Board approves KCE Champions as new before-and-after-school provider, YMCA warns some programs may be at risk

The Spotsylvania County School Board voted unanimously May 11 to award the district’s before-and-after-school childcare contract for fiscal 2027 to KCE Champions LLC after procurement staff described a competitive process and the vendor’s program highlights.

Procurement told the board that the division issued the request for proposals on March 6, 2026 through the state procurement system (eVA), notifying 236 potential vendors; six vendors submitted responses. The committee recommended KCE Champions based on methodology, capacity, experience and cost, and staff said costs are “right in line with the market.” The committee noted program features including flexible enrollment, a free trial week, and employer discounts for SCPS employees: first child free the first year, 50% for the first child in year two, and a 10% discount for additional children, plus steeper discounts for children of SCPS employees.

‘‘The vendor’s pricing and support structure meets the needs we documented in the RFP, and staff recommends approval,’’ procurement staff told the board. Board members asked clarifying questions about how the employee discounts apply; procurement answered that the free first year is applied to the first child when an employee signs up.

During public comment, Brandon Bowles, CEO of the Rappahannock Area YMCA, urged the board to consider long-term community benefits tied to the YMCA partnership. Bowles said the YMCA has provided on-site swim lessons, summer learning programs and back-to-school assistance for years and warned that changes to the partnership could jeopardize those services. Several parents and community members echoed gratitude for YMCA programs and asked the board to explore ways to preserve community programming.

Board members acknowledged the YMCA’s contributions and encouraged continued community partnerships but emphasized that the district’s procurement process must follow state law. Chair noted the district is constrained by procurement rules and the published intent to award was disclosed during the RFP process. Several board members also praised KCE’s commitments to family support and employee discounts as meeting division priorities.

The motion to approve the contract was made by Dr. Medawar and seconded by Dr. Daniels; the board approved the award by a 7–0 vote. Procurement staff said the previous provider’s renewal was fully utilized and that the prior contract was scheduled to expire June 30, 2026.

What happens next: the contract award moves to implementation planning with procurement and the vendor. Community partners such as the YMCA said they will continue outreach to determine which non‑contract programs they can sustain outside the SAC contract. The board did not take any additional action to alter the procurement award at the meeting.