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School leaders warn MACAA staffing and communication gaps jeopardized after‑school and Head Start services
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Amanda Hester and trustees told the boards that MACAA's erratic service provision has disrupted after‑school programs and that Head Start was withdrawn in this region; the boards requested a direct conversation with MACAA leadership and asked the superintendent to run cost comparisons if schools must provide services directly.
Trustees and supervisors raised concerns about the stability and accountability of MACAA, the community action agency contracted for after‑school services and formerly responsible for Head Start in the region.
"MACAA pulled out completely from Head Start in this region," Dr. Amanda Hester said, recounting a prior disruption that left the Schools filling gaps. Trustee Dr. Jessica L. Ligon said MACAA's prior failures left the School Division carrying costs for services the County paid MACAA to provide.
Board members asked Dr. Hester to contact MACAA's interim director, John Edwards, and requested the agency explain its staffing and enrollment plans. Several trustees said it would be helpful for MACAA to report directly to the School Board because the agency provides services within school facilities. Dr. Hester said she would run numbers to compare the cost of the Schools operating after‑school programs internally versus contracting with MACAA.
