Early childhood audit flags two Romeo programs as financially unsustainable; district weighing dissolution

Charlene McVety, Director of Early Childhood Services, told the board on Feb. 23 that the department recently completed an audit that identified financial challenges in two programs — Toddler and Discovery 4 — which currently show negative budgets and are not sustainable under existing funding and enrollment patterns.

McVety said the district is examining options that include dissolving the two programs and pursuing a longer-term vision of an early childhood learning center rather than operating them as childcare programs. She characterized the audit findings as the basis for reconsidering program structure and funding.

Board member Antoine questioned staff about certification and bargaining-unit status; McVety said that the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) requires a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate, while childcare positions require a minimum education level and specific criteria to hold a lead role. She also said that early childhood staff are part of the district bargaining unit.

Katherine Rice asked whether lesson plans are predetermined or aligned to district curriculum standards. McVety explained that the state requires a set curriculum and that the Macomb Intermediate School District requires all GSRP programs in Macomb to use the Creative Curriculum, on which teachers are trained.

The minutes do not record any formal motion to change the programs on Feb. 23; the report was presented for the board’s information and for future consideration. Next steps implied in the discussion include further staffing and budget analysis and potential follow-up recommendations to the board.