Salem Schools, After-School Program Break Ties

SALEM, MA — The For Kids Only After School Program and Salem Public Schools severed a relationship to provide two after school programs at the Bates School in Salem. FKO, which has partnered with the school system to provide two programs at the school, will exit the partnership on Sept. 19, just two weeks after the start of the new school year starts.

FKO exited the partnership after Salem Public Schools said it was going to have its own staff members administer one of the two programs, 21st Century CCLC, while allowing FKO to continue to run the FKO Wraparound Care program.

"After fully considering our options, we have determined it is not viable for FKO to remain in the school or fair to you and your family, given the uncertain future," FKO said in note to parents Wednesday. "We have greatly enjoyed getting to know the hundreds of children FKO has served in the community of Salem since opening in 2005."

On Thursday, Salem Interim Superintendent Kathleen Smith sent a note to parents stressing students in the 21st Century Afterschool and Wraparound Care programs will receive those same services during the upcoming school year.

"We regret that FKO communicated their decision before we could communicate fully to the families impacted," Smith said. "We apologize for any concern this brings families and are committed to offering as much information as soon as these plans are finalized."

The FKO letter said Salem Public Schools plans to run the program called 21st Century CCLC, which started four years ago with a joint application for grant funding, on its own. In a letter to parents, Salem Public Schools stressed that any student who was participating in the 21st Century Afterschool and Wraparound Care programs will receive those same services during the upcoming school year.

Smith said the school system has started looking for a provider to run the Wraparound Care program. "Again, no child previously serviced by FKO will be left without care when school opens or throughout the school year," Smith said.

FKO said it only learned of the school system's decision last week.

"It is heartbreaking that our work has come to an end," FKO said. "Please know that we had full intention to remain at the Bates School for this upcoming school year and that this change in direction was not at all in our plan."

Parents and local officials were caught off guard by the announcement.

"As a parent who has always relied on after-school care for my kids, I am deeply troubled by the sudden cancellation of the after-school program at Bates," Beth Anne Cornell, a candidate for school committee said in a Facebook post. "More than that, I’m frustrated by the lack of communication and support from the Salem Public Schools on this issue."