Head Start leaders brief board on enrollment, funding mix; public commenter questions program

Allison Reed, preschool director, and Deb Hendrix presented the Head Start (Little Giants Preschool) governing‑board training and program overview, including current enrollment and funding details.

Reed said current enrollment is 245 with 273 students served year‑to‑date and a waitlist of 26. She reported a 95% return rate for eligible preschoolers who will enroll in the district’s elementary schools next year and explained that the program has 126 Head Start slots. Reed said the program’s funding is a “puzzle” composed of the federal Head Start grant, Indiana’s On My Way Pre‑K vouchers, district Title I funds directed to early childhood, and special‑education allocations for qualifying students.

Deb Hendrix walked the board through selection and eligibility: families must live in Grant County to qualify for Head Start and On My Way Pre‑K, and staff prioritize 4‑year‑olds and children with identified risk indicators (including homelessness, foster care or DCS referrals). Hendrix noted the program may accept up to 10% of Head Start slots as “over‑income” placements (roughly 12 families) at director discretion and said On My Way Pre‑K represents approximately $5,500–$6,000 per participating student.

During public comment, Ryan Howell identified himself as a Marion resident and asked whether Head Start is necessary, questioned placing very young children in preschool and suggested cutting Head Start to address district funding concerns. Chair responded that the board values the program as critical support and refuge for families who lack other resources.

Reed and Hendrix said they will continue enrollment and selection work through the summer and will submit a baseline grant in September to set program operations for the coming five years.