Superintendents urge continued funding for Head Start program in Hidalgo County

Head Start funding took center stage at the Hidalgo County Commissioner’s Court meeting on April 29, 2025, as local educators passionately advocated for the continuation of this vital program. Superintendent Gutierrez emphasized the importance of Head Start in providing early childhood education to low-income families, stating, “If there’s one thing that needs to stay, it’s the education of our kids at that early age.”

The discussion highlighted the program's success in preparing children for kindergarten, with research indicating that participation in Head Start significantly increases the likelihood of being ready for school. “When kids are in Head Start programs, they’re more likely to be kindergarten ready, which then puts them on a path to third-grade reading,” noted another educator, underscoring the long-term benefits of early education.

Concerns were raised about potential cuts to Head Start funding, with educators warning that such reductions could jeopardize the educational futures of children in the Rio Grande Valley. “This funding is essential for children that we serve in this county,” one speaker stated, framing the issue as not just an investment in individual children but in families and the community as a whole.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to advocate for continued funding, as local leaders recognized the critical role of Head Start in breaking the cycle of poverty. “We cannot cut into the bones of the children in our community,” one speaker passionately declared, reinforcing the urgent need for support in maintaining this essential program.