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Commission approves six-month trial lease of Head Start building to local tutoring center
Summary
The commission approved a six-month rental arrangement letting Lightpath Student Enrichment lease the county Head Start building at $300 per month, with the county paying utilities for six months while the center expands from a smaller temporary space.
Lightpath Student Enrichment and Learning Center co-owners requested use of the county Head Start building to expand tutoring, casual care for ages 2–5, and a homeschool co-op. Commissioners approved a six-month trial lease that sets rent at $300 per month; the county will cover utilities and Wi‑Fi during the six-month trial, after which the commission will revisit terms.
Why it matters: Lightpath’s owners said their privately funded program already serves more than 50 local families and offers one‑on‑one tutoring, therapeutic supports and a homeschool co‑op. They asked for more space and safer parking than their current temporary location behind a local business provides.
The co-owners, Misty Cook and Tabitha Baggett, told the commission they launched in late 2024 and have a wait list; they described services that include after-school tutoring, preschool-style casual care, and a homeschool enrichment cooperative that meets three days a week. A longtime participant’s grandparent told the commission the child struggled after pandemic learning disruptions and improved substantially after hands-on tutoring at Lightpath.
Commission discussion covered rent, utilities and safety. Commissioners noted the center currently pays about $400 per month for its temporary location (utilities included) and said average utilities for the Head Start building run about $500 per month. During debate, commissioners proposed a motion to set base rent at $300 per month while the county covers utilities and Wi‑Fi for six months to give the center time to grow and pursue additional programs. The commission voted in favor; the motion included a six-month review to assess usage, enrollment and financial viability.
Formal action: the commission approved a six-month lease at $300 per month with the county covering utilities and Wi‑Fi for the trial period; the commission will revisit terms after six months. Commissioners asked staff to report back on enrollment counts, parking and safety improvements and whether the center’s operations expand to include aftercare and van transportation in the future.
Next steps: the co-owners said they will continue outreach, pursue aftercare partnerships, and use the Head Start layout to provide separated rooms and safer pickup/drop-off. The commission asked county staff to monitor safety at the site and to return with recommended rental terms after six months.
