Mitch Houston of the Liberty School Foundation briefed the board on the foundation's early-learning scholarship pilot. The foundation received 51 scholarship applications, awarded 36 scholarships, and reported that 21 recipients had confirmed providers and begun receiving funds; foundation staff said the program reduced the number of applicants who had no available provider and encouraged some family, friend and neighbor (FFN) providers to expand their services.

Houston said scholarships ranged from roughly $340 to $1,600 per month depending on family need and that aggregated scholarship spending to date was about $87,800 (equivalent to roughly 367 care months). The foundation said two FFN provider sites were pending county approval (using the CCAP checklist) and that outreach and Spanish-language support would be expanded.

On the proposed childcare center tied to the middle/high school, foundation staff reported cost escalation versus a 12-month-old estimate and said the current projected funding gap was still being refined; preliminary estimates indicated a funding shortfall and the foundation said it would pursue state grants, philanthropic fundraising and potential debt financing to close it. The board thanked the foundation and asked staff to return with planning updates and funding recommendations as they develop.

No board action was taken at the presentation; staff will return with updated cost estimates and grant strategy.