Community Learning Centers report: enrollment growing, scholarship budget under pressure

The Sioux Falls School Board on Dec. 8 heard an update on the Community Learning Centers (CLC), which district staff said continued to expand at elementary and middle-school levels while scholarship spending outpaced the current budget.

Mr. Kaiser, who leads the CLC program, said elementary after-school programming expanded to 23 schools with enrollment trending back toward prior highs, and before-school programming increased from one to eight schools serving about 230 students this year. He reported that the CLC served roughly 1,650 students year-to-date and had an average daily attendance that reached about 1,470 students in November.

Kaiser told trustees the program is seeing an increase of about 200 students who fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and that scholarship resources were being consumed faster than budgeted; the district had budgeted $1,600,000 for scholarships in its 2026 projection and staff said spending was already running at roughly 1.3 times the plan. Kaiser said the district is seeking supplemental funds through the Community Foundation ("Access for All"), United Way and other community partners to sustain scholarships.

Trustees asked about before-school options at middle schools and whether busing would be provided; Kaiser said there is not currently busing for before-school programs and acknowledged transportation likely affects participation for families with higher poverty indicators. Board members praised the CLC’s contribution to attendance and academic improvement, and noted about 70 community partners provide enrichment at no tuition cost to families.

The board moved to acknowledge the CLC report by voice vote. Trustees emphasized that the district will continue to pursue partnerships and funding to sustain and expand middle-school programming and scholarships.