City Weighs Youth Program at Schools

To help keep kids off the streets, local schools may remain open after regular hours under an agreement with the city that will be discussed tonight.

Santa Ana Unified School District trustees will begin the discussion with a presentation from Cleve Williams, the city’s director of recreation and community services.

The details must still be worked out, but schools could remain open until 6 p.m., said John Bennett, the deputy superintendent of the schools. The campuses now close about 3 p.m., when school ends.

Bennett said the city is strapped for space for youth programs. “We need to explore ways to provide activities for our youth when they’re not in school,” he said.

He said the playing fields could be used for sports and the classrooms could be used for tutoring.

It is unlikely the school district would charge the city, Bennett said. But the city would likely be responsible for staffing.

Depending on the level of staffing and the number of schools, the city could spend $200,000 to more than $1 million a year for the programs, Williams said.

The school board meets at 7 p.m. at 1601 E. Chestnut Ave.

Information: (714) 558-5555.