Polk County schools win $460,348 Head Start supplemental grant to replace playgrounds

Miss Cathy Hart presented Polk County Schools’ 2023–24 Head Start annual report and told the board the program serves about 80 of the county’s roughly 130 preschool students.

“We got $460,348, and it is to demolish and install new playgrounds at Polk Central, Saluda, and Sunnyview,” Hart said, drawing applause from trustees. She also reported an additional grant of roughly $50,000 from the Dollar Wood Trust to supplement playground funds.

Hart described service and assessment trends: the Head Start program’s population includes a growing share of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). “This last year, we had 25 children,” she said, noting that represents about 29% of the Head Start enrollment and that small-classroom staffing and developmental‑day funding were essential to serving those students.

Hart said ongoing preschool assessments show that at the end of the year most children — “85 to 90%” in most areas — are meeting age expectations, and that the program works with community partners for dental and medical access. The report showed dental coverage lagged other health metrics (about 84% had a dental home by year’s end), which Hart said was strong given limited local dental resources.

The board took the Head Start annual report as an informational item and approved related motions on the agenda tied to capital funding and projects. The playground grants will be managed through the district’s existing capital and grant processes; Hart said individual project timelines will follow once procurement and scheduling are finalized.

The board did not vote on school improvement plans at this meeting; they were noted for action after a planned closed session.