Head Start moves from Booker T. Washington to Jefferson Elementary under 10‑year facility use agreement; district to receive monthly rent

The board approved a 10‑year facility‑use memorandum of understanding with Ninos, Inc., the operator of the Head Start program currently housed at the Booker T. Washington building, to relocate Head Start operations to Jefferson Elementary. The existing agreement for the Booker T. Washington site ran through August 2028 but Ninos notified the district it would vacate because of building concerns, particularly the electrical system. Under the new agreement, Ninos will pay $9,815 per month (about $112,872 annually). The contract is no‑cash consideration previously at Booker T. Washington; under the new MOU the provider is 100 percent responsible for maintenance, security, utilities and insurance. The district will retain the playground equipment installed by Ninos; if Ninos leaves in the future, they may remove equipment they installed. District staff said the move places the Head Start site a short walk from Jefferson Elementary and offers program continuity and opportunities to collaborate with campus staff. The district and Ninos will coordinate outreach and logistics; administration will share enrollment numbers and outreach plans as they become available. The contract was reviewed by district counsel and was approved by the board.