(Graettinger)– The head of Upper Des Moines Opportunity’s Headstart Program is stepping down after 25 years with the agency.
Mary Jo Madvig has announced her resignation to be effective April 1st. She’s accepted a position with the Drake University Headstart Program in Des Moines.
Madvig says she’s going to miss working with the children and parents in UDMO’s eight county Headstart service area.
Madvig has witnessed a lot of major changes during her years as director of UDMO’s Headstart program. For example, when she started in the position Madvig says headstart was only held on four half-days a week. She says most of the classes were conducted in area churches. Now she says the program is held full-days, five-days a week in 12 area school districts.
Madvig says headstart faces some daunting challenges in the future–especially when it comes to funding. She says a proposal being considered in Washington, D.C. would cut 25-thousand children out of the services of headstart. Madvig adds headstart teachers have not received cost of living increases the last three years.
Madvig thanks the communities, familes, and staff she’s worked with during her years of service with Upper Des Moines Opportunity.
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