District says four elementary sites will lose 21st Century after‑school grant funding; officials exploring alternatives

Officials told the board that four elementary schools (Ellis, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, and Washington) will not receive 21st Century after‑school grant funding next year because the grant cycles at those sites ended and renewals were not awarded.

AJ Watson said the district reviewed options and that it would require roughly $155,000 to operate those after‑school programs without the grant. Staff are notifying families so they can make alternative plans and are pursuing partners (for example the Boys & Girls Club) and hope to reapply if the grant opens again.

Administrators noted transportation is not provided for attendance at other sites, and that grant reopenings are outside the district’s direct control. The board and staff said they would continue looking for options to sustain programming or help families connect with partners.