School district considering expanding day care options

During their regular business meeting on May 21, Superintendent Eric Hudspith informed Waseca school board members regarding district events scheduled during the last two weeks of the school year. These included commencement ceremonies, scholarship awards night, and music program concerts. 

 

Hudspith presented information regarding the possibility of expanding child care options offered through the school district. He explained board members would be asked to vote on the matter at a future meeting. Hudspith stated that, by expanding its services, the district would be addressing “a documented unmet need within the community” of child care services needed for infants and toddlers. The proposed childcare program model (modeled after the currently existing “Jay’s Nest” preschool) would operate year-round from 6:30 a.m .to 5:30 p.m., with 12 to 20 slots for toddlers and 4 to 8 slots for infants in one dedicated room per age group. 

 

Hudspith said the district sought an arrangement minimizing district investment while providing a ready-to-use space and can partner with Grace Lutheran Church which was the home of Grace Garden childcare and preschool until recently. A facility partnership with the church gives the district an operation-ready space with room for growth while minimizing costs and facility risks. 

 

Hudspith told board members the planning team is hoping to have all the information needed to consider opening the program “as easily as we can in the next school year.” He said he will bring more information to the board in the next months for discussion and approval.

 

Business Director Andrew Adams reported that the district’s end of the year enrollment number is close to that of September, with a difference of only two. Adams summarized district budget numbers for the board, commenting they “are on plan and looking good going into the end of the year.”  

 

Action items included adoption of the math curriculum Reveal that will be purchased for the next school year. Hudspith reminded board members that next month they will hear more about the purchase during preliminary budget discussion. A facility maintenance tour for board members is scheduled for May 28.