Council hears concerns that Royal ISD may end local Boys & Girls Club; city exploring alternatives

Council discussion on Jan. 15 focused on reports that Royal ISD may cancel the Boys & Girls Club program at Royall High School and substitute a YMCA site that staff said would carry an estimated cost of about $300 per month.

Mayor Richards and councilmembers described the program as a low‑cost after‑school resource: Meals on Wheels has provided meals, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Houston had paid staff salaries, and the school provided the location. Councilmembers and attendees said moving to a YMCA site could increase costs for parents and reduce access for students who rely on the current program.

Council discussed possible alternatives, including offering city facilities such as the convention center or working with community organizations. Councilmember(s) also noted that discussions with local nonprofit operators (including a conversation with Cassandra Reynolds at the Hangar) had identified potential backup sites if the school board finalizes a change.

No timeline for a Royal ISD decision was provided in the meeting; council did not take formal action but asked staff to continue exploring options to keep after‑school programming available to Brookshire students.