Share This Article
After-school programs are essential
After-school programs are not just helpful—they’re essential. They provide a safe, enriching environment for children and peace of mind for working parents. In a town like Sudbury, where families deeply value education and community, strong after-school options are a necessity.
When my children were in elementary and middle school, my wife and I relied on Sudbury Extended Day (SED) and Park & Recreation programs. These offerings were critical for our family—and we remain grateful for the care and creativity those programs provided.
The Need Is Growing
Today, the demand for after-school programs continues to rise. I’ve heard from many parents—through emails, conversations, and while going door-to-door—who are concerned about access, cost, and quality.
The best after-school programs share four key traits:
• Safety and care: Children are nurtured, protected, and supported.
• Accessibility: Families can find programs that meet their needs.
• Affordability: Costs are reasonable and predictable.
• Inclusion: Every child is welcomed and valued.
In addition, these programs should offer enrichment—activities that spark curiosity, joy, and a love of learning.
Where We Stand
Sudbury is making strides. SPS (Sudbury Public Schools) has partnered with enrichment providers like Code Ninjas. SED (Sudbury Extended Day), a longstanding community gem, has expanded to serve more students and reduce waitlists. The Park & Recreation Department continues to offer popular programs, including Wild Wednesday, the winter ski program, early release LEGO days, and Challenge Island STEAM programming.
The Park & Rec Commission is also exploring new programming opportunities to meet demand.
But There Are Still Gaps
Several challenges remain:
• Capacity: Some parents struggle to find spots for their children. We need to explore partnerships and new spaces—like First Parish, which now hosts programming for Noyes students.
• Transportation: Getting students safely from multiple schools to program sites requires coordination and resources.
• Cost and funding: We need a clearer understanding of what these programs cost to run and how they’re financed, to ensure sustainability.
These aren’t issues that can be solved by any one group in isolation.
The Path Forward
A town-wide, collaborative approach is essential. That’s why I support the Park & Recreation Commission’s proposal to form a working group focused on after-school programming. This group could bring together key stakeholders—such as SPS, Park & Rec, families, and community partners—to identify gaps, analyze options, and recommend solutions.
A coordinated effort will allow us to set shared goals and possibly issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) that reflects Sudbury’s standards for quality, accessibility, and enrichment. The group doesn’t need to be large—it just needs to be focused and action-oriented.
Balancing Priorities
Of course, we must weigh these needs alongside others. Public safety, infrastructure, senior services, and fiscal responsibility must remain top priorities. After-school programming is one of many important services in town, and any new investment must be evaluated in the context of overall community needs and available resources.
The key is balance—ensuring families have support while maintaining Sudbury’s financial health and honoring the full range of town priorities.
Planning for the Future
In the near term, we should focus on expanding capacity, improving transportation logistics, and increasing enrichment options. In the long term, we must think about how to sustainably fund and grow these programs.
Some towns support after-school care more robustly because they have stronger commercial tax bases. As Sudbury explores Route 20 economic development, future revenue growth could help support expanded services—including after-school programs—without overburdening taxpayers.
If Elected to the Select Board…
The Select Board doesn’t directly manage schools or departments—but it plays a vital role in setting priorities, supporting collaboration, and aligning resources.
If elected, I will champion thoughtful, balanced efforts to strengthen after-school programming. I’ll support coordination across boards and committees, encourage strategic planning, and help ensure that any proposed solutions reflect Sudbury’s values, priorities, and fiscal realities.
This is the approach I brought to the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee—building consensus, asking tough questions, and helping to move from conversation to action. I’ll bring that same focus and commitment to the Select Board to support families and serve the broader needs of the town.