Board authorizes $5.84 million Head Start continuance application for NHPS

The New Haven Board of Education voted March 9 to authorize submission of a continuance application to the Office of Head Start seeking $5,837,376 for the New Haven Public Schools Head Start Department for the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Negron told the board the packet includes a categorical breakdown of the requested funds and said the district needs the board’s permission to submit the continuance application to maintain services begun under the current grant period, which runs through June 30, 2029.

Mr. Waldes, who spoke in support during the public discussion of the motion, said the program “is a very important program to many families in New Haven. Our students benefit a great deal from this wonderful program.” Dr. Negron also highlighted efforts to bring more full‑time paraprofessionals into classrooms and to retain Head Start classrooms at their current school locations.

Mr. Wilcox moved to authorize submission of the application; Dr. Joiner seconded. The board voted by voice and the motion carried.

What the authorization means: the vote permits district staff to prepare and submit the federal continuance application for 2026–27; it does not, by itself, represent final federal award or additional local appropriation. The district packet accompanying the request included a line‑item breakdown of planned expenses, which the superintendent said would be used if the Office of Head Start approves the continuance.

Next steps: administration will submit the application and continue Head Start planning. Board members expressed support for monitoring how additional full‑time para positions and classroom allocations are implemented if the grant is renewed.