Putnam County funds new preschool program manager at Early Learning Center

The Putnam County Legislature's Personnel Committee approved a fund transfer of $62,005.90 to create a preschool program manager position at the Putnam County Early Learning Center.

Valerie Rodriguez, the health department director, told the committee the position is a full-time role with an annual salary of $90,000 and that the request covers a prorated five-month period from Aug. 1 through Dec. 31. "This 5 month proration amount will fund this position, at the amount of $37,000.59," Rodriguez said; she reported additional fringe benefits and gave a total transfer request of $62,005.90.

Legislators asked whether the school districts would contribute. Rodriguez said the districts provide Universal Pre-K (UPK) students but do not oversee daily program operations; the county elected to hire a county employee to ensure compliance with state regulations and to serve as a liaison between the county, the state, school districts, parents and contracted agencies. She said the county will continue to contract with outside agencies for teachers and related services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech).

Rodriguez said the hiring search was progressing well, that the leading candidate has a UPK background and a master's-level special-education background with about 20 years of experience, and that the hire will be provisional and conditional on standard hiring procedures. The fund transfer was approved by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally.