Committee approves contract authority for After School All Stars program

The Finance, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee approved Ordinance 354‑2026 on May 11, authorizing the director of finance to enter into one or more contracts with After School All Stars to deliver out‑of‑school enrichment programming.

Sherry Ellery, interim director of the Office of Prevention, Intervention & Opportunity, introduced the item and said staff and program partners had completed "an extensive thorough evaluation of this program during the workforce development committee." She named program staff attending and said the partnership will operate at Fairfax and Zellma George recreation centers.

Tracy Jadlos, executive director of After School All Stars, described the curriculum and field‑trip plans, noting a private invitation for students to visit the Governor's House in Columbus this summer. Program staff said participants register through an application process; the program also engages social‑support service specialists and recreation staff to encourage participation. Council members asked about site selection, management oversight and goals; staff said Michael Cook will manage expanded programs and report to Samantha Holmes, senior program manager.

Committee members noted prior committee approval in workforce education, training and youth development and approved the ordinance as amended; the amendment added a requirement that renewal options beyond the initial year require additional legislative authority.