Bradley County Schools staff warned the Board of Education on Monday that the after-school program serving nearly 300 students faces a $51,960 funding gap after a federal administrative review reduced the district's award.

Melissa Presswood, who presented the update, said the program (referred to in the meeting as Big City University and by the acronym VCU) provides academic tutoring, enrichment and family engagement and is funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program. She said a federal pause for administrative review led to a reduced award "by over $95,000" and that the district had scaled back operating costs but still faces a $51,960 shortfall that covers transportation from elementary schools to the program site.

"If additional grant funding is not secured by the December board meeting, we may have to present a budget amendment to the school board's consideration," Presswood said. She added the shortfall applies to the current school year and that the program serves students at all elementary schools in the district.

Board members noted the program touches many families and asked whether additional funding decisions were expected before December. Presswood said grant decisions are still pending, that the funding source reviewing awards is a private foundation (per her statement), and that the district was waiting to hear back. "We serve nearly 300 students every day, and they do depend on this for after school care," Presswood said.

The board asked staff to provide an update in December regarding whether additional grant funds have been secured and what, if any, budget amendment or line-item request would be required.