Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining?

A less than smooth transition in San Fernando, California where 1,400 preschoolers are out of their classrooms temporarily, as officials at the US-DHHS Administration for Children, Youth & Families scrambles to replace existing governance and management provided by the Latin American Civic Association for 26 schools with a $10 million federal budget. At least for the short term, the Denver-based Community Development Institute will take over administration and operations.

Reminds us of history in Rockland County. A major Community Action Program (CAP Agency) was de-funded. Among the outcomes, a county-wide Head Start of Rockland under the auspices of the Nyack-based Head Start, including the experience and savvy of its Executive Director, Mary Jane Pauling-Jones. Net result? An extraordinarly organization that serves nearly 900 low income children and thier families, is a major employer with nearly 300 employees in its 17 schools, and the efficiencies of a larger infrastructure.

We hope the outcome in California will be a net positive for the community, the families, and particularly the children who get a Head Start on sucess in life and school. What do you thinK?