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Commissioners approve Head Start self-assessment, ISD MOU, modular-unit disposals and pension administrator change
Summary
The court approved the Hidalgo County Head Start program’s annual self-assessment, a five-year MOU with local ISDs for dual enrollment, disposal of unused modular classrooms for city reuse, and a switch of pension administration from 1 America Financial Partners to Voya Financial with a 401(k)→457(b) rollover.
Hidalgo County commissioners on Tuesday approved several Head Start actions intended to support program quality and fiscal administration. The court accepted the program’s annual self-assessment, approved a five‑year memorandum of understanding with local school districts to provide dual‑enrollment services, and authorized disposal of older modular units so cities can repurpose them for community uses such as food banks.
Head Start staff described the MOU as a consolidation of federal and state funds to help maintain quality services across partner districts (Donna ISD, Edinburg CISD, Mercedes ISD, Mission CISD, McAllen ISD, PSJA ISD, Monte Alto ISD and Vanguard Academy). The court approved the MOU by motion and voice vote.
The court also approved a contract-administration change for employee retirement arrangements: staff requested moving the Head Start pension administration from 1 America Financial Partners to Voya Financial and transitioning existing 401(k) arrangements into a 457(b) plan, to be managed by Lauren D. Stark, with implementation beginning in 2026. Staff said Voya bought the prior firm and the change resolves legacy administrative issues.
On program services, staff reported Head Start met a higher-than-required enrollment of children with disabilities (about 18% versus the 10% minimum) and noted the program now employs three certified counselors to provide mental-health supports for children, families and staff. “We remain deeply committed to this work,” a program administrator told the court.
The court’s approvals were routine motions recorded on the consent agenda and during the Head Start item; several items also referenced federal Head Start rules (ACF guidance and 45 CFR) for disposal and program compliance.
