Washington Unified OKs joint-use agreement with Yolo County for Head Start at Alice Norman

The Washington Unified School District board approved a joint-use agreement on March 27 with the Yolo County Office of Education to host Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the Alice Norman campus.

Chief Business Officer Monique Soval explained the agreement covers use of classroom space, utilities, custodial and facility maintenance to support five full-day Head Start programs, two part-day Head Start classes and two Early Head Start programs. The district estimated the annual value of in-kind services (custodial, utilities and other operational support) at roughly $180,000.

Trustees asked about the scope of professional development promised by Yolo County as part of the agreement and whether there is a cap on offerings; staff said they would clarify the volume of PD opportunities and return with more specifics. Board members also asked whether the district previously ran the program and whether the district would revisit operating a preschool program in the future. Trustees approved the agreement for the term through June 2026 with options to extend.

Monique Soval said the arrangement enables Head Start services (including wraparound home visits and early childhood wraparound supports) while the district concentrates on other strategic priorities; she noted the district previously operated state preschool programs but at times returned slots to the state when implementation and recruitment were challenging.

Board member comments emphasized partnership value and asked staff to evaluate long-term fiscal implications. The motion passed and trustees asked staff to bring cost-benefit information about the program back to the board for future planning.