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Middletown commissioners advance school-focused haircut program, ask committee to prepare grant proposal
Summary
Commissioners discussed a proposal to provide discounted or free haircuts to students (grades 6–12), explored partners and funding sources including federal wellness grants and ARPA, and voted to have the committee prepare a structured proposal for the next meeting.
MIDDLETOWN — Commissioners discussed a pilot program to provide discounted or free haircuts for middle- and high-school students as part of a broader school wellness effort and directed the commission's working group to prepare a formal proposal.
The idea surfaced after commissioners reviewed examples from other towns and local interest from barbers and salons. One commissioner summarized local outreach, naming two potential participants, Jason Vasquez and Styles by Q, and said licensed hairdressers and school partners will be needed for the program to be acceptable to schools. The chair emphasized grant eligibility: “If you name it into wellness, you’ll be eligible for federal grants also,” and recommended mapping partners and starting small while pursuing grant funding.
Discussion focused on logistics and eligibility. Commissioners agreed that participating barbers should be licensed and that work should generally take place in established salons or approved school spaces rather than private homes. Guidance counselors at Middletown High and Beaman Middle School were identified as the proper channel to identify students discreetly and protect confidentiality. Commissioners discussed income-based eligibility tied to ALICE or similar household-income guidelines and the need for an administrative fiduciary if grant funds are awarded.
The group reviewed a rough budget example offered by the chair: a clerk-of-the-meeting calculation estimated that 300 discounted haircuts at $15 each would total $4,500, a figure commissioners said would be part of a draft budget to share with potential funders. Commissioners also noted ARPA and other health-and-wellness funds as possible sources but cautioned that ARPA disbursements can be slow.
The commission voted to ask the working group to compile partner contacts, a draft budget, eligibility guidelines, and a proposed operational model for presentation at the next meeting. Chair (S6) said staff and commissioners should bring concrete items so the plan can be refined and submitted for grants if warranted.
