Policy Council – No experience necessary, just a desire to learn more
When we come together as parents, staff, Policy Councils, and governing Boards we can ensure that our youngest children have a solid foundation for life.
Policy Council members are currently enrolled Head Start parents and interested community members who act as a link between those people making and carrying out decisions and the people Head Start serves. Policy Council members are elected by their peers (see Policy Council brochure –English / Spanish).
Policy Council must work in partnership with key management and the Board of Directors to develop, review and approve policies, strategic directions, criteria for the recruitment, selection and enrollment of children, funding applications, personnel and other business orientated activities that requires Policy Council’s approval. A governance flow chart helps link management, Board and Policy Council responsibilities together. The Head Start Program Governance Resource book is a good review. The HSOLC Policy Council handbook includes the bylaws. (English )
Policy Council meets the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at the Central Office, 221 B Street, or Grand St, 21 N. Grand St. The meeting dates are:
November 12, 2024
December 10, 2024
January 14, 2025
February 11, 2025
March 11, 2025
April 8, 2025
May 13, 2025
June 10, 2025
No July meeting
August 12, 2025
September 9, 2025
October 14, 2025
November 11, 2025 (completed one-year term)
Other Important Groups
• Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment, Attendance (ERSEA) Committee meets to discuss ways to inform and attract families to Head Start.
• Curriculum Committee meets to discuss classroom supplies, equipment and curriculum used.
• Health Services Advisory Committee is a group of professionals meeting to review data on the health of Lane County children.
• Hiring Panels want parents to be part of the interview and recommendation process to hire the most qualified person for the job.
Board of Directors
Head Start of Lane County Board of Directors represent community members with experience in fiscal management, legal and early childhood education, the Policy Council Vice Chair and past Head Start parents. Additional Board members reflect the communities served in Lane County.
This partnership helps to ensure that professional skills and business knowledge are balanced with the equally important voices of families who have children in the program. Volunteering many hours, the Board of Directors help guide and direct our program to benefit our community’s youngest citizens.
The Board of Directors meets the third Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at the Head Start central office, 221 B Street, Springfield. The schedule is:
August 20, 2024
September 17, 2024
October 15, 2024
November 19, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 17, 2025
February 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
April 18, 2025
May 16, 2025
June 20, 2025
July – summer recess
Board Members
Heather Edge, Chair
Chad Hamilton, Vice Chair
Rebecca Costilla, Secretary
Ed Feil
Lois Pribble
Lauren Mitchell
Tauna Griggs
Taylor Gersch
Executive Policy Council Members
Jennifer Van Gerpen, Chair
Lauren Mitchell, Vice Chair