Ponca City district outlines pre‑K rollout and child‑care letter of intent; administrators flag transportation, staffing issues
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Summary
The district reported plans to move pre‑K classrooms, said more than 100 families prepaid for next year, and described a letter of intent for a child‑care provider offering a 20% employee discount; administrators raised safety and legal questions about transporting 4‑year‑olds.
Ponca City Public Schools administrators told the board they are preparing pre‑K classrooms and moving materials to sites ahead of next school year, and they summarized a letter of intent with a community child‑care operator that would offer discounted slots for school employees.
Administrators said pre‑K classroom boxes have arrived and staff expect to notify teachers of site assignments before the end of the school year. The district reported about 100 prepaid enrollments for next year’s pre‑K program, compared with 89 prepaids the prior year.
On transportation, staff raised operational and safety concerns about bussing 4‑year‑old children. The superintendent noted some four‑year‑olds may not know a parent’s name or address at the start of the year, which complicates drop‑off procedures and raises questions about whether the district should provide routine transportation for that age group. District staff said they are checking state laws and regulations and considering how to provide continuity of care through existing after‑school care (CAT Care) arrangements where appropriate.
Separately, the board reviewed a letter of intent with a child‑care provider to operate a center (Washington Prepaid Center) serving district employees. The letter includes a 20% discount for district employees who work at least 50 percent time and who are not otherwise eligible for subsidies; an initial operating schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and a goal to extend hours to 5:15 p.m. within one year. The superintendent said the district will draft a contract with legal counsel and present the agreement to the board for approval; he added the August target date for opening is desirable but not mandatory.
The board did not vote on the letter of intent during the meeting; administrators said they will return with a draft contract and more legal detail, including a 36‑month termination clause in the current draft the superintendent flagged as a potential sticking point.