6/14/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JUN � 41994 BOOK c�2 PACE647 _ Commissioner Eggert asked if the Children's Services Advisory Committee will oversee this program. Commissioner Macht agreed that oversight would be a good procedure when we get to that point. At the very least a liaison member of the Children's Services Advisory Committee would be on whatever Board of Directors would be established under a non-profit 501(c)3 plan. We must establish a trust fund and that will require incorporation under the articles of Florida. We will depend on advice from our budget officers, our attorney and the Board itself on how to handle that, but that is not part of the plan under consideration. Commissioner Bird asked whether the County's contribution would be included in 1994/95 fiscal year's budget. Commissioner Macht responded affirmatively but explained that some of the funding would be shifted from other agencies to minimize the impact on the general fund. Commissioner Bird felt that in approving the plan we are making a commitment to support it financially. Commissioner Adams agreed that it involves a financial decision. She approved the concept of early education but believed that we must look at the real role of county government. She felt that education is the purview of the School Board and she was concerned the School Board is not doing their fair share. She also wanted to be sure we do not drop this program once it is started. Chairman Tippin agreed with the comments regarding the costs but felt that this program is of high priority and that he would support a motion in favor of the plan, since the matter of funding will be revisited during the budget process. Commissioner Eggert agreed with the concept of substitution of funds rather than additional funding. Commissioner Macht explained that this program is designed to prepare children for entrance into school. He emphasized that the proposed plan is implementable because there is heavy community involvement. Certain families participate in a similar program through the welfare system. The proposed plan is intended to help the families that do not qualify for welfare programs because they earn a living but they cannot afford the cost of child care. Commissioner Eggert understood that the School Board will provide the Pre-K/Early Intervention Coordinator. Pre-K/Early Intervention Coordinator Kathy Marshall explained that the proposed program will follow essentially the same curriculum provided currently to the group of children who qualify for the free program. The proposed program would serve those who 48 % s �