Child Care Council reports Head Start transition and Center for Workforce Development director retirement

During the Economic Development Committee reports, the Child Care Council chair said Heather Decker, head of early childhood programs at a regional agency, will take over the local Head Start program on Nov. 3 and staff are preparing for the transition.

The update said Decker "gave a presentation of their transition" and that staff have met with program employees to review responsibilities and continuity. The chair described the transition as "very exciting" and said "everything seems to be a go for a nice transition over to November 3," while noting some behind-the-scenes items remain outstanding.

The same presenter told the committee that Lorraine Gebelijn, director of the Center for Workforce Development, will retire Jan. 5. The council has advertised the position and received about nine applications; a first round of interviews will be scheduled and a second round will include individuals identified as Josh and Michelle. Staff said they hope to have a hire start before Gebelijn’s retirement to allow for foundational training.

Committee members did not vote on personnel actions during the meeting. The updates were presented as informational; no committee directive or formal employment decision was recorded at the session.