The Stratford Board of Education held its monthly meeting on January 6, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, particularly focusing on the funding of the 21st Century After School Program.

The meeting began with public comments, where community members expressed their gratitude for the board's service and highlighted the positive impact of the 21st Century program on students and the community. Naocea Roden, an eleventh grader from Stratford High, shared her disappointment regarding the lack of federal funding for the program this academic year. She emphasized how the program had fostered friendships and community support among students.

Alyssa Hall, a senior at Stratford High, echoed Roden's sentiments, detailing her four-year experience with the program. Hall described various community service initiatives, including making gifts for local organizations and hosting an annual prom for senior citizens, which has been well-received. She urged the board to consider funding the program to continue these valuable activities.

Xavier Nacheta, also a senior, spoke about the social and educational benefits of the program, noting that it provided a space for students to connect and collaborate outside of regular school hours. He highlighted unique opportunities within the program, such as cooking activities, which fostered a sense of community and school spirit.

In response to the students' concerns, a board member explained that the 21st Century program operates on a competitive grant basis, with limited funding available. This year, the majority of the grants were allocated to elementary schools, and the high school application did not meet the necessary qualifications. However, the board member noted that alternative funding sources could potentially support the program.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the board to explore other funding options to sustain the 21st Century After School Program, ensuring that students can continue to benefit from its offerings in the future. The board's next steps will involve investigating available resources to address the funding gap and support the community's educational needs.