By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Despite apprehension among some board members, Lakewood School authorized a new Before and After Care program for students, by a divided vote at its regular board meeting last week.
The program, contracted out to Kids Club, calls for 4K wrap-around care, and services before and after school.
The 3-1-1 vote had approval from Board President Amanda Hahn, Patricia Platts and Jennifer Matlock – with abstention from Vice President Rhett Suhre – and opposition from Board Clerk Kathy Ticha.
According to District Administrator Joe Price, in a March survey sent to parents, he estimated 58 children could be enrolled in the program.
The hours of operation are from 6 a.m. until the start of school and 3:30-6 p.m. after school along with 4K wrap-around care.
Ticha questioned the survey and inquired whether cost estimates were included.
“When these questionnaires went out, were the amounts on here at all?” Ticha asked.
Price noted the survey included the following weekly rates – Before care, $30-$40; after care, $45-48; before and after care, $75; wrap-around 4K program, $75; before care and wrap-around for 4K, $95; wrap-around care and after care for 4K, $110 and all three for 4K set at $130 per week.
Additionally, Price told board members it would come at no cost for the district, and become a benefit for parents and families.
Suhre expressed concern related to competition with outside companies whose primary source of income comes from their day care and pre-school centers.
“There is a potential conflict of interest. We have to consider there are pre-schools and day care centers (in the area),” Suhre said. “There are some people that use that as a source of income.”
Matlock noted concern with the district’s previous attempt of providing a similar service six years earlier.
She voted in favor, emphasizing accountability for the program, and a series of “checks and balances.”
Kids Club was not the operator of the proposed service six years earlier.
However, Hahn mentioned other neighboring districts use Kids Club, noting none have expressed any concern.
“I think it is a great service, other schools offer it,” said Hahn, pointing to Wheatland, Randall, Bristol and Salem.
Before receiving approval, Price assured the board the company plans to undergo a series of background checks.
Unlike the first attempt six years ago, Price said this approval comes with ample time for the district to coordinate communications with the community and Kids Club.
“As far as our previous attempt, this was 6 years ago and the company is no longer in business. It was a late decision and we didn’t have much time to communicate the service to our community,” Price said.
The school plans to offer the service effective for the 2016-17 academic year.