By Aaliyah Abdul-Basit

When I heard Cleveland Metropolitan School District would be cutting some after-school programs, I was surprised, because one of these programs was important for me when I was younger.

I learned about the cuts while watching a CMSD Board of Education meeting in February, when I took notes on the meeting for the Cleveland Documenters. Officials say they won’t be cutting district-run sports and clubs, but this will impact programs at places like the Boys and Girls Club and Horizon Education Centers.

I noticed a lot of Cleveland residents came to the meeting to share their disapproval; they argued the after-school programs provide a safe space for many young children. 

Not only is it a benefit to the children but also the parents, they told the board. When I was younger I attended before- and after-school programs because of how demanding my parents' jobs were, going in early and leaving late. There was no way for my parents to pick my brother and I up every day from school, so we had to rely on after-school programs to look after us. The after-school program provided us with transportation, friends, help with homework and meals. Having a strong connection to these programs, I was very motivated to learn more about this topic.

I had the opportunity to interview David Smith, who is part of a group of Cleveland residents, called Clevelanders for Afterschool, that advocates for after-school program funding. He also runs Horizon Education Centers, which my brother and I attended in elementary school. I reached him via email, and his responses are below. 

What drove you to want to run an after-school program? 

Mary M. Smith, my mother, started the Horizon Education Centers in 1978.  I always admired her and her commitment to helping families and children.  After I finished college and served as a U.S. Army Officer, I took over Horizon from her in 1995.  

What is the importance of keeping after-school programs in our community? 

After-school programs have three purposes: To keep kids out of trouble; help kids develop academically and socially; and they allow parents to work. 

Have you ever attended an after-school program? And if so, what was your personal experience like?

Yes, my mother started Horizon in 1978, I was 13 years old and attended the Horizon after-school program.  At that time they offered many different programs.  I enjoyed learning to fence and the theater program.

Do you think CMSD can find money within the board's budget to help keep these programs going, or help these programs find outside revenue sources ? The board of education does not have the funds to support the current after-school programs in 93 schools/sites in CMSD.  Clevelanders for Afterschool are trying very hard to find the funds to keep all the programs.  We have had meetings and conversations with the county, state and federal leaders and have not come up  with funding commitments.  The silver lining is that 22 schools/sites will stay open with Federal Funds from the 21^st Century Community Learning Centers grants.

What do you think the board should cut instead of after-school programs?

I don't have an opinion on what to cut.  I think it is a revenue issue.  CMSD should look at a school levy to properly fund its operations and after-school (programs).

What have you learned from running an after-school program? 

Never give up!

What are some of your favorite experiences from working in after-school care; was there a moment that made you realize the importance of work with kids? 

There are so many success stories and parents are so grateful for CMSD and the after-school providers for giving their children the opportunities.  Many parents with younger elementary scholars appreciate that they can stay at work and not have to leave, because they worry about their children.

Aaliyah, thank you for asking these questions.  I wish you the best of luck in your education.