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Board backs a plan to convert underused school sites into early‑childhood centers
Summary
The board unanimously backed a proposal directing staff to explore repurposing underutilized district properties into dedicated early‑childhood centers (birth–age 4) to expand access to pre‑K services.
The school board approved a proposal to reimagine underutilized school properties as dedicated early‑childhood centers serving children from birth to age 4. Board Member Dorothy Bendross Mindingall introduced the request, describing it as a fiscally responsible way to expand high‑quality early childhood access by leveraging existing buildings.
Bendross Mindingall and supporters cited mounting research that the earliest years of life have outsized importance for literacy, cognitive development and long‑term academic progress and said repurposing underused facilities would allow the district to deliver bilingual, wraparound services (health, nutrition, family supports) without the cost of new construction. Board members and staff discussed implementing centers that partner with local health providers, the Children’s Trust and community partners to provide integrated services.
Board Member Paul Geller and others voiced support for transforming excess capacity into community hubs. The board approved the recommendation and directed staff to identify candidate sites, describe the required renovations and funding options, and report back with an implementation plan.
Why it matters: Early childhood access is a major factor in later achievement; converting existing district properties can speed capacity expansion and create family‑centered service hubs while retaining district control of assets.
What’s next: Staff will prepare a list of candidate sites, preliminary cost estimates and partnership models and return to the board for further direction.
