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Haines Borough assemblyable to study child-care funding after Chilkat Valley Preschool asks for $10,000 bridge grant
Summary
Chilkat Valley Preschool asked the Haines Borough Assembly for a $10,000 one-time operating grant to stabilize operations through spring; the Assembly cannot appropriate funds tonight but voted to add early-childhood funding to its January strategic planning session for follow-up.
Tammy Yuen, speaking for Chilkat Valley Preschool, asked the Haines Borough Assembly on Dec. 16 to approve a one-time $10,000 operating grant to stabilize the preschool for the 02/2026 school year while enrollment and other funding sources recover. "This request is intended as a short term bridge, not an ongoing funding commitment," Yuen said, adding the funds would be used for core operating expenses including staff wages and licensing.
The Assembly said it could not approve an appropriation at the same meeting; the mayor and manager reminded members that an appropriation requires an ordinance and typically two meetings (about six weeks) before funds can be spent. Manager Fullerton also noted the borough has a process for nonprofit funding but that timing could leave the preschool short by mid-March if a longer budget cycle is used. Yuen told the Assembly the preschool would face a critical funding shortage by mid-March if no interim support is found.
Discussion among assembly members covered several options. Member Stigler moved and the Assembly approved adding early-childhood funding to the January strategic planning agenda so staff and the Assembly can consider budget options, timing and eligibility. Several members suggested identifying a dedicated funding "pocket" or using Fund 23 (an economic development fund) as a possible short-term source; others said any emergency allocation should be accessible to all licensed child-care providers. Assembly members also discussed a longer-term transition that could include a publicly funded preschool through the school district over the next two to three years if state legislation and reimbursements materialize.
The Assembly did not take an immediate vote on the $10,000 request. Next steps: the matter will be discussed during the January strategic planning session, where members asked staff to provide a budget overview and timelines so the Assembly can determine whether an emergency appropriation is needed to avert a March service disruption.
