7 comments:

• Jeff Hood posted at 7:22 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 25

  Parents interested in the After School Program at Vinewood, Reese, Larson and Lakewood elementary school are invited to a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, in the Cottage Room at Hutchins Street Square.

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• Darrell Baumbach posted at 3:41 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 9403

  John stated..."Who is responsible for child care?"

  
  I think it more complicated that who is responsible.

  like... why is child care so expensive in United States?

  Can a community do something to improve the quality of life for its citizens by helping to reduce cost and make the community a better place to live?

  If the city does help reduce cost for it's citizens, will the city as a whole benefit?

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• John Kindseth posted at 3:09 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 141

  A major part of the answer to this difficulty lies in the answer to the question:

  "Who is responsible for child care?"

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• Mike Falkenberg posted at 1:29 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 3

  Mr. Hood also failed to realize that the same people collect payments from all the activities like baseball, swimming, basketball, etc., which are offered by Lodi Parks and Recreation. Yet, these programs are a few weeks in reality, compared to the (10) ten months that parents pay for the After School Program and far exceeds the revenue
  produced by anyone sport annually.

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• Mike Falkenberg posted at 12:23 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 3

  Mr. Hood stated, there is significant overhead with the After School Program. If that is
  the case, then the program is not being managed properly. Mr. Hood has exaggerated
  the simple process of running the program. Collecting and processing monthly payments takes no more than a few hours at the begining of each month and should be handled by two people. One part-time Administrator to oversee the four facilities, and approximately 10-12 part-time staff members to operate the After School Program. Unlike the Bridge Program offered to the other 22 schools in the district who receive "FREE" services, Lodi Parks and Recreation is not required to document attendance and maintain records to the CA. Dept. of Education. This is a simple program that is a community resource to keep our children safe.

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• Kristin Marquez posted at 12:20 pm on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 7

  I attended this meeting last night and was shocked to learn more about the intricacies of budgets and how other schools have federally funded programs that are free because of their address or how many kids at other schools qualify for free lunch. It seems very simple, but not. Childcare is universal and income should not be a determination of who's child is taken care of.

  As a mother of two young boys who attend the Vinewood ASP Program I am disappointed that we are forced to put a price on the safety and well-being of our children during the hours of 2:30pm to 6pm. We don't have family close by therefore we rely on ASP for the past 4 years; my husband I both work full time. Our children enjoy the ASP program because it is fun, safe and yes they do get their homework done; but they also get to see their friends and make new friends too. The ASP teachers truly care about our the children of Lodi and I hope that the school district can see that perspective and follow their own mission statement:

  Lodi Unified School District will ensure the best education for students to be successful in life.

  Value Statement:
  Each student realizes his/her maximum potential.

  There is no achievement gap between groups of students.

  We have a diverse staff that is highly qualified and enjoys its work.

  Schools are inviting and responsive to parents, engaging them as partners in their children’s education.

  We provide resources to support quality education and safe, attractive learning environments in all of our schools.

  We have a trusting, working relationship between the Board of Education, the school district, and the community.

  Goals:
  Meet Program Improvement requirements as all groups of students improve their performance, and make progress to eliminate the Achievement Gap.

  Improve the engagement of parents/guardians as partners in their children’s education.

  Support an environment where diversity is valued.

  Maximize resources to improve the achievement of students in a safe and positive learning environment.
  

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• wendy coe posted at 6:45 am on Thu, May 17, 2012.

  Posts: 27

  I do hope the district and city can save these programs. These programs have been there since late 60's or before. Seems the rental fee from the district is putting the program at risk. It is always sad to read that some schools are left behind because the overall school does not qualify for special money from the federal government because the income level is too high from parents. This is a good example how the middle class is being left behind. Where is the equality? Maybe there is some money from the gang task force or similar agency?

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