Challenge for Challenger

I read a disturbing article in The Herald today about Rock Hill's after school program, Challenger. The article stated that it will announce staffing decisions today that will affect the program. The article also went on to say that it would be reviewed along with other programs on April 6 at a school board meeting as the district considers budget cuts for the 09-10 school year. I can't believe that a program of this importance for our children is at risk of being altered or cut. I understand that due to these tough economic times that the fat needs to be cut out of everything, but something as necessary as this program should not be considered for cuts. A very good friend of mine who is a single mother, is only able to work past school hours because of this program. The program, which runs from after school to 6pm after school is staffed by teachers who want to make extra money. The program is an enrichment program that offers lots of different activities for children and even helps them with their homework and provides them with a snack. This program is a win win for both teachers and children and their parents. The program costs $55 per child per week, but also offers low income families reduced fees which are based on the family's income. My friend only paid $25 per child per week.This was calculated for her income. For her two children at 2 1/2 hours per day per child, this paid for 35 hours worth of childcare each week, gave her children a snack, fun activities and help with their homework. The program is even open full days on teacher work days and holidays. There is an extra $10 per day per child cost for this, but they also feed the children a meal. When this mother got home from work after a long day, she didn't have to worry if the children's homework was done. Without this program, she would not have been able to work until 5pm everyday and would have not been able to support her family. She gets no help because the children's father is in prison. Wards of the state don't make that much money to send to their families. Many families consist of only one parent in the home or a single income. Many children have lost a parent in the war, or have just been deserted by a parent. To me, it just seems that lower income families are getting ready to suffer even greater blows. I can't imagine what cutting this program would mean for these children and these families. Many of these children are already at risk. Without this program, their families are even poorer and the children don't get help they need with their homework. They also go home alone. How can Rock Hill consider cutting this program? It cannot be because there is no demand for it. I think in times like these schools should be looking to expand programs like Challenger and not cut them back or alter them to save money. What kind of society can neglect any of it's children?http://www.heraldonline.com/front/story/1281749.html