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Decatur superintendent proposes Champions contract for extended‑day care to help close $2M deficit
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Clark recommended allowing Champions to run a low‑cost extended‑day program using state subsidies and using district space; the superintendent said a contract may come to the board before the end of June and framed the choice as preserving family options while addressing a $2 million deficit.
Superintendent Dr. Clark told the board the district recommended ending a district‑run extended‑day program and has been approached by vendors to run after‑school services. Two vendors were evaluated — Right At School and Champions — and Dr. Clark said Champions offered a model that would be low or no cost to many families because it leverages state‑approved subsidies.
"Champions decided that they would be able to come into the schools and operate a similar program," Dr. Clark said, explaining the district is pursuing options that give families choice and reduce district operating costs. He added, "I do not want us to make a decision based on feelings. I want to give options."
Dr. Clark told trustees the district cannot continue to operate a $2 million deficit and that an outside vendor could provide extended care while the district focuses on core services. He said a contract was expected to be brought to the board "hopefully in the next couple meetings" and possibly before the end of the June meeting.
Board members asked whether neighboring districts offer fully free before/after care; speakers responding said they did not find free programs among peers and raised questions about scale, family cost ranges and how the state subsidy formula (CCRS/CCRS) would determine family payments. One trustee emphasized the board is not directing families to a single provider: "This is not us saying you must go to Champions... Families have to choose them. We're not choosing for families." The superintendent said legal counsel and Champions' representatives would refine contract language and the board would have the opportunity to review the proposed contract at a subsequent meeting.
Next steps: administration plans to return with a proposed contract for board consideration; trustees asked for public comment to be accepted before any final vote.
