Chico Unified staff outline expanded-learning afterschool programs, funding sources and staffing pressures

At a special Chico Unified board workshop, staff described the district's expanded learning programs and answered questions about funding, enrollment priorities and staffing.

Ken Claw, administrator for the expanded learning programs, said the district runs a suite of no-cost, grant-funded options for TK through sixth-grade students, including a large BLAST afterschool program, a Homework Heroes option, a sixth-grade after-school offering, before-school care and intersession camps. "We provide a safe, structured, engaging environments for our students so they can explore interest, receive academic support and develop essential life skills," Claw said.

Claw and other presenters described BLAST as a mix of academic support and enrichment: "We provide 60 minutes of academic support daily," he said, noting 30 minutes of required reading and 30 minutes of homework help, followed by enrichment and a dedicated daily recreation period that includes standards-based PE. Staff described leadership by credentialed teachers, instructional paraprofessionals and a partnership with the Chico Area Recreation Department (CARD) for many site leaders.

Staff reported regular participation levels: about 960 students use morning before-school programming daily; BLAST had a reported daily average near 1,171 students; Homework Heroes was described as having roughly 450 enrolled and about 383 students participating each day; and the sixth-grade after-school program averages about 215 students per day. District presenters said BLAST ratios average 15:1 for first through fifth grade and 7:1 for TK/K.

District staff also summarized expansion and funding. They said the work began in 2004 and expanded after the state created the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program; the district now has two primary funding streams: the formula-based Expanded Learning Opportunities allocation and competitive ACES grants. Staff explained the formula allocation is offered to every California district and is based on an unduplicated student count; ACES grants are on a three-year application cycle and the district currently holds ACES funding at 10 of 12 elementary sites and has applied for additional sites with decisions expected in May. Staff noted renewal and continued eligibility for some grants depends in part on meeting attendance targets.

Presenters described the district's intersession camps and summer plans: the required 30-site days of additional programming run about 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with recent participation counts of 348 for early-back camp, about 118 for a December offering and about 422 for spring-break camp. Staff said they are currently staffed to serve approximately 2,200 students for this summer's program (June 8 to July 2).

Site staff and enrichment teachers gave local examples. Nate Hec, after-school coordinator at Citrus Elementary, described a consistent weekly schedule of themes and clubs and credited CARD leaders and newly provided inclusion leaders for much of the program's day-to-day work. Anita Holsley, an enrichment teacher who leads sewing, brought student work and described older students mentoring younger ones. Students from Hooker Oak presented briefly about BLAST's community and activities; one fourth grader said, "We all love BLAST," and described team activities, clubs and rewards.

Board members asked several operational questions. Member Robinson and others pressed staff on the grant process and sustainability; staff replied that the formula-based allocation requires no application and that ACES grants are re-applied for on a three-year cycle, with attendance goals a factor in renewal. Staff explained enrollment follows an annual sign-up with a lottery governed by Education Code rules; returning participants and unhoused or foster youth receive priority, and wait lists persist where staffing has not kept pace with demand.

Board members also raised concerns about TK/K students staying until 6 p.m. Staff said TK/K students do not have the same attendance requirements as older grades, receive shorter, more play-focused days with a rest period and that staff consult parents about rest preferences.

On technology, staff said programs typically have limited Chromebooks (about 40 per program) that are used primarily for homework time; the district indicated it is reducing reward screen time consistent with a board policy limiting screen-time rewards.

The board took no action on the workshop item; it was an information-only presentation. Earlier in the meeting the board approved the consent calendar by unanimous vote. President Conan closed the session and the board adjourned.

Next steps noted by staff: continued applications for ACES grant funding for two schools, monitoring attendance targets for renewal requirements, and ongoing efforts to address staffing constraints that limit program expansion, especially for TK/K slots.