Board authorizes temporary occupancy agreement to allow Porter Leath to operate Head Start sites during transition

The Shelby County Board of Education authorized the interim superintendent to enter into a temporary occupancy and use agreement with Porter Leath so Porter Leath may begin operating Head Start services at district locations while the fiscal and operational closeout and transition of the Head Start service area award proceed.

General Counsel read a resolution explaining that the district had served as the Head Start grantee for the service area prior to July 22, 2025 and that the Administration for Children and Families had notified the district that Porter Leath would be the grantee for the 2025 grant period. The resolution authorizes the interim superintendent to enter a temporary occupancy agreement to govern use of district real and personal property acquired during the grant period, to promote continuity of services and to allow Porter Leath to operate from district facilities pending the formal property and asset transition.

Facilities and sites

The resolution specifically referenced three sites that would be available for operation beginning September 1: Covington Pike Head Start, Douglas Head Start and Ridgeway Early Learning Center.

Why it matters

Board members said the temporary agreement was intended to avoid any gap in Head Start services to families while the parties complete deeds, property and personal‑property transfers and other closeout steps required by the federal Head Start program.

How the board voted

Roll call recorded eight ayes; the motion passed. The roll call as read in the meeting showed Board Member McKissick, Board Member Garcia, Board Member Porter, Board Member Murphy, Board Member McKinney, Board Member Otey, Board Member Williams and Board Chair Coleman voting in the affirmative.

Authorities cited in the reading included references in the resolution to the federal Head Start program and administrative rules as recited in the resolution text.