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Report regarding a resolution increasing the acceptance of grant funds from the After School Education and Safety Grant by $36,163 for a new grant total of $283,858 in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and amending the Parks and Recreation Department and Library Department Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budgets pursuant to budget amendment #22.059. (Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution accepting the increase of grant funds from the After School Education and Safety Grant by $36,163 for a new grant total of $283,858 in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and amending the Parks and Recreation Department and Library Department Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budgets pursuant to budget amendment #22.059.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The After School Education and Safety Program (ASES) is a program under the California Department of Education, with the goal of supporting local efforts to improve assistance to students and broaden the base of support for education in a safe, constructive environment. The Parks and Recreation Department has been the recipient of ASES grant funding since Fiscal Year 2006-2007. Grant funds are directed to the REAL (Recreation, Enrichment and Learning) After School Program located at Martin Elementary School and Los Cerritos Elementary School, as well as the Homework Club for Spruce Elementary School students at the Community Learning Center. The Homework Club is operated in collaboration with the Library Department.
The purpose of the REAL Program is to expand learning beyond the school day and complement, support, and enhance daily classroom instruction. The REAL Program focuses on creating educational projects that make learning fun by offering students the opportunity to participate in a balance of individual activities, small and large group activities, indoor and outdoor activities, and quiet as well as active play.
City Council previously approved Resolution 109-2021 accepting ASES grant funding over a three-year term, beginning July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024, in the amount of $247,695 per year (total grant amount of $743,085 for three years). In Fiscal Year 2021-2022, ASES increased its per student reimbursement rate, thus adding $36,163 to the City’s grant amount, increasing the annual grant total to $283,858 in Fiscal Year 2021-2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s ASES-funded programs have minimal impact to the General Fund. Any costs to the General Fund are absorbed by the Parks and Recreation Department and Library Department Operating Budgets and include overhead costs for administrative oversight of the grant and grant-funded programs. The additional funding will be used to improve the overall quality of the program.
With the increase in the per student reimbursement rate, the Library’s portion of the grant will change from $86,693 to $99,350. The Parks and Recreation Department’s portion of the grant will change from $161,002 to $184,508.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this funding will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to build active recreation, learning, and childcare programs.
CONCLUSION
Acceptance of this grant is crucial to sustaining the after-school programs provided at Martin Elementary School, Los Cerritos Elementary School, and the Homework Club at the Community Learning Center. Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution accepting the increase of grant funds from the After School Education and Safety Grant by $36,163 for a new grant total of $283,858 in Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and amending the Parks and Recreation Department and Library Department Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Operating Budgets pursuant to budget amendment #22.059.