem we are solving." — Dr. Arcanian (public trustee questioning the rationale).

What follows: Staff said the contract is intended to be implemented for the 2026–27 school year and to be funded through available ELOP/ELAP funding and family fees where applicable; the board requested that staff return promptly with data and an audit of childcare options and wait‑list mitigation plans.