Video: Head Start Remains Closed

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WINONA, Miss. (WCBI)- We are continuing to follow a story we first brought you nearly a month ago.

Parents in six counties impacted by the closure of Head Start schools in those areas are still confused and don’t know if their child will go back to class.

These parents said they are being told one thing and hearing another.

Community Development Institute Head Start was appointed to take over operations from Central Mississippi Inc.

However, classes have not started.

Now, parents are saying, they just want their child back in school.
“I have no idea what to think or what to feel besides my daughter is missing school everyday,” said Aaronda Seals, a concerned parent.

Wanting some clarity, these parents met with Central Mississippi Inc. Head Start to ask questions.

As a result, they wound up finding new information about Community Development Institute and the entire situation.

“She was saying that they don’t have a license to come in and manage the facilities, and that they were wanting to come in and take over manageship, but they wanted to still use CMI name,” Seals said.

But their biggest question still went unanswered.

“When are the kids going to school, that’s the main thing,” Seals said.

The office of Head Start released this statement to WCBI.

“CDI Head Start has not received cooperation from the board of directors for CMI. CMI has not allowed CDI Head Start access to Head Start facilities or vehicles so that program operations can begin. Without access to buildings and buses, CDI Head Start is unable to provide the services to children and families previously provided by CMI,” OHS said.

CMI declined an on camera interview but did say it will have a press release at a later date to address the ongoing issues.

Even with the new information, are saying there is still a lot of uncertainty.

“We don’t know who to believe, we’re being told two different things by two different people, and no one is going to tell you anything to look bad or their program,” Seals said.

CMI will have a called board meeting tomorrow in Winona at 6 p.m.

The Head Start schools closed November 17th in Montgomery, Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Holmes and Webster Counties.