On December 8, 2025 — At its regular meeting, the USD 465 Board of Education voted to not renew the district’s Head Start agreement. This decision follows an in-depth review of student outcomes, program quality, facility use, and long-term financial sustainability, and reflects the Board’s commitment to maintaining high-quality early childhood opportunities for families in the Winfield community. This will go into effect at the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
USD 465 has partnered with Head Start since 2017 and recognizes the program’s long-standing value. Over time, however, the district’s own early childhood programming at the Winfield Early Learning Center (WELC) has expanded to include the same comprehensive services, including high-quality instruction, social-emotional learning, family engagement, developmental screening, and access to social work and community resources.
“Head Start has been an important part of early childhood education in Winfield for many years,” said Tricia Reiser, USD 465 Superintendent. “As our WELC program has grown, we’ve intentionally built those same supports for all students. This decision allows us to continue serving children well while gaining the flexibility and stability needed to plan for the future.”
A financial analysis revealed that federal Head Start funding no longer fully covers the cost of operating the two dedicated classrooms in the Head Start building. While the program provided approximately $180,000 last year, the district was required to subsidize additional costs including staffing and benefit expenses while also meeting extensive federal and compliance requirements. USD 465 has identified reliable state and local funding that will allow the classrooms to continue operating without interruption.
“No preschool classrooms are being closed, and no students will lose services,” said Superintendent Reiser. “Every child currently served will continue to receive high-quality early learning opportunities. This is about using our resources in the best possible way for students and taxpayers.”
The Board emphasized that students who previously qualified for Head Start will continue to receive the same level of academic, social, and family support through USD 465’s early childhood program.
“Our focus is on the whole child; academic, social, and emotional—and on integrating supports across all classrooms,” said Ashley Schneider, WELC Principal. “Removing federal restrictions allows us to balance classrooms more effectively, deploy support staff where they’re needed most, and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on teachers.”
The transition also creates future opportunities for USD 465, including:
Expanded preschool and childcare options
Greater classroom flexibility to meet student needs
Improved recruitment and retention of early childhood educators
The ability to pursue additional state early childhood grants for future program improvements
“This decision gives us local control and predictability,” Superintendent Reiser added. “Rather than relying on uncertain federal funding, USD 465 can plan confidently and continue strengthening early learning for Winfield families.”
USD 465 is committed to transparent communication and will provide additional information to families and community members in the weeks ahead.