Title
Afterschool Program Participation (B)
This item provides an analysis and recommendations based on a 90 day review and analysis of the City's afterschool program since implementation of a $3 per day fee in October 2010.
Explanation
On October 4, 2010, a $3 per day fee for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) Department's afterschool program was instituted. This fee was adopted during the City's budget hearings in an effort to offset expenses.
Staff began tracking program attendance in October and was concerned that participation numbers were declining. After discussing the issue internally, it was determined that weekly reports would be analyzed and monitoring would continue week by week for at least another 30-day period to determine if there was any stabilization or rebounding of participation. After the fee was implemented, participation levels dropped. A slight increase was noted in November that was attributed to parents gaining temporary holiday employment. This increase was only temporary and participation levels have since continued to decrease.
On November 16, 2010, a memo was written to the Mayor regarding the decrease in attendance numbers in the City's afterschool program. At that time, it was outlined that the average attendance numbers at each center had decreased after the implementation of a $3.00 per day fee.
On December 10, 2010, the school semester ended and the afterschool program was suspended during the holidays. The annual two-week holiday camp began at two locations: Eastside and Albert Ray Massey Recreation Centers. On January 3, 2011, school resumed as did the afterschool program. Average attendance numbers for the week of January 3-7, 2011 at both Northeast and Eastside Recreation Centers decreased dramatically, as much as 79% at the Northeast Center in the Duval neighborhood. The impact of the fee is far greater than what staff expected, especially during the first week of school after the holidays.
There are other free afterschool programs in Gainesville. The School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) received a five-year 21st Century Learning grant to offer free afterschool programs. Some of the surrounding schools that offer free programs are Lake Forest, Terwilliger, Rawlings, Idyllwild, and Duval elementary schools. This grant has to be re-awarded annually so there will always be uncertainty until and/or if it is awarded which makes planning very difficult. Although PRCA works closely with the SBAC, their details of the programs covered by the 21st Century Learning grant were not released in a timely fashion due to late notice from the Federal government. This is expected to be the case each fall. Even with these free programs, there are children and families still in need. In speaking with SBAC, there are some unused spaces in their programs, which are attributed to transportation challenges for families. Children have to take the bus home from school. Many of these children used to attend the afterschool program at our centers in their neighborhood.
SBAC has also reported to staff that their Extended Day Care fee-based program afterschool participation numbers have also declined, due to the parents' inability to pay for the service. The Boys and Girls Club is experiencing economic difficulties and a reduction in program participation. Based on community contributions provided at their recent meeting, the Club's center that has been in jeopardy of closing will remain open for the next four months. The economy is hitting parents hard. In speaking with community leaders and other program providers such as the YMCA, all are also seeing the same trends. The poor economy is taking its toll on youth program providers, even those charging minimal fees.
As one of the valued core services of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the City of Gainesville After School Program has been in existence for at least 10 years. This core service has served several thousand youth over the years and has made a positive impact on their lives. Numerous testimonials exist from our program participants. The most recent being the national recognition of the City and the County as one of America's Best Places for Youth was in large part due to accessible youth recreation programs such as those provided by the City over the years.
On February 15th, Gainesville Police Chief Jones and PRCA Assistant Director Michelle Park will be convening the first formal City of Gainesville Youth Alliance meeting as an action for City Commission Strategic Initiative 3.3, "Analyzing the Availability of Programs for Youth," and will be recommending a role for government. At this meeting, the primary discussion will be trends in afterschool program participation and identifying areas for collaboration and partnerships. In addition, this month an intern in PRCA is updating the Juvenile Youth Services Program Directory that will provide additional information for our analysis. Over the past year, this group has convened informally to share information about youth programs, and several partnerships have evolved. The common bond shared by all is the concern for our City's children and the need to provide positive experiences, mentors and safe places to go during the afterschool hours.
Staff has been in communication with the Budget and Finance Department, and has developed the below recommendation. Should the recommendation be approved, staff is prepared to institute the change immediately and will prepare fliers, e-mail blasts and a press release to get the word out as quickly as possible. Center staff is prepared to canvas their neighborhoods to get the children back into the centers. Staff would also be able to provide a complete 'before and after' picture while further analyzing how similar services and programs in the community are being addressed and identify trends and needs they are experiencing.
Fiscal Note
With no change in the PRCA afterschool program fee, annual revenue is expected to be approximately $19,000 rather than the $45,000 that was budgeted. Staff projects that creation of an Afterschool Scholarship Program will result in total FY 11 revenue of $10,000. Staff will identify a reduction in expenses to address the revenue shortfall.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) Approve creation of an Afterschool Scholarship Program providing free scholarships for participation in the City's Afterschool Program to all children who qualify for free and reduced meals at school; and 2) direct the City Manager to implement the scholarship program immediately.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission eliminate Afterschool Program fees.