HomeMy WebLinkAboutEarly Learning Minutes 06.04.2026 ASHLAND GENERAL
AD HOC COMMITTEE ON AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE AND EARLY LEARNING
MINUTES
June 4, 2026
Siskiyou Room - 51 Winburn Way - 10.30 AM
I. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 10:32am
Present were Committee Members:John Love,Lisa Verner,Jessica Therkelsen,Anne Sebanc, Nancy
Seward,and Paula Hyatt.
1. Confirmation of quorum present
Confirmed
2. Approval of draft minutes of 5/7/26 meeting (see agenda packet)
Love offered a correction under'brief announcements':Change from Sebanc to Therkeslen (for who will
reach out to Dee Ann Everson).
Seward moved to approve minutes as amended.The motion was seconded by Sebanc.All ayes.
Motion passed.
3. Suggested additions to today's agenda
None
4. Brief announcements
Seward mentioned OSF is in process of offering once-per-month childcare for attendees,called Family
Nights, but childcare is still lacking/wanting for actors/employees- committee discussed.
II. Public Forum
None
III. Continuation of Business from Previous Meetings
1. Discussion of potential partnering with the Ashland Schools Foundation or Ashland
Community Health Foundation
a. Strategies for proceeding
b. Impact on City's Childcare Affordability Grants
c. Fundraising strategies
i. Engaging local businesses
ii. Grants
iii. Other
Love introduced the topic regarding how this group might continue its work after sunsetting as an ad-
hoc advisory committee.
Hyatt spoke of a meeting with Deputy City Manager Rooklyn,Heidi Hill of the Ashland Family YMCA,and
Joseph Hattrick of the Ashland School District regarding the potential to partner with the Ashland
Schools Foundation (ASF). Discussion from that meeting included that a charter change would be
needed for ASF to address pre-K childcare and that the ASF board decides funding allocations.
Love, Hyatt,and Sebanc met with staff from the Ashland Community Health Foundation (ACHF),who
responded with excitement to partner. Reflections included clear alignment for promoting childcare for
all ages,as they define health broadly (holistically).Avenues for partnership could include a fiscal
sponsorship format (requires a 501c3) or a named fund that could be earmarked for an identified
purpose with parameters.It was noted that Soroptimist is an example that has a named fund with
ACHF.
Love also reflected on meeting with the Oregon Community Foundation regarding donor-advised
funds:there may be existing donor-advised funds that may be interested in supporting this work.
The committee reflected on compatibility with these organizations and considered the potential to
draft a recommendation to Council for a gift agreement to a foundation with a portion of the
remaining childcare grant funds when it reviews applications. If it decides to do so,this body would
make a recommendation as a package to send to council for recommended allocations.
2. Approaching the Planning Commission about childcare in the Ashland Mills development.
3. Updating data on existing early learning/childcare slots in Ashland
IV. Anticipation of July 2, 2026 Meeting
The committee discussed difficulties related to the next scheduled July 2 regular meeting,the
importance of reviewing grant applications received by the June 19th,2026 deadline,and the
importance of issuing a timely recommendation to Council regarding funding allocations for the
Affodable Childcare Grant Program.
The committee decided to move its next meeting to June 30th,2026 from 9:30-11am.Gooden reserved
the Siskiyou Room and will offer Zoom attendance for maximum attendance as requested.Gooden will
also secure a substitute staff liaison to attend in his absence.
1. Continue discussion of topics carrying over from today's agenda.
2. Suggestions for other topics.
V. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 11:43am