JWCC Trustees approve lease with PACT Head Start, will serve 16 children at Quincy campus

QUINCY — The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a five-year lease agreement with Parent and Child Together (PACT) of West Central Illinois during its regular meeting on Wednesday.

PACT Head Start will operate a childcare facility within leased space at JWCC’s Quincy campus. The organization will serve 16 qualifying children up to 3 years old, including children of JWCC students who meet the requirements. 

JWCC President Bryan Renfro shared that construction on the renovated area in the southeastern portion of the JWCC Learning Center is on schedule for the PACT to begin operation after the holidays. Free daycare will be provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by PACT professionals starting in January 2025.

The center also will serve as an observation site for students in JWCC’s Early Childhood and Education programs. JWCC has 84 students enrolled in early childhood and education programs. 

“The partnership with PACT Head Start is one way we are making our vision of being community’s partner in workforce development and lifelong learning become reality,” Renfro said. “Providing a space for families to have high-quality childcare helps them pursue a college education and continue to be productive employees. The bonus is that JWCC students in early childhood and education pathways can observe professionals in real-world situations as part of their training.”

In other business, the Board:

• Approved the 2024 aggregate tax rate excluding debt service of $0.34622 per $100 of equalized assessed valuation (EAV). The full levy and total rate for 2024 will be considered by trustees at the December meeting.
• Approved submission of a $65,000 grant application to the Illinois Community College Board for adult education digital Instruction.
• Approved a $5,000 grant application to the United Way of Adams County for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program’s Carry Out Caravan and Friendly Caller community services. 
• Approved the acceptance and filing of the audit report.
• Denied a proposed amicable separation agreement request from an employee.
• Approved regular Board of Trustees meeting dates for 2025.
• Authorized entry into a one-year lease agreement with Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials for space at the JWCC Mount Sterling Educational Center.

The next meeting will be held 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at the JWCC Quincy campus.