Council committee clears emergency authorization for Akran after‑school program expansion with YMCA pilot

The planning and economic development committee moved forward on an ordinance to authorize a contract between the mayor and Akran Public Schools to fund general operations of the Akran after‑school program and to pilot an expansion in partnership with the Akran area YMCA.

Michelle Wall, education and health strategist in the mayor’s office, told the committee the city has supported the program for more than two decades and is proposing to continue operations at the same funding level as last year. “This I’m Michelle Wall, the education and health strategist in the mayor’s office,” she said as she introduced the item and speakers for the record.

Desiree Balden, who has led Akran after school for many years, said program data from recent years show participating students have higher daily attendance and lower chronic absenteeism compared with their school averages. “Based on the last three years of strong data on academics and attendance, Akran after school is looking at being expanded out into a year‑round, school‑year round service,” Balden said, adding the YMCA partner would help provide after‑care throughout the year and offer scholarships and subsidy access for qualifying families.

Council members generally praised the program as an academic and violence‑prevention strategy but pressed staff on transportation and budget constraints. Councilman Hannah pointed to transportation gaps in neighborhoods within the two‑mile bus rule, and other members said the program could help retain families and stabilize the workforce if it raises enrollment.

The committee voted to suspend the rules and give the ordinance a favorable report so the contract can proceed more quickly. The matter will be forwarded to the full council for final action.

The ordinance authorizes emergency contracting to continue operations and establish the YMCA pilot in the east cluster; councilmembers asked staff to return with details about sites, transportation options and performance measures as the program moves to implementation.

Next steps: staff will finalize contract terms with Akran Public Schools and the YMCA, and the item will appear before full council for final approval.