Katie Biggs

The meeting included introductions and a statement from the Superintendent appreciating the members' service. Key discussions focused on the Committee's purpose, roles, and responsibilities regarding the expenditure of bond revenues, as presented by Bond Counsel Meredith Johnson, emphasizing its advisory capacity to the Board of Education. The Committee proceeded to elect its leadership, unanimously selecting Noemi Limon as Chair and Kiah Applegate as Vice Chair. Finally, the Committee established the schedule for future meetings, determining the second Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. quarterly, with the next meeting scheduled for April 14, 2026.

Key discussions included public comment regarding the use of Salida Park for the Spring Festival. Under new business, there was an update from FSW regarding upcoming parent meetings, resources, and community events. A concern was raised regarding the lack of hot water at handwashing sinks, with staff advising the use of hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled. The beneficiary report featured a presentation by the Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools regarding social media's impact on child mental health, recommending technology limitations for children and providing free literature-related activity books to families. Programmatic approvals included reducing the work hours for Early Head Start associate teachers, approving the 2026-2027 reimbursement grant, approving Child Development Program Procedures, accepting a donation from Operation Warm, and approving the Participation Waiver for Head Start/Early Head Start. Staff reports noted site visits with no findings, a playground closure at Boer, and scheduled class cancellations. Monthly reports for EHS/HSP and SPS for December 2025 were reviewed.

The committee meeting addressed operational updates including scheduling changes, site-specific issues regarding classroom temperature and meal service, and a report from the Grantee meeting concerning vacancies and strategic goals. Discussions also covered budget reviews, personnel matters, and the ratification of various program policies, bylaws, and procedures. Additionally, updates were provided regarding facility maintenance, spring break scheduling, and monthly program information reports.

Key discussions included public comment requesting that the Salida Park not be used for the Spring Festival. New business covered an update from FSW regarding parent meetings and community resources, and a site report addressing a concern about the temperature of sink water for hand washing, noting that hand sanitizer can be used if hands are not visibly dirty. The Grantee Report highlighted a presentation by the Stanislaus County Office of Education Superintendent on social media's impact on anxiety, depression, and suicide in younger children, encouraging technology device elimination until age 16. Program committee actions included an approval to reduce the hours for an Early Head Start Associate Teacher, approval of the 2026-2027 Refunding Grant, approval of the Child Development Program Procedures, approval of accepting an Operation Warm Donation, and approval of the Salida Head Start/Early Head Start Non Federal Share Waiver. Staff reports indicated that licensing visits resulted in no findings, noted a playground closure at Boer, and reviewed EHS/HSP and SPS Program Information Reports and meal counts for December 2025.

The committee meeting addressed several operational and programmatic updates. Discussions included a change of date for a future meeting, site-specific issues regarding classroom temperature and food service offerings, and a beneficiary report covering staffing needs, organizational goals, and Head Start application details. The committee reviewed and approved monthly budget claims, updated job descriptions, and ratified various program procedures, bylaws, and action plans. Additionally, the staff provided updates on upcoming spring break schedules, playground replacement projects, and facility maintenance status.