HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.KFAB.20251021.Regular
Kids First Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday October 21, 2025, 11:15 am -1:15 pm
In Attendance: Nancy Nichols, Megan Monaghan, Chad Schmit, Mimi Hauenstein, Katherine Coleman,
Emily Kolbe, Sara Lowe, Stefan Reveal, Jaqueline Matthews, Diana Esquivel.
Desired Outcomes:
• Co-chair nomination and election
• Share information with Board about council decisions and Community Childcare Needs
Assessment Report
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Stefan.
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 15, 2025, Mimi motioned, Chad second. Kids First
Advisory Board approved.
• Public comment, open forum, 3 minutes
• Stefan informed the group that he is one of the candidates for the board of directors for the
ballot measure.
Discussion items:
2026 Budget overview:
• Nancy presented the new financial aid calculator and explained how it will expand financial
aid opportunities for families with diverse income levels.
• City Council approved these changes on Monday 20th.
• Adjustments include:
Refinement of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) metric to incorporate more incremental
thresholds.
Extension and expansion of the wage enhancement program to include all teachers.
The Community Needs Assessment:
Update will be presented to City Council on November 17th, in collaboration with external
consultants.
CECE Update on the Ballot measure:
• An update was provided regarding the CECE Ballot Measure that will go to voters in
November 2025. The measure includes the election of board members from each county.
• Stefan is running unopposed as the Pitkin County representative.
Staffing Additions:
• Melissa Bustillos was introduced as the new Bilingual Coach for Kids First.
• The Financial Programs Coordinator position received thirteen applicants; the selection process
is ongoing.
Additional items:
The Kids First Annual In-Service took place on October 16th. Emily joined for lunch, Sue joined for the
entire day, and Megan shared photos from the event. The event was reported as a complete success.
RFELLA (Roaring Fork Early Language and Literacy Alliance) has requested to present to the Board at the
next meeting. The Board agreed to schedule this presentation for the January meeting.
Board topics:
• Sara Lowe was nominated co-chair at the last meeting. Stefan motioned, Mimi and Chad second,
Kids First Advisory Board approved.
• Board direction for housing initiative plan. The Board discussed potential directions for the
Housing Initiative Plan. It was agreed to begin planning a strategic survey to assess ECE staff
needs and explore feasible options.
Quarterly on the Third Tuesday of the month from 11:15am – 1:15pm
January 20, 2026
April 21, 2026
July 21, 2026