Residents and former staff urge board to restore North Hills community‑center funding and preserve after‑school programs

Dozens of community members spoke during the meeting’s second public‑comment period to urge the Upper Dublin School District board to restore or preserve funding for the North Hills Community Center’s after‑school and summer programs.

Speakers included long‑time volunteers, former teachers, clergy and parents who described the center as a safety net and an extension of learning—supporting homework help, reading, internships and summer jobs. Several speakers said the program historically received $40,000 in district support and warned that defunding would disproportionately harm children in North Hills.

"This is not just a place for students to go after school. It's an extension of their learning," said a community volunteer who identified a close working relationship with the North Hills Collective. Multiple speakers suggested the board and administration improve oversight, define curriculum alignment and explore an executive‑director model or district partnership to provide clearer governance while preserving programming.

Program staff and former teachers described personal outcomes tied to the program: improved attendance, increased confidence and long‑term success for students who participated. A former special‑education teacher who worked at the program for a decade described it as “joy in these rooms” and urged the board to value continuity and community partnerships.

Board members acknowledged concerns and said administration and the board will continue dialogue in a follow‑up session scheduled for April 28. Superintendent Dr. Smith summarized recent and ongoing meetings with stakeholders and described next steps to explore program oversight, alignment and sustainable funding.

The public record includes requests to restore funding, to publish performance evidence, and to work collaboratively on a transition plan if oversight gaps remain. The board did not vote on funding tonight; members noted that some of the issues will be discussed at upcoming committee meetings and at the follow‑up community session.

This article draws quotes and factual details from the meeting transcript’s second public‑comment period and from the board’s closing remarks.