Facts about after-school program closure
Calaveras Enterprise
After hearing the testimonials at a recent board meeting
outlining all questions, issues and concerns with the pending closure of
the after-school program at San Andreas Elementary, Kids Place, I felt
it necessary to provide additional insight on the topic.
First, let me convey that I am sincerely sorry for any hardship this decision creates for all families involved. I am not insensitive to the impact the closure has on the parents and students, as well as the community.
The question was raised as to why San Andreas
Elementary is closing but not other programs. San Andreas Elementary was
funded by a federal grant and the most recent application for a renewed
grant was denied, due to lack of sufficient funds at the federal level.
Other school sites in our district that are grant funded will remain
open. Jenny Lind and West Point elementary schools are funded through
state grants. I remain fully interested in dialogue regarding options to
keep the San Andreas Elementary School after-school program open, but
that would have to be an option that does not impact the Calaveras
Unified School District budget. I would entertain options to provide a
facility to a qualified entity offering after-school care in a very
user-friendly lease arrangement.
While it is true that the district has been able to provide this program to parents, students and the community for many years (and it has been very pleased to be able to do so) what we have provided has been a benefit and privilege – an additional service – in that our only responsibility or obligation is to provide the standard school program (academics, meals, enrichment, etc.) during the course of the six-hour school day. The fact that we have had the luxury of offering the after-school program, I believe, has created a sense of expectation that I understand but is unrealistic.
The reality that we are no longer able to afford the program should not result in the district being viewed in a negative light specific to any impact to families and our community. That is a perspective that is misguided and unfair.
At the end of last year, the district school board voted to approve closure of the program. This was done early enough so staff or parents could make whatever adjustments were necessary. The timing does not negate the negative impact this has on all involved but this was not a last-minute decision. As the district looks for options to reduce the deficit that exists in its budget (exploring areas to cut or reduce program) it does not make sense (fiscally) to keep the program open.
Any conversation about keeping the San Andreas Elementary after-school program open would need to also include what we are willing to cut (people and programs) in order to free up the funding to pay for it – which might include closing a small school, reducing programs elsewhere or using district reserves at the risk of future fiscal stability.
The closure is not a judgment on the program. The staff has done a fantastic job of providing high-quality service to students, and I am grateful and appreciative for the dedicated efforts of all involved. I am sincerely sorry for the impact on children, families and staff. I wish I had a better decision or direction to move forward with. However, external circumstances dictate our reality, as outlined above, regretfully.
Mark Campbell is the superintendent of the Calaveras Unified School District. Contact him at mcampbell@calaveras.k12.ca.us.
First, let me convey that I am sincerely sorry for any hardship this decision creates for all families involved. I am not insensitive to the impact the closure has on the parents and students, as well as the community.
While it is true that the district has been able to provide this program to parents, students and the community for many years (and it has been very pleased to be able to do so) what we have provided has been a benefit and privilege – an additional service – in that our only responsibility or obligation is to provide the standard school program (academics, meals, enrichment, etc.) during the course of the six-hour school day. The fact that we have had the luxury of offering the after-school program, I believe, has created a sense of expectation that I understand but is unrealistic.
The reality that we are no longer able to afford the program should not result in the district being viewed in a negative light specific to any impact to families and our community. That is a perspective that is misguided and unfair.
At the end of last year, the district school board voted to approve closure of the program. This was done early enough so staff or parents could make whatever adjustments were necessary. The timing does not negate the negative impact this has on all involved but this was not a last-minute decision. As the district looks for options to reduce the deficit that exists in its budget (exploring areas to cut or reduce program) it does not make sense (fiscally) to keep the program open.
Any conversation about keeping the San Andreas Elementary after-school program open would need to also include what we are willing to cut (people and programs) in order to free up the funding to pay for it – which might include closing a small school, reducing programs elsewhere or using district reserves at the risk of future fiscal stability.
The closure is not a judgment on the program. The staff has done a fantastic job of providing high-quality service to students, and I am grateful and appreciative for the dedicated efforts of all involved. I am sincerely sorry for the impact on children, families and staff. I wish I had a better decision or direction to move forward with. However, external circumstances dictate our reality, as outlined above, regretfully.
Mark Campbell is the superintendent of the Calaveras Unified School District. Contact him at mcampbell@calaveras.k12.ca.us.
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