The Massachusetts Special Commission on After School and Out of School Time held its first public hearing at Springfield Technical Community College on Tuesday, April 10.
Led by Senator Thomas McGee and Representative Marie St. Fleur, 12 other Commission members heard testimony from nearly 30 people over a four hour period. There was riveting testimony especially from older youth who talked about the role afterschool programs play in keeping them safe from drugs and gun violence. In all approximately 50 people attended the hearing.
The public hearing was covered by the Springfield Republican and a brief clip about the hearing appeared on Channel 40. Additionally the hearing was taped and we will submit it to air on Springfield's Public Access TV Channel.
In addition to the Co-Chairs, the following Commission members and their representatives attended the hearing:
Erin Craft - Department of Early Education and Care
Donna Traynham - Department of Education
Ben Lummis - Massachusetts 2020
Cathy O'Connor - Department of Public Health
Gerry Ruane - Massachusetts Teachers Association
Debbie Kneeland - MADCA
Mike Cahill - YMCA's of Massachusetts
Berna Mann - PACE
Gwynn Hughes - Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership
Rick Metters - Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs
Susan O'Connor - WestMOST Network
Sharon Scott-Chandler - ABCD Boston
The next public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 1, 2007 in Pittsfield from 5 PM - 8 PM and for Tuesday, May 8, 2007 in Central Massachusetts at locations to be announced.
Message From Co-Chairs
Children and youth across the Commonwealth need our help and support to become caring and productive members of our society. As Co-Chairs of this Special Commission, we welcome your input as we work together with our 36 members to craft recommendations on how best to support the healthy development of children and youth when they are in and out of school.
In addition to the Commission meetings about this critical issue, we intend to hold at least nine public hearings across the Commonwealth. We are aware that not everyone will be able to attend and and invite you to use this blog to communicate with us about your issues and concerns. We look forward to your comments.
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Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you.
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