Okay.

Thank you, everyone.

I'm gonna call this meeting to committee the whole to order.

And I have a little we all have a little flyer on our desk from the ELO network, which in my brain always means electric light orchestra.

Um and appropriately enough, it's uh talking about keeping the lights on.

So I'm gonna come up and read a proclamation.

So I should have said that Miss Harris from the um EOLO is going to join me at the podium here.

So whereas research shows that children who regularly attend after school programs improve their self-confidence in school attendance, and whereas half of the youth participating in local out-of-school time programs improve their math and reading performance, and whereas after school programs inspire career and skill skill development programming as well as physical and mental wellness and the support learning, and whereas these programs ensure ongoing investment from public and private stakeholders to ensure quality after school for all young people sustained, whereas the city of Grand Rapids is committed to supporting quality after-school programs for young people where they can learn, thrive, and be safe.

Therefore, I, David LeGrand, mayor of the city of Grand Rapids, declare October 22, 2026 as lights on after school day in Grand Rapids.

Let's celebrate this day and shine the brightest of lights on programs that provide enriching opportunities for young people before school, after school, in the evenings, on weekends, and in the summer.

So um I'm yeah, right on.

So uh you know, this is uh having having been on the school board myself, uh at GRPS.

Uh it's really uh urgent that we focus on things that um summer learning loss, for example, is an endemic problem that every community has to has to struggle with.

And it's also true that um making sure, particularly post-COVID, um, that we reinforce the message for um the children and the parents as often as possible in as many ways as possible, um, that it's really really important to show up at school.

Um, but these wraparound programs are off are perhaps the most important way that we as a city can lean into doing that uh support for the educational system in this in in town.

Uh at the end of the day, we don't run the school systems, we don't pay for them.

Um, but this is a way that we can meaningfully help uh lean in to make sure our kids succeed in school.

So, Ms.

Harris, I don't know if you want to say anything.

Thank you.

Thank you,

Mayor.

Uh so good morning, Mayor and uh city commissioner, city manager, and other appointed officials and staff.

Grand Rapids is one of 8,000 communities around the nation celebrating the impact of OST programs, so out of school time programs, and our community's children manages an out-of-school time system building effort called the Expanded Learning Opportunities Network.

We do have some members in the audience.

Uh we've got some members from uh hopefully here, boys and girls clubs, GRPS, GR Symphony, Parks and Rec, STEM Greenhouse, MASP, OCC Refugee Refugee Education Center, Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities First T Positive Impact for Life.

Others, if you are part of the ELO network, please stand.

Thank you so much for being here.

I also want to shout out our ELO coordinator, uh, our new coordinator, Satory Spicer and our partners at the Michigan uh After School Partnership.

Now I want to uh introduce you to uh Tiffany Young, who is the vice chair of the ELO network to say a few words.

Good morning, commissioners, mayor, and the city manager.

First, thank you for continuing to invest in out of school time and in the young people of Grand Rapids.

This annual proclamation is evidence of that support and celebration of our success in the field of OST in Grand Rapids.

One thing I hope we continue to remember is that OST is much more than child care.

And even more than an anti-violent strategy, it's a portal to opportunity.

It's where young people find trusted adults, discover what they're good at, develop skills and confidence, and lay the building blocks for their future.

OST is essential to the fabric of our community, and Michigan is recognizing that value in a significant way with a 135 million dollar investment and not a school time programming this year.

Grand Rapids has an incredible opportunity to build on that momentum.

And the ELO network is the connective tissue, bringing together the city, schools, nonprofits, philanthropy, and community partners so that our investments work together.

Because ultimately our goal is simple.

Easy, every young person in Grand Rapids should have access to a place where they can belong, discover, and thrive.

Thank you for continuing to help make that possible as we invest in in and celebrate lights on after school.

Just really quick, we have a quick video, a one-minute video from our partners at Grand Rapids uh public schools.

Uh these are uh scholars that are a part of the loop after school program.

Hi, my name is Diego, and Apple School Focus is important because we go to love and do some projects.

Mining is dating in our loop is important to me because I can make new friends and learn more.

Hi, my name is Shaina and Luke was important to me because I get to learn more and um have friends.

Hi, my name is Anthony because I get my homework done faster, and I when I go home, I get to have fun and two of my friends and family.

All

right, and one quick plug.

The ELO network is hosting our annual lights on after school pre-bash at the new MLK Community Center on Wednesday, October 21st, from 4 30 to 7 30.

There will be free admission, a DJ food, talent show, prizes, and more.

So please spread the word.

Okay, everyone wanna come up for a picture.

Do we have a photographer?

Um

we have a photo.

Maybe not.

How are you doing today?

Thanks for being here.