Henderson redevelopment agency approves amended funding agreement for early childhood education center

The City of Henderson Redevelopment Agency on Oct. 21, 2025 approved an amended and restated funding agreement to support construction of an early childhood education center in the Cadence Master Plan Community.

Anthony Malloy, Director of Redevelopment, told the board the agency has been reserving an 18% public-education set-aside in the downtown and Eastside redevelopment areas since 2021 to support projects like this one. "The initial funding agreement for this project was approved in 2024 in the amount of $15.4 million," Malloy said, and agency staff are negotiating a lease with the selected operator while ensuring residents of the redevelopment areas receive priority access to preschool seats.

Malloy said the agency also intends to provide scholarships for children who live in the redevelopment areas, "similar to the scholarship model that we currently offer for the students attending the Valley View Preschool." He said expanding access to preschool is vital in the short term because currently about 40% of 3- and 4-year-olds in Henderson attend a preschool program.

The board voted to approve the amended funding agreement. The clerk recorded that all members voted in favor of the motion made by member Stewart and the motion carried.

The agreement uses redevelopment set-aside dollars to advance early childhood education, a priority in the City of Henderson Strategic Plan, and staff said the initiative is intended to strengthen early learning skills and help children transition to kindergarten. Malloy said the investment aligns with long-term goals for higher academic achievement and stronger economic outcomes over time.

Next steps discussed by staff include finalizing the lease with the operator and implementing the scholarship model; the transcript records no dissenting votes or public comments on the item.