Travis Unified moves to expand state‑funded after‑school programs; board signals support for vendor Champions and charging non‑targeted students

At the May 13 board meeting, district staff recommended expanding the state‑funded Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) to serve all elementary sites and sixth graders at Golden West Middle School. After reviewing eight proposals, staff said Champions scored highest in the RFP process and has performed well on existing sites (Travis and Scandia).

Staff explained the program is funded by the state for targeted students (low‑income, English learners, foster and homeless youth), but that Travis — a tier‑2 district with fewer than 55% unduplicated pupils — will not receive per‑pupil funding sufficient to serve every eligible student without local contributions if participation rates are high. Nick from Educational Services told trustees that historical participation at a running site is about 30% of eligible students and that the district can operate sustainably up to about 50% participation with existing estimates; higher turnout would require local funding.

Trustees agreed on two points: proceed with plans to expand ELOP to all sites and direct staff to return with a contract and fiscal modeling; and explore charging non‑targeted students a modest, affordable fee to help sustain operations while preserving access for targeted students. Board members stressed any fee must be competitive, not profit‑driven, and that surplus revenue would be reinvested in programming. Christian, a Travis AFB representative, said base partners welcome additional options but asked the district to coordinate with base childcare providers to avoid unintended competition for limited childcare slots.

Next steps: staff will return to the June 9 meeting with a proposed contract, pricing options for non‑targeted families, facilities planning and enrollment projections; the board asked for a one‑year review to compare costs, participation and any impacts on local childcare providers.