Head Start funds to pay for early‑childhood playground at Fair Acres, district staff say

A Las Cruces Public Schools staff presenter told the Finance Subcommittee that a portion of Head Start grant funds will be used to pay for an early‑childhood playground at Fair Acres.

The presenter summarized the monthly Head Start budget report, noting that the most significant item in the packet was a portion of Fund 1000 allocated to a playground at Fair Acres. The report included year‑to‑date Head Start expenditures through August and an itemization of allocations made under the Head Start grant.

Why it matters: Head Start is federally funded and provides early‑childhood education and wraparound services for eligible children; an investment in playground infrastructure affects the program’s operating and capital use of grant funds.

Details from the report - The presenter described the item as "a portion that we're using Head Start to pay for a playground or early childhood playground over at Fair Acres." (Staff presenter, Head Start budget update.) - The written packet included allocations and year‑to‑date expenses for the Head Start grant through August. Staff said additional BARs tied to Head Start would appear later in the meeting for committee consideration.

Questions and follow up Committee members did not raise substantive questions about Head Start expenditures during the update; the presenter stood for questions but none were asked.

Ending Staff will include the Head Start BARs and supporting materials on the upcoming consent recommendation for board action.