CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district has decided to close several After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) sites, including before-school services.
The district said this comes as enrollment and revenue have decreased -- the decrease in enrollment has created a monthly deficit of roughly $800,000, the district said.
Not all of the sites are closing yet, though. The district said 25 ASEP sites across the county will remain open through the school year, but the other temporary closures go into effect on April 5. More than 200 ASEP staff members could lose their job along with the closures in April.
Families directly impacted or displaced from this change will be notified. The district said it's committed to helping ASEP staff find employment opportunities and helping families find alternate support services.
“We’ve not yet seen all of the long-term impacts the pandemic will have on the district, our students and families,” Superintendent Earnest Winston said in a statement. “The After School Enrichment team has provided tremendous support for our community and we look forward to restoring this valuable program in the future.”
CMS said the district will reevaluate ASEP sites for the 2021-22 school year.