The Fayette school board gave unanimous approval for the district to apply for a grant that would make possible Monday and after-school programs for some students. The School Age Community (SAC) grant, provided by the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)  awards up to $80,000 a year for a period of three years. The approval came at the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Sept. 16.

District Superintendent Jill Wiseman said the application will ask for the full amount as expenses are projected to total around $80,000. The grant, if awarded, would terminate at the conclusion of June 2023. The district could then re-apply for another three-year grant.

The proposed program, called Falcon Club, would allow up to 48 students aged five through 12 in Kindergarten through sixth grade to come to school on Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and stay until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. The Monday program would focus on enrichment activities in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The school board voted 4-2 last November in favor of the controversial decision to transition the district to a four-day school week beginning this academic year. The measure faced strong opposition from many in the community. Nearly 300 people signed a petition against the four-day schedule. Finding appropriate child care was one of the chief concerns, as often both parents work and openings for daycare have diminished under new state regulations.

If implemented, the Falcon club could grant relief to those families who struggle with child care when school is not in session on Mondays. 

“We may have to have a big celebration when this comes through,” said BOE president Skip Vandelicht. 

Vandelicht was one of two board members who voted against the four-day school week in November. “I can’t imagine the impact this would have on our community,” he said.

The program would allow for 48 students in the Monday program, and 48 on weekdays. Mrs. Wiseman said that so far 33 students have indicated interested in the Monday program, 36 in the after-school program, totaling 45 when factored for those wishing to join both. “We’re very hopeful that we will be selected for that funding,” she said. “Obviously that would be a huge boost for our community and for our families.”

The program, which could start as early as November 10 of this year.

Bus transportation would not be provided for the Monday or after-school programs. Students in the Monday program will receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Students in the weekday after-school program will receive an afternoon snack.

Students attending the Falcon Club will be charged tuition fees. Supt. Wiseman said fees would be calculated on a sliding scale but would be kept “very minimal.”

The after-school program will cost $1 per day, although students who qualify for free and reduced lunch would be enrolled at no charge. The Monday program would cost $5 a day per student, or $3 a day for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

“We would make it extremely affordable for our families,” she said.