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School Committee selects AlphaBest to run extended day and summer programs
Summary
After a competitive RFP process, the Malden School Committee unanimously accepted an advisory committee recommendation to contract with AlphaBest to manage extended day and summer programming beginning this August; the vendor accepts vouchers and proposes expanded hours and summer weeks.
The Malden School Committee unanimously approved an advisory committee recommendation to award the district’s extended day and summer programming contract to AlphaBest, the superintendent said at the June 1 meeting.
The superintendent told the committee the city issued the RFP in March, received proposals from three vendors and convened an advisory committee that reviewed proposals, visited sites and evaluated financial bids. That committee recommended AlphaBest as ‘‘the most compelling proposal to meet the needs of our children and families,’’ the superintendent said.
Members asked AlphaBest-related questions before the vote. Tony Mertz, the district’s director of finance and operations, said AlphaBest’s proposal included voucher acceptance and a sliding scale that could increase affordability and enrollment. Committee members also noted the vendor had described drop-in options, longer daily hours (up to 6:00 p.m. instead of the current 5:30 p.m.), and the ability to run more weeks of summer programming (up to eight or more, depending on the calendar).
On staffing and special-needs support, committee members said the RFP gave preference to current district staff who apply; the superintendent said the preference was written into the RFP but not guaranteed. Committee reviewers reported site-visit impressions that AlphaBest’s protocols for students with special needs were robust and included individualized planning with families and teachers.
Committee member Mr. Fiato noted state Early Education and Care licensing protocols require about a 1:13 staff-to-student ratio for these programs; administration confirmed vendors must follow those ratios and hire to match registration levels.
The motion to accept the recommendation was made by Mr. Piazza and seconded by Ms. Rose Aiberg. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.
The superintendent said the district will finalize contract terms and begin family registration for fall programming.
What happens next: The administration will proceed with contract finalization and advise families about registration and program details for the fall.
