The Richardson Independent School District has turned its after-school program into a multi-million-dollar business after taking ownership of the programs away from non-profits.
The district said that by running the programs themselves they could better tailor the curriculum to match what was being taught in the classrooms and provide a revenue stream.
Officials said in its first year under RISD management the program raised only about $350,000 -- though much loftier expectations are held for next year where $1.7 million is expected.
In 2009-10, the district will add 17 more campuses to its program, bringing the total to 32 elementary schools.
The programs are funded by federal grants and a sliding scale of fees covered by parents who may pay as much as $60 per week, per child. Disadvantaged families are expected to pay about half that amount.
