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Board approves one-year Head Start lease amid cost concerns, asks administration for follow-up
Summary
Trustees approved a one-year lease with Community Action Partnership for Head Start but several board members questioned whether the $25-per-day fee adequately covers utilities and maintenance; administration said a one-year term preserves services while staff explores grants and adjustments.
The Elizabethtown Area School District board approved a one-year lease with the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County to host the Head Start program in district facilities, but trustees voiced concerns about whether the proposed $25 per day fee covers utilities and facilities costs.
Mrs. Bazerian moved to approve the lease; Mrs. Lindamouth seconded. Several trustees objected to the low per-day fee and said it did not appear to cover heat, electricity, custodial or facility upkeep. Administration urged a one-year agreement to avoid disrupting services for children who rely on Head Start while giving the district time to meet with CAP leadership, re-evaluate fee structure and pursue a district-side grant that was not processed last year.
Mr. Strickler asked trustees to consider students first and recommended approving the one-year lease while committing to further negotiation and potential grant pursuit to offset costs. Trustees said they favored a one-year term rather than a multi-year agreement to allow further review.
The motion passed on roll-call vote with one board member opposed. The board asked administration to check whether utilities are charged under the contract and to report back with more detailed financial terms and options.
Next steps: Administration to meet with CAP leadership, clarify monthly utility/fee arrangements in the contract, and report recommended changes or grant opportunities to the board during the coming year.
