Burke County board approves pursuing Head Start grant and hiring consultant

The Burke County Board of Education voted to pursue a Head Start grant and to hire a consultant to prepare the application, the board said during its public meeting.

Board members discussed gaps between Early Head Start and pre-kindergarten services in the county and the potential need to match Head Start salary levels to retain staff. The board moved and approved a combined motion to pursue the Head Start grant and to contract with a consultant experienced in Head Start regulations to prepare the application.

Board members emphasized that the decision to pursue the grant will require a consultant familiar with Head Start regulations. A board member said the consultant proposed by an internal contact “writes grants for both Early Head Start and for Head Start.” The board recorded the motion, a second, and a vote approving the measure.

The school’s leadership noted there are implementation steps the district must follow if it proceeds: identify a grant-writing consultant, review regulatory requirements and staffing impacts, and later seek any necessary approvals from program specialists and the board. Board members discussed salary comparability as a key consideration: bringing Head Start pay closer to school-system pay was described as a possible way to reduce staff turnover.

The board approved the consultant hire and the pursuit of the Head Start grant by voice vote.