Dripping Springs ISD raises after-school care tuition rate

DRIPPING SPRINGS  — Dripping Springs ISD families participating in the district’s after-school program, Kids Club, will see an increase in the tuition rate.

At its March 25 meeting, the DSISD Board of Trustees voted 6-0 to approve a $25 monthly increase to the Kids Club community rate for the 2024-25 school year.

Along with the $25 monthly tuition community rate increase, the approved changes include the Kids Club addition of August tuition at $125 for nonemployees/community members and $35 for employees and the Club Crash addition of August tuition at $42.50 for nonemployees/community members and $20 for employees, previously there was no August tuition.

The Community Services Department continues to face challenges in staffing the programs offered and has had to limit enrollment in all programs, thus causing district administration to request the board to approve a tuition rate increase.

Kids Club is a large-group, recreational after-school child care program, held from 3-6 p.m. at the elementary campuses, for children that are enrolled in DSISD in pre-K through the fifth grade. Children are able to enjoy structured and supervised snack time, playtime, gym games, playground activities and an occasional movie.

Club Crash is held before school from 6:45-8:15 a.m. at Dripping Springs Middle School and Sycamore Springs Middle School; this program is a place for students to catch up on homework, work on school projects or rest prior to reporting to their first period class.

The district offers several services to employees and the community to assist with child care needs beyond the school day. The Community Services Department operates the Child Development Center, Kids Club Club Crash and other camps and summer programs.

For employees, the district has provided a $50/month/child subsidy for the before and after-school programs. And district employees will continue to be at a discounted rate compared to community members, which is something that trustee Kim Cousins praised.

“What I really like is how much we are taking care of our employees. There is just no increase for the employees for the after-school care for them to be able to keep their kids in this district, keep them close by and have them cared for,” Cousins said. “And also, looking at other districts, I mean, our rates are incredible and I just hope that is an attractive offer when we are looking at employing people that have children that need that after-school care.”

For more information about Community Services and its programs, visit www.dsisdtx.us/Page/214.