Council approves $3.39M Head Start application and Heroes Park/Head Start expansion with CDBG funds

At its Sept. 23 meeting, the Lafourche Parish Council approved two related items advancing early‑childhood and recreational services: an application for federal Head Start funds totaling $3,392,626 and a resolution accepting state/CDBG funding for the Heroes Park Recreation Center and Head Start expansion.

Parish President Mitch explained that the Head Start grant requires signatures from both the parish president and the council chairman; the council approved the application unanimously (8–0, 1 absence). For the Heroes Park project, the president said the parish will use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars allocated after Hurricane Ida and intends to consolidate Head Start classrooms in Thibodaux into a single facility that includes a gym and space for a "Beyond the Bell" after‑school program. He noted the project had already been funded for design through the CDBG grant and that this agreement was a subsequent phase; the resolution passed unanimously (8–0, 1 absence).

A public commenter earlier in the meeting had asked about classroom counts; administration said the design plans include 10 classrooms though only eight are needed immediately. The president said the parish has a healthy dedicated fund balance that made consideration of the request feasible.

Both measures were approved without recorded opposition; administration described the items as part of a broader multi‑facet effort to expand Head Start and related community services.