School Board Votes to Outsource After-school Care to YMCA

Despite a torrent of opposition from parents and the teachers union, the Fort Lee Board of Education on Wednesday elected to outsource its after-care program to the YMCA.

According to the agreement, the YMCA-Meadowlands will be sending staff members to Schools 1, 2, 3, 4 to provide a range of activities for the students after school. They include project work, "creative" time, socializing and a portion of time dedicated to snacking. A minimum of 12 students per elementary school is required for operations.

"My recommendation is to improve what we have and give opportunities for the kids," Interim Superintendent Sharon Amato said. Amato did not provide specifics as to the "improvements" sought on Wednesday, but previously said the YMCA "specializes" in "activity-based programming."

The agreement, which starts in September, calls for parents to pay $180 for one child, $288 for two children, and $396 for three students. The member fees – ranging between $20 to about $50, will be waived for the first year.

At the school board meeting on Monday, many, including the teachers union, said outsourcing was the wrong approach.

"It's been very successful," Howard Lipoff, head of the Fort Lee Education Association (FLEA) said of the current program, run by district staff. "We do not believe privatization will help any. It won't be better."

Although there may be savings realized in the first year of the program, Lipoff warned they may soar in the upcoming years.

Parents also expressed skepticism the outsourcing move was a step in the right direction. The district already has the facilities and the staff capable of providing aftercare programs, commented resident Paul Umrichin.

"There's nothing they can offer us we can't provide ourselves," he said.

The contract contains an option to renew in 2014-2015.