Board approves staffing for summer kids club; administration expects program to be cost neutral

The Mineral Point board approved staffing levels for a new summer kids club program after operations committee review of enrollment and staffing plans. Administration reported 31 enrolled students (25 Mineral Point students, three from other districts and two incoming families) and recommended a director and three assistants to provide adequate coverage.

Administration said it would post positions, interview applicants and that the program is expected to be roughly cost neutral based on current registration projections. "We're really looking for a director plus three assistants to help staff the summer kids club program," the District administrator said, explaining that a director would work 40 hours per week at $18 per hour while assistants would be paid $16 per hour.

Board members asked whether the cost-neutral calculation included administrative time, registration fees or potential special education supports; administration said some administrative time is not yet fully accounted for and promised follow-up financial reporting after the program's first year. Trustees voted to approve the staffing authorization so interviews and hiring could proceed before the program starts.

Why it matters: The summer program expands child-care and enrichment options for families during the summer and affects district staffing and short-term operational budgeting. The board requested data after the first year to evaluate whether the program meets participation and financial goals.

Next step: Administration will complete hiring and provide the board with enrollment and financial data after the program runs.