Muncie YMCA Pitches Taking Over BCS After-School Program — Board Has Questions

From the Blackford County Schools Board Meeting on August 18, 2026

The Muncie YMCA has approached Blackford County Schools about taking over the district's after-school latchkey program — the same organization that ran it roughly 10 years ago before pulling out with little notice.

The current program charges parents $3 per night until 4:30 p.m. or $6 per night until 6:00 p.m. — rates that haven't changed in a decade. It enrolls an average of students in the high 20s and costs the district $11,000 to $18,000 per year in losses, subsidized from the education fund. The program is not licensed.

Under the YMCA proposal, after-school care would operate at Blackford Primary School until 5:30 p.m. — 30 minutes shorter than the current program. A key advantage: the YMCA is pre-approved for childcare voucher participation, which BCS currently is not. The YMCA would handle all billing, administration, and licensing. It could also offer tutoring and homework help using college students, as it does at other locations.

Board members raised concerns. One questioned whether the YMCA would pull out again. "My concern is once again, okay, we're not making enough money off of you. We're pulling out," a board member said. Troy pointed out that the proposal would charge parents more while paying employees less — current BCS staff earn approximately $16 per hour compared to the YMCA's roughly $14.70 per hour. "That's not a win for me," Troy said.

Troy suggested the district also contact the Marion YMCA and explore alternatives including local churches and Taylor University students. The board directed the superintendent to invite the Muncie YMCA to present at the September board meeting.

Source: YouTube transcript — Blackford County Schools Board Meeting

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.