Board hears plan to convert Dudley into an early-care-and-education center; staffing, licensing and fire-alarm work next

Dr. Chandra Youngblood presented a transition plan to convert the Dudley building into an early-care-and-education center serving children from birth to pre‑K. She described research on local childcare gaps, facility upgrades required for licensing, and an operational model that would include fee‑based preschool options alongside existing GSRP/ECSC classes. The staff estimate for full capacity ranged around 214 children with a realistic breakeven target near 85% (~180 children); initial monthly operating costs were described as primarily salaries and benefits.

Youngblood said the district has already begun feasibility work: building inspections, water filtration and fire-alarm evaluations, curriculum research, and partner outreach. She emphasized that some improvements are legally required for early-childcare licensing. Facilities staff recommended a life‑safety and fire-alarm upgrade at Dudley not to exceed $188,760 to be funded from the sinking fund and noted that the current detection system cannot be upgraded without replacing the panel and wiring.

Board members expressed enthusiasm for the proposal and discussed partnerships, county coordination and maintaining existing programs (such as Head Start operating in district facilities). Trustees clarified that the vote the board would take in the near term is to approve transitioning Dudley to the planning phase; the full funding decisions and operations plan would return to the board for later approval.