Board approves Head Start and Early Head Start baseline grant application; staff warn of federal funding uncertainty

The Poudre School District Board approved the annual Head Start and Early Head Start baseline grant application for the 2025–2030 grant cycle and authorized district leadership to submit required assurances. The vote recorded 6‑0 in favor.

Early‑childhood director Becca (last name not specified in transcript) told directors that Head Start funding is critical to district preschool services and comprises about half of the early‑childhood budget. The baseline grant restarts the five‑year cycle (this application covers Nov. 1, 2025–Oct. 31, 2030); after five years future applications are continuations unless the federal program changes.

The presentation itemized budget lines: a Head Start award of $3,450,475 for preschool services and accompanying training/technical assistance funds, plus an Early Head Start award of $1,312,756 with its T/TA line. The district also listed a required non‑federal share for both grants (the district’s committed match for services and transportation). Staff said no cost‑of‑living increase (COLA) was included in the federal award and noted prior short‑term uncertainty in federal appropriations during the last grant year; staff emphasized community advocacy helped preserve Head Start funding when a preliminary federal budget leak threatened elimination.

Board members thanked staff for extensive parent and policy‑council involvement in the baseline application. Directors asked staff to continue monitoring federal appropriations; staff said the district is proceeding with the grant application assuming current federal funding continues.

Board approval authorizes the district to submit the baseline application and related documents by the August deadline.