Title
Report regarding a resolution approving the provision of an extended learning summer program offered by the City of South San Francisco for students enrolled in the South San Francisco Unified School District’s Big Lift Summer School program at Spruce Elementary School, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.071. (Angela Duldulao, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that City Council approve the proposed extended learning summer program offered by the City of South San Francisco for students enrolled in the South San Francisco Unified School District’s Big Lift Summer School program at Spruce Elementary School, and amend the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 and 2023-24 Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.071.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City partnered with the South San Francisco Unified School District (District) in recent years to offer an extended day program for the District’s Big Lift Inspiring Summers (BLIS) program. The direct costs associated with operating this program were reimbursed by the District, while in-kind operational costs and coordination services were provided by the City. The program was offered at no cost to families.
Parks and Recreation Department staff have once again received a request from the District to provide such services to the BLIS program, serving rising kindergarten to 3rd graders. BLIS supports the development of academic and social skills in young scholars. Students work on projects that integrate reading, art, and science and participate in mindfulness experiences and fun and games. This summer’s program will take place at Los Cerritos and Spruce Elementary Schools from June 14, 2023 to July 21, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The program is offered at no cost to participants. If approved, the extended day program offered by the City will also be offered at no cost to participants. Spruce Elementary School has been identified as the most desirable location to host the extended day program based on classroom availability, community need, and limited staffing availability. This partnership will essentially offer a full day program to children with working parents who may not otherwise enroll in summer school if after school care was not provided.
The intent is for the City’s program to be available on an optional basis for working parents who need full-day care for their children while remaining on campus. The afternoon extended day program, managed and staffed by the Parks and Recreation Department, would operate from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. allowing parents to pick up their children after typical work hours. At the District’s request, this budget request proposes operating two classrooms, serving up to 40 students. The District will be reimbursing the City for the direct costs of operating the extended day program.
The City is also looking to hire District high school students to work in the extended day program. This opportunity will give them valuable work experience and perhaps inspire some to enter the teacher or early learning professional employment pipeline.
As the provider of preschools, before and after school programs, and seasonal camp programs, the Parks and Recreation Department fully appreciates, supports and advocates for affordable, high-quality programs for children in South San Francisco. The provision of an extended day program for working families is essential for many families to be able to take advantage of a summer school program, which is particularly important to equitably address learning loss associated with COVID-19.
FISCAL IMPACT
The estimated cost to operate the extended day program in partnership with the District is approximately $28,710. Approximately $13,780 will be expended in fiscal year 2022-2023, and the remaining $14,930 in fiscal year 2023-2024. The itemized cost estimate is available in Attachment 1.
Based on discussions held to date, the District will reimburse the City for direct expenses so this program can be offered at no cost to families. In-kind services, including administration and overhead will be provided by the City.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of the proposed extended learning summer program will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to build active recreation, learning, and childcare programs.
CONCLUSION
The Parks and Recreation Department will continue to provide programming to the community and looks forward to partnering with the District. Staff’s goal is to provide high-quality learning, socialization and recreation programs, in addition to much needed options for working parents who require wrap around services year-round.