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Parents and several board members oppose Champions before‑and‑after‑school contract; board approves agreement
Summary
After public testimony raising concerns about access, cost and use of district space, the Decatur Board of Education approved a facility‑use contract with for‑profit provider Champions by roll call (3–2–1, 1 absent). Speakers pressed the board on termination rights and program access; administration said either party may give 60 days’ notice.
The Decatur Public School District 61 Board of Education on June 23 approved a facility‑use contract allowing Champions to provide before‑and‑after‑school care in district buildings, despite public and trustee objections about access and cost.
At a public comment period, Megan Myrick, who identified herself by name, said Champions’ proposed contract seeks broad use of district space "for no charge," including utilities, custodial services and IT access, and questioned whether the program’s enrollment thresholds and fees would exclude many families. "The idea that some families could pay $5 that has been stated at previous meetings is untrue," Myrick said, urging trustees to demand a program that is accessible to district families.
Another speaker who identified herself as a parent and taxpayer urged the board not to vote that night, calling a proposed three‑year contract "absurd" and warning the agreement had been rushed. Several trustees also voiced reservations during discussion about oversight and space allocation.
Administration and counsel described the district’s legal and operational safeguards. Superintendent‑designate Dr. Nicole Moody and administrative staff said the contract includes a 60‑day written‑notice termination provision and that administration would monitor program performance. Legal counsel Luke said, "Generally, yes. Terminating a contract would come before the board," indicating a board review would be possible if termination was pursued.
Trustees debated whether a 60‑day termination clause and ongoing administrative oversight provided sufficient protection. Despite objections, the board approved the motion to accept Champions’ use‑of‑space agreement. Roll call yielded three ayes, two nays, one abstention and one absence. The transcript shows the recorded nays as Mister Hale and Mister Wetzel and the abstention as Mister Joiner; the motion was recorded as carried.
The board and administration said they would continue internal review of program functioning and agreed in discussion to provide ongoing feedback channels so any contractual issues could be raised before renewal or termination.
The contract approval means Champions may begin to use district space under the terms presented; the administration said it would report back on program functioning and any recommended actions to the board.
