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By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal
Lowndes County Superintendent of Education Dr. Daniel Boyd wants to start an Early Head Start program for Lowndes County Public Schools to prevent the school system from losing funds.
Dr. Boyd reported at Thursday night’s regular school board meeting that the county school system is funded for 280 Head Start students, but currently has only 222 students enrolled in the program.
“So, we’re looking at making some changes,” he said.
Boyd said he is requesting approval from Region Four, Atlanta, to have an Early Head Start program for Lowndes County Public Schools to switch some of those Head Start slots.
Boyd explained that Head Start is for ages 3 and 4. He said the school system is short by about 60 students. However, he said, if the school system can switch the slots to Early Head Start, “Our budget will remain the same.”
According to the Early Head Start National Resource Center, the reauthorization of the Head Start Act in 1994 made it possible to establish Early Head Start as a program to serve infants and toddlers under the age of 3, and pregnant women.
Boyd said of switch the slots to Early Head Start, “It will help us because if we don’t have the numbers, we will have to turn the money (funding) back.”
Boyd said students will have to be recruited for the Early Head Start Program.
He said the 60 Head Start slots translate to 24 Early Head Start slots.
In another matter, the school board received some recognition from the Alabama Association of School Boards.
He announced that the school board received AASB President’s Award for having 60 percent of its members attend three or more AASB board member academy courses. He said, “It’s great for the board to receive professional development”
In addition, board members were recognized for their individual achievements in receiving the training.
Dr. Denise Davis-Maye was recognized for reaching Level 4 and both Annie C. Hunter and Steve Foster made the Master’s Honor Roll.