The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville (BGCN) recently announced that it will be managing transportation services from several additional schools for Club members beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.
The change comes as Noblesville Schools – who has provided free transportation, drivers and childcare from their schools to the Club for many years – is no longer able to continue the same level of support due to bus routing times with the newly-adjusted school day.
BGCN and Noblesville Schools leadership have been working on the transition since early last year when the adjusted school day was first announced. For the 2019-2020 school year, Noblesville Schools will provide transportation for high school, middle school and North Elementary students attending BGCN, while Club members coming from Noblesville’s six other elementary schools will be transported by BGCN.
“We’re thankful for the transportation support Noblesville Schools has provided our families over the years and are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for Club members,” said BGCN Executive Director Becky Terry. “This new responsibility comes with a significant operation cost, approximately $165,000 a year, and we will be aggressively seeking additional funding with the goal of minimizing any impact this may have on families. Our board has committed to providing the service this school year, but we must identify additional long-term funding or transportation may be at risk going forward.”
“Noblesville Schools and BGCN have a strong partnership of working together and supporting one another in the interest of what’s best for kids,” said Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent of Noblesville Schools and BGCN board member. “We’re disappointed that given our new bus routes we no longer have the capacity to continue vehicle assistance to the Club from all elementary schools while maintaining standard bus service to all Noblesville Schools students. We will continue to support BGCN as they manage this transition to providing additional transportation services for Club members.”
BGCN staffing will also be impacted by the adjusted school day, as the Club employs high school students to provide youth development activities in the after school program and elementary students will now arrive at the Club prior to high school students.
BGCN and Noblesville Schools are exploring options through the high school’s internship program to address this gap.
“We’re seeking part-time employment positions for after school programming, as well as membership and kitchen coordinators,” added Terry. “Anyone interested can apply in person at our facility on 1700 Conner St.”
BGCN provides after school and out-of-school programs to over 2,400 local youth every year. On average, the Club serves 696 children per month with 322 attending each day after school.
For more information visit bgcni.org or call (317) 773-4372.
About the Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville
The Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville provides high-quality, low-cost programs for youth members with the help of donors and sponsors. Between the Club, the Community Center and Camp Crosser, BGCN provide opportunities for members to enjoy activities and experiences that help shape character and offer new perspectives. BGCN is dedicated to inspiring and enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens by promoting leadership, character, health and physical development.