​Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has made the decision to temporarily close many of its After School Enrichment Program sites, which also include before school services, due to decreased enrollment and revenue.

Twenty-five ASEP sites across Mecklenburg County will stay open through the remainder of the school year. All other temporary closures will go into effect on April 5, 2021. The district plans to reevaluate ASEP sites for the 2021-2022 school year.

This year, due to the pandemic there has been a reduced demand for ASEP childcare services for many reasons, including:

• Most students enrolled in Full Remote Academy do not require ASEP services
• Students in remote learning sites provided by community partners may not need ASEP services
• More parents working from home means reduced need for ASEP services
  

This substantial decrease in enrollment has resulted in declining revenue and created a monthly deficit of approximately $800,000 forcing the difficult decision to temporarily pause the program.

"We've not yet seen all of the long-term impacts the pandemic will have on the district, our students and families," says Superintendent Earnest Winston. "The After School Enrichment team has provided tremendous support for our community and we look forward to restoring this valuable program in the future."

ASEP began in 1985 with eight sites to provide a safe and nurturing environment beyond school hours where children receive assistance with homework, play sports, participate in arts activities, explore technology and computers and go on field trips.

Families with students that will be displaced from ASEP services and staff affected will be notified accordingly. CMS is committed to helping ASEP staff identify other employment opportunities and connecting families with alternate support services and childcare opportunities that exist in the community