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Board approves new operator for county employee childcare center; vote follows late-arriving materials
Summary
After interviews and a contested review, the board authorized the county manager to sign a one-year contract with Chapman's Management Company to operate the county employee childcare center effective July 1; the vote was 6-1 with Vice Chairwoman Jones opposed and concerns discussed in closed session.
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted June 16 to name Chapman's Management Company as operator of the county employee childcare center and authorized the county manager to sign a one-year operator contract effective July 1, 2025.
Assistant County Manager Faith Phillips summarized the procurement process: an RFP sent to licensed providers yielded four proposals, the county convened a seven-member review panel, and the top three proposers were interviewed. Phillips said the panel weighed the ability to achieve a 3–5 star NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (NCDCD/DE or NCDCE) rating, acceptance of child-care subsidy, continuity of care, and proven experience with government contracts.
Phillips reported concerns about two competing proposers: Rose Angel Academy’s proposal included a pickup cutoff time of 5:30 p.m. and a $5-per-minute late fee, a limitation that staff said could conflict with later staff schedules; Owls Academy had no current enrolled children and provided references that contained duplicated names. Chapman's was rated highest because it is mid-process on national accreditation and had plans to retain existing staff to preserve continuity for families.
Vice Chairwoman Jones raised newly received information late in the meeting and asked for time to review it; the board recessed the item to allow counsel to examine the material. After closed-session review and additional discussion, Commissioner Tyson moved that the county manager be directed to sign the contract with Chapman's Management Company effective July 1. The motion passed 6-1; Vice Chairwoman Jones voted no.
Why it matters: the current provider submitted a 60-day notice in May, creating an operational deadline to secure an operator and transfer licensing through NCDCE. County staff told commissioners NCDCE staff were prepared to begin a license transfer immediately if the board approved a new operator.
Contract highlights: Chapman's committed to pursue national accreditation during the one-year contract term, to seek a 3–5 star NCDCE rating, and to attempt continuity of care by retaining current staff. The board’s action authorized the county manager to execute the contract; staff will work with NCDCE on license transfer steps and timing.
The final board vote on the motion to direct the county manager to sign the Chapman's contract was: Tyson, Council, Chairman De Beire, Patel, Faircloth and Adams — yes; Vice Chairwoman Jones — no.
