Saco School Board votes 7‑0 to let administration explore on‑site childcare for staff

The Saco School Board voted unanimously on Dec. 10 to authorize district administrators to pursue development of an on‑site childcare program for Saco school staff.

The motion, made by School board member Roach and seconded by School board member Truman, passed on a roll call vote of 7‑0. The motion instructs administration to study feasibility, licensing, staffing models, potential partnerships and cost scenarios and to report back to the board; it did not authorize any program funding or a final commitment.

“Twenty‑four staff members in Saco said, yes. They would have some interest in exploring this piece,” Superintendent Ray told the board during the presentation of staff survey results on interest in an on‑site program. Ray said the district has already met with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and will need to examine locations, staffing needs and licensing requirements.

Board members broadly supported the idea but flagged implementation details. School board member Johnston said she supports further study but voiced concern about how the program would be funded: “I support the idea and I do think that anyone who's been trying to work and have children when they're younger … knows how valuable this could be for our employees,” she said, adding that cost is “obviously” a question.

Roach asked that administration also consider Thornton Academy staff in pursuit of a collaborative model, saying the district should cast a wide net when exploring partners.

Ray and other administrators emphasized the next step is information gathering rather than program approval. The board’s authorization will let staff continue conversations with state agencies and potential partners and return to the board with options, pricing and any recommended policy or budget changes.

The board did not set a timeline for the follow‑up report at the meeting.