District says after‑school and contracted programs lift scores; trustees demand more vendor data before renewals

Merced — Presentations at the Merced City School District board meeting on June 23 credited contracted after‑school and expanded learning programs with measurable student gains, but trustees repeatedly asked staff for more detailed participant and vendor accountability data ahead of contract renewals.

Crystal Russell, the district’s family and student engagement coordinator, said targeted interventions and partner programs drove a 23.5 average‑point gain on the district progress assessment (DPA) for participating students compared with 15.5 points for all MCSD students. Russell said contracted programs had an average daily attendance of about 95% and recorded far fewer suspension incidents than district averages (76 incidents in contracted programs versus 463 districtwide). "These numbers speak for themselves," Russell said, adding that priority outreach and personalized recruitment helped increase participation among students with greatest need.

Assistant Superintendent Mendes highlighted systemwide literacy improvements — "8% more students achieved at or above benchmark on our reading difficulty screener compared to last school year" — and described expanded preschool, targeted professional learning (more than 5,000 staff learning experiences rated 4.57/5) and partnerships with UC Merced and community organizations.

Trustees raised several concerns in follow‑up: how many unique students each vendor actually served (versus percentage statistics that obscure small absolute counts), whether vendor contracts are flat‑rate or attendance‑based, and whether vendor renewal packets should include photos, attendance logs and outcome summaries. Trustee Brooks asked for clarification after presentations that showed some programs serving small absolute numbers despite high percentage figures, noting the need for case studies and participant breakdowns.

Mr. Alexander, who briefed the board on vendor contracts for 2026–27, said two vendors under consideration would return for formal approval in August: Faith, Love & Hope (up to 30 students, potential funding up to $222,913) and Simple Equation (a new vendor proposing service for up to 40 students, possible funding up to $245,685). Alexander said staff are working to finalize terms and will present fuller executive summaries before contracts are presented for vote.

Trustees recommended stronger vendor oversight on renewals — including advisory reviews and pre‑approval documentation — and asked staff to add clearer program participation metrics to future information items. Staff agreed to share more granular attendance and outcome reports and to post key LCAP and program summaries on the district website.

The board did not approve new contracts at this meeting; the vendors discussed were presented as information items with anticipated action in August.