Meeting Monday, May 20 in the high school library, the Stanley-Boyd Area School Board of Education approved a five year Head Start contract, beginning July 1, 2024 and running through June 30, 2024. Among the indirect poss possibilities from the new lease is a new playground at the Boyd Early Learning Center, put in by Head Start.
Motioned for approval by Denise Hoffstatter with a second from Lanse Carlson, the five year agreement takes the place of what would otherwise be a one year contract, as Head Start reportedly sought the lease as it hopes to put in a playground at the Boyd Early Learning Center, where it rents space. Board rationale for approval was explained by member Chad Verbeten.
“Based on statistics, based on history, they’re probably going to be here in five years,” he said. “And we’re probably going to offer them a lease.”
The advantage of a five year lease, is getting a potential playground out of the deal, though the details are being worked out.
As to the contract language, it calls for Head Start to maintain an appropriate environment for staff and 17 preschool age children in line with state licensing rules, and to maintain developmentally appropriate indoor/outdoor space and equipment and toys in safe condition, as well as for early childhood.
Additionally, the contract calls for a developmentally appropriate Frog Street curriculum aligned to the Wisconsin Early Model Learning Standards and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, honoring the diversity of cultural, family, and community values. All materials are to be provided by Head Start, while those supplies provided or loaned through the school district are to be adequately maintained. The school district and Head Start will do periodic joint reviews, while Head Start will collaborate on and promoting community-wide Parental Involvement events where possible, supporting the financial cost of any event for parents of those enrolled in Head Start. Head Start will also support the district’s Child Find Activities as invited by the district.
As for district responsibilities, it will provide office areas and classroom space with no money exchanged to CESA 11 Head Start, collaborate on and promote community-wide parent involvement events when possible, collaborate with Head Start in the transitioning of district students as appropriate, and refer income eligible children who may benefit from program services to Head Start.
