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District proposes incremental fee increases for after‑school ELop program to sustain services
Summary
District staff proposed gradual family fee increases for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) beginning 2025‑26 to offset declining rate‑two state funding; unduplicated students would remain free and sliding scales and subsidy referrals were proposed.
District staff presented a sustainability plan for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), proposing gradual family fee increases to keep after‑school services running amid declining state allocations to "rate two" districts.
Jennifer Hawkins, the Union City Family Center coordinator, and Alex Melo, manager of beyond‑the‑bell programs, explained ELOP funds after‑school programs for TK–8 and noted program requirements (staffing ratios, nine‑hour instructional day, priority enrollment for unduplicated students). Because New Haven Unified is designated a rate‑two district, per‑pupil ELOP funding is smaller than in rate‑one districts and has fallen year to year.
To sustain programming, staff proposed a fee increase phased across 2025‑26 and 2026‑27: a $5 per day increase for TK/K in 2025‑26 and an incremental $2.50 per day increase for grades 1–8 (with further similar adjustments in 2026‑27). Staff projected roughly $243,000 in additional revenue for 2025‑26 and approximately $486,000 in 2026‑27 under current enrollment estimates.
Equity measures proposed include keeping ELOP free for unduplicated students (English learners, low‑income, foster and McKinney‑Vento youth), implementing a sliding fee scale, continuing sibling and staff discounts, and connecting families to childcare subsidy programs. Trustees asked how New Haven’s rates compare to neighboring districts; staff said neighboring districts are typically multi‑funded and charge higher fees.
Board action and next steps: The presentation was informational; any fee changes will require future action when the district brings final budget proposals. Staff said they will offer financial assistance options and outreach to preserve accessibility for low‑income families.
Why it matters: ELOP funds day‑to‑day after‑school operations that provide academic and enrichment services; declining state funding for rate‑two districts creates a sustainability gap that the proposed fees aim to close while preserving access for high‑need students.
