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HRDC Announces Collaboration with Livingston Public School District #4

LIVINGSTON, MT — HRDC announced its new partnership and merger with the Livingston school district to deliver early education to area children. HRDC’s Early Childhood Education program, known locally as Head Start, will now be available to income-eligible families through the Livingston School District kindergarten readiness program.

“We are pleased to have this new and exciting merger with Livingston Public Schools to help more kids enter Kindergarten ready to learn and address potential achievement gaps early,” said Sara Savage, HRDC Early Childhood Director. “Unfortunately, this also means change for our community which can be hard because Head Start will look different in Livingston.”

Head Start is a federally funded program providing early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement and has been operated by HRDC in Livingston for over 30 years. Given the program’s continued trend in declining enrollment over the past 5 years related to the school district’s launch of its 2-year kindergarten readiness program, HRDC approached the district with a proposal to merge the two programs. While better meeting the trending needs of the community, this merger allows HRDC to target its early childhood education programming toward three-year-olds, provides a foundation for HRDC to build upon in establishing partnerships with school districts throughout the region, and ensures all area pre-school aged children have access to quality education. Income-eligible students aged four by September 10th can apply for enrollment in the kindergarten readiness program (2-year kindergarten) in the Livingston school district beginning this next school year. There is no cost to attend.

“HRDC has done an excellent job over the past 30 years providing quality early childhood education, and we are excited to bring both programs under one roof,” said Lynne Scalia, Livingston Schools Superintendent. “This will help us develop long-term relationships with families and provide a continuum of education and support to Livingston kids.”

The last day of the HRDC Head Start was June 15th, students are now on summer break. Families and staff were informed of the change this week. HRDC is working with Head Start staff to provide employment referrals and support and is also coordinating with the families of students to make this transition as smooth as possible. It is hoped that a local childcare provider will utilize the current Head Start space to expand much-needed childcare opportunities in the community.

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community by combatting poverty across southwestern Montana. HRDC plays a vital support role for individuals of all ages in Park County through programs, including energy assistance, home weatherization, senior services, community development, affordable housing, emergency assistance, financial development, and more. More information is available at https://thehrdc.org/.

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Brooke Poole

Public Sector

Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.

Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.

Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.

Ron Brey

Public Sector

Ron served as Bozeman’s Assistant City Manager from 1990 to 2008. After retiring, Ron joined our Board in 2011. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Masters in Science in Rural, Town, and Regional Planning from the University of Montana in 1987.

During his time with the City of Bozeman, Ron saw the important role that HRDC has played in our community. Ron has seen that HRDC provides necessary social services to assure that all Bozeman residents could obtain housing, food, training, employment and the other necessities of life. He also came to understand that HRDC was always able to respond immediately as new community needs arose. Ron believes that the dedication, hard work, and compassion of HRDC’s staff make it a real honor to serve on the Board.

Ron also serves on the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of Bozeman, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross. One of Ron’s favorite activities is walking his beloved dog every day, enjoying many of Bozeman’s trails and parks, like Burke Park, Bozeman Creek, and the Hyalite and Mount Ellis areas. Ron and his wife Claire enjoy spending their days with family, friends, and time outdoors.