Last year, Edgecomb Eddy’s after-school program was a success. It started as a two-week pilot program providing a community service for students and parents. Three days per week, students had a place to go after school under the supervision of staff and local volunteers. In January, the pilot program was extended through April vacation, but this year the program’s fate remains in limbo.

During the Nov. 27 school committee meeting, Principal Tom Landberg reported the school did not have enough volunteers to continue the program. “There’s been a lot of staff changes from last year. I think once we get a program started the staff will fill in times when after-school program staffing is low, but right now the program is on hold,” he said. 

Landberg will continue looking at program options and will keep the community updated via the school newsletter. But there may be a future before- and after-school programming option. Landberg introduced guidance counselor Gary Upham who is researching a state-funded school program. Upham is researching a Maine Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. Upham told committee members the grant would provide academic enrichment programs for before and after school, weekend, holiday and summer educational programming. 

Maine Department of Education is seeking applicants for its program. The grant has four requirements. One or more schools can file a state 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant application. A school must be eligible under the state’s “Every Student Succeeds Act.” Applicant schools must have an enrollment with at least 40% of students qualifying for free and reduced-priced lunch.

Applicants must also develop a partnership with an outside agency where the proposal consists of a lead fiscal agent taking responsibility for demonstrating achievement of all deliverables set forth in the program. The fiscal agent would also have an active and meaningful role in the planning, development and delivery of the program. Eligibility also requires that the applicant is not currently receiving any other 21st Century Grant funding.

Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with a partner. Upham reported Georgetown Central School is interested in becoming Edgecomb’s partner. Edgecomb Eddy meets the grant’s financial requirement with a student enrollment with over 40% free and reduced lunch, but Georgetown does not. 

Upham shared program information sent by Maine Department of Education which describes the program as “opportunities for academic enrichment providing tutorial services, especially to those who attend low-performing schools to meet challenging state academic standards.”

Upham believed the program had great potential for Edgecomb Eddy. “I see an amazing amount of need for our kids. If we can bring in a 21st Century Grant, with a partner like Georgetown, this would provide us with enough funding for a before- and after-school and summer enrichment program. I think what we do here may become a model for the entire state,” he said.

The school committee voted, 3-0, to allow Upham to continue researching the program prior to sending an application. 

“Gary, I love this, and appreciate you stepping forward. So, yes, I do support you continuing to research this as a possible opportunity,” said Chairman Heather Sinclair.

In January, Maine DOE will send out requests for proposals. Schools need to return their proposals by March. In May, the department would award grants. Upham estimated the grant would be based on $3,000 per student. 

The committee still wants more information about the program prior to authorizing a grant application. Sinclair supports the overall concept, but is worried about future budget implications. “I think we need to be mindful of all the implications before applying,” she said. “I’m also worried about the program’s long-term financial sustainability. That’s still a huge question.” 

The committee meets next at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 in the cafeteria.