The Town of Minto will enter an agreement with the Upper Grand District School Board to provide after-school programming at Palmerston Public School for the 2018-19 school year.
Beginning last September, the provincial government required school boards across Ontario ensure the provision of before-and-after school programs in each elementary school for students in kindergarten to Grade 6 where there is sufficient demand.
In January Minto council authorized staff to submit a proposal to the Upper Grand District School Board for provision of after-school programming for students in Grades 1 to 6.
At the April 24 meeting council approved a staff recommendation for a phased approach, with a program in Palmerston in the first year and a program in Harriston added as demand warrants.
At the May 22 meeting, council authorized the mayor and deputy CAO to sign a three-year agreement with the board to provide the service in Palmerston.
A report from recreation services manager Matt Lubbers indicates the agreement pertains only to Palmerston Public School.
A separate proposal will need to be submitted in early 2019 should council decide to offer the program at Minto-Clifford Public School in Harriston for the 2019-20 school year.
A rate structure for the program was developed based on program budget estimates and pricing strategies of after-school programs in neighbouring communities:
– $10/day per child;
– $9/day for a second child;
– $8/day for a third child;
– $40/week per child ($32/week per child for four-day school weeks).
Mayor George Bridge noted a fee subsidy is available through the County of Wellington for those who require one.
The original budget estimates accounted for one staff person accommodating up to 15 children in the after-school program. A second staff member would be needed if enrolment is higher.
Bridge stated the program should cover costs either way.
“The only time really it’s going to cost the town money is if we only get five or six sign up … I’m fairly confident that’s not going to happen,” he stated.
