XCELLing No More

Cascade Public Schools' after-school program, formerly and commonly known as the XCELL program, has officially been terminated. The decision was finalized at the regular school board meeting on December 17, following ongoing funding challenges.

The XCELL program had served as a vital resource for the community for many years, offering after-school academic support, snacks, and childcare for students until 6 p.m.

For several years, the program was funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. However, eligibility for the grant had declined due to a decrease in the school's Title 1 numbers and increased competition from other districts across the state. While funds from an elementary levy helped sustain the program for the 2024-25 school year, those resources have now been exhausted.

Several potential solutions to the funding issue were proposed, including charging a per-day, per-student fee or partnering with a private healthcare company to run the program in the school's facilities. However, none of these options were fully implemented.

When asked about future plans for any after-school programs, whether a continuation of XCELL or a new initiative, Superintendent Levi Collins stated:

"[The board members] are definitely interested in looking at a partnership with a private business and or other grant funding opportunities."

Mr. Collins was also asked about a discrepancy in two of the addresses made to the school regarding this matter. In the April 6, 2023 issue of The Cascade Courier, one of Mr. Collins' previous letters to the community stated that the 21st Century Grant was not renewed due to "a communication error involving several people." However, the most recent address cited "a decrease in the school's Title I numbers and increased competition from other districts" as reasons for the loss of funding.

When asked to provide context to this difference in the two statements, Collins stated that he had no memory of making the first statement.

"I don't remember saying that. I mean, it's possible that I wrote it out somewhere, but I don't remember saying that if I did."

The program's closure leaves some families in a difficult position. Many parents who rely on the program for childcare while working will now need to find alternative solutions.