McKayla LaBorde

The Policy Council reviewed the Director's Leadership Report and examined financial statements, including budget versus actual reports for the Head Start fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the one-time nutrition grant, credit card statements, and the CACFP report. Additionally, the council discussed the Dollar per Child Campaign donation, parent engagement initiatives, parent committee updates, and community information regarding summer EBT availability.

The meeting addressed the responsibilities of the Policy Council as outlined by the Head Start Act, specifically concerning parent involvement, program recruitment/enrollment priorities, funding applications, budget planning, and personnel policies. Key agenda items included the Director's Report covering the Leadership Report and Improper Payment Review, as well as a motion to approve the Financial Statements, which included Budget vs. Actual Reports for various funds and Credit Card Statements. Old Business centered on the Dollar per Child Campaign, where a decision regarding a potential event at Culvers was tabled pending results from a designated 'jeans day' fundraising effort. New Business included discussions on possible spring Parent Engagement activities and updates from the Parent Committee and the Community.

This Continuous Improvement Action Plan for Education Service Unit #3 outlines strategic priorities and board goals to enhance organizational effectiveness and support member school districts. The plan emphasizes developing a common agency evaluation tool and formalizing processes for reviewing and communicating ESU's purpose with stakeholder engagement. Key goals include improving student learning and outcomes through collaborative processes, providing and evaluating services for instruction improvement, ensuring efficient resource utilization through standardized evaluation, and maintaining a high-functioning organization by fostering a safe environment, clarifying employee strategic roles, and recruiting highly-qualified staff.

The meeting agenda included the approval of previous minutes, the Director's Report featuring a Leadership Report, and review and approval of financial statements, specifically Budget vs. Actual Reports for Head Start Regular Budget (FY2025), a One-time Nutrition Grant, other funding sources, and various Credit Card Statements. Old Business involved brainstorming ideas for the Dollar per Child Campaign fundraiser, for which investigation into a 'jeans day' and Culver's information was assigned. New Business focused on filling the vacant Secretary position on the Policy Council following a resignation, updates on Parent Engagement including Whispering Roots Nutrition Classes and a Budgeting Class, and community updates regarding rental/utility assistance application processes and potential federal funding freezes affecting childcare subsidies.

The meeting included approval of financial statements, specifically the Budget vs. Actual Reports for Head Start Regular Budget (FY2025), the One-time Nutrition Grant, and other funding sources, along with various credit card statements and the CACFP Report. Old business concerning officer elections was tabled. New business focused on parent engagement activities, including planning for a Potty Training Zoom Event, Dudes Day/Bagels and Bros, and Whispering Roots Nutrition Classes in January 2026. The council also discussed a potential Dollar per Child fundraising campaign and received an update that LIHEAP payments had been disbursed to providers.