Simplified: The Sioux Falls School District is looking at ways to make sure older students have access to after-school clubs, tutoring support and recreation.
Why it matters
- Over the last few years, the district has implemented a new Community Learning Center (CLC) model at all elementary schools. But part of that plan involved taking over city community centers that previously provided open recreation space for older kids, too.
- Now, district officials are looking at ways to bring CLCs to all middle schools – including new facilities, in some cases.
- The district is also looking to build on the existing elementary programs by adding an option for before-school care.
- Early data on the elementary side shows the kids participating in the after-school programs at the CLCs are scoring higher on tests and having better attendance rates.
"There’s a strong desire to continue to expand programing for middle-school kids in the city," said Paul Keizer, CLC executive director.
What's a CLC?
A CLC is a way to use school buildings as a conduit for local services. The district partners with local organizations who can provide their programming by meeting kids where they already are: at school.
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Megan Raposa
How are the elementary CLCs working out so far?
So far, so good, according to a report from Rebecca Wimmer, who oversees community partnerships for the district.
The big challenge is funding.
- Parents have to pay for their kids to participate in CLC programming. About 40% of students are receiving some type of scholarship, but the demand for funding help is increasing, Wimmer said.
- The CLCs are funded largely through community donations and grants, but as new families join the programs, the remaining scholarship fund is drying up quickly.
"It's a constant challenge for us to figure out how to provide that support," Wimmer said, noting that the main reason parents are withdrawing their kids from the CLCs is because they can no longer afford to send them.
What would a middle school CLC look like?
The shining example is the new Boys & Girls Club facility being built adjacent to George McGovern Middle School.
- Ideally, Keizer said, each middle school would have either its own facility or designated space within the school building where kids can get tutoring help, participate in various interest clubs, get fed and have a safe, supervised place to go until as late as 8 p.m.
What happens next?
The district is planning to pilot a middle school CLC at George McGovern, Whittier and Ben Reifel Middle Schools in the 2025-26 school year, with potential to expand to all middle schools the following year.
Similarly, the before-school care option is also in a pilot stage, but could roll out to more elementary schools next fall.
