Boulder County directs staff to pursue two‑site backup plan after Head Start grant rejection

Boulder County commissioners on April 15 directed staff to pursue a contingency plan to operate two Head Start sites if the county’s appeal of a rejected federal Head Start grant fails.

County Head Start division manager Zakani Ogren told commissioners the program’s application for the five‑year grant cycle beginning July 1, 2025, was rejected and an appeal was filed April 4. Ogren said the program received four noncompliance notices after a federal monitoring review; one medical and dental screening noncompliance remained open with a May 17 closing date. She also reported a projected fiscal‑year deficit of $390,000 caused by CCAP and universal preschool funding shortfalls and accounting changes in how county subsidies are recorded.

Commissioners and staff reviewed choices to preserve services for children and families if the county does not retain the grant. Staff presented options that included ending the program, operating fewer sites, or developing a county‑run preschool model. Commissioner discussion emphasized continuity of services for children and families and the loss of federal coaching and training if county Head Start ceases as a grantee.

After discussion, the board voted to give staff direction to pursue “Option 2” — retaining operations at two sites (with a projected cost staff estimated at roughly $2 million if the county had to operate a county‑run preschool model). Staff noted the county remains the current grantee until the Office of Head Start issues transition guidance; a transition letter is expected by the end of the current grant cycle on June 30, 2025.

Ogren said the county’s appeal aims to reinstate the grant; she also noted the larger federal Head Start system is experiencing staff layoffs and uncertainty in program funding. Commissioners asked staff to prioritize safety, staffing continuity and communication with families while pursuing the appeal and contingency planning.