The Conroe City Council workshop held on June 25, 2025, focused on the city's after-school program, its funding, and its impact on local families. The meeting began with a discussion on the origins of the program, which transitioned from the YMCA to the Johnson Community Center after the YMCA's closure. This shift allowed the city to expand the program, which initially included tutorial services for students.

A key point of discussion was the program's budget, which is set at $40,000 for 54 children, translating to approximately $740 per child. Council members expressed concern about the financial burden on low-income families, emphasizing the need for these families to have priority access to the program. The conversation highlighted the importance of transportation costs, which are included in the after-school program budget, as it serves several Title I schools.

The council acknowledged that the city is currently not breaking even on the after-school program and may need to reevaluate fees in the future. However, officials stressed the importance of keeping costs manageable for families, particularly those with limited financial resources. The discussion also touched on the city's efforts to partner with the Conroe Independent School District (CISD) to enhance the program, although there were frustrations regarding CISD's failure to honor previous agreements.

City officials reiterated their commitment to providing a supportive environment for children, particularly those from low-income households, and expressed the need for continued funding to maintain the program's operations. They also indicated plans to reintroduce tutorial services in the new community center, aiming to provide comprehensive support for students' academic and social needs.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the after-school program and a commitment to further discussions during the upcoming budget planning sessions. The council emphasized the necessity of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable families in the community as they move forward.