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County staff says new operator will run Head Start program starting Nov. 1
Summary
County workforce staff told the Sullivan County committee that the Community Development Institute will be succeeded by an interim operator chosen through an RFP; staff said the operator plans to avoid service interruption and intends to interview and retain current Head Start staff.
Sullivan County workforce staff reported that an interim operator selected through a federal RFP will take over operation of the county Head Start program on Nov. 1, and that staff are working to ensure there is no disruption for families.
The county received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) on July 31, staff said, and a new operator selected under a federal Head Start RFP—identified in the meeting as a provider that runs Head Start in Orange County—has met with current program staff and plans to interview employees and "keep the staff" where needed. "We did on July 31 receive a warrant, which is a worker adjustment and retraining notification," Laura said during the reports segment. Staff later said the incoming operator intends to "set it up with no interruption" and that "they'll then effectively be taking over November 1."
Why it matters: Head Start is federally funded and locally run through a contract arrangement; the operator change follows an RFP process and triggers both federal and state notice requirements. County staff said funding for the program is in place and the incoming operator plans staff meetings and site visits before the handover.
Details from the meeting: Laura said the Community Development Institute (CDI) had been serving as an interim operator under a federal Head Start contract and that an organization with an established Orange County Head Start program won the RFP. Laura named the incoming group's chief operating officer, Michelle McKean, and its CEO, Charlie Quinn, and said their early childhood director, Heather Decker, would visit county sites and meet local partners. "They are a very transparent, open, collaborative type of organization," Laura said.
The county will coordinate meetings between the new operator and county partners; Laura said she was arranging meetings with the new operator’s leadership and "certain partners" ahead of the transition. Staff characterized the contract as a multiyear arrangement renewed annually based on performance.
What was not decided or specified: The meeting record did not include a formal contract award motion, a copy of the RFP decision, or the incoming operator's full legal name beyond the individuals and county reference given in the report. The transcript did not specify whether existing collective-bargaining or personnel terms would change.
Looking ahead: County staff said they will continue partner and staff meetings through the fall to support the November transition and to minimize service interruptions for families enrolled in Head Start.
