DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday, September 3, at 10 a.m.
On their agenda is a discussion and possible action concerning the Roots & Wings Preschool at Kahle Community Center. There may be changes to the program and fee structure for the 2027-28 school year.
Roots & Wings serves children ages 3-5. It was the first preschool in Nevada to earn a five-star rating from the Silver State Stars quality review program.
In Fiscal Year 2025-26, the Roots & Wings preschool program had a total operating cost, including salaries and supplies, of $222,418. However, the program generated approximately $71,500 in revenue from the preschool enrollment (serving an average of 14 children per day). The County contributed approximately $150,906 (69%) of the total cost of operations.
It is estimated that, for the current fiscal year, the program will generate approximately $82,348 in revenue, with the County contributing $99,432 (55%) to cover operating costs. The estimated revenue is based on the current preschool rate with the current number of enrolled students.
At the end of the last school year, parents were informed that the structure of Roots & Wings was being evaluated and changes were possible. They received feedback from many families of the children in the program stating a strong desire for the program to continue. Families expressed an appreciation for what it offers and a
clear sense that families with young children need quality part-day preschool options.
The agenda packet for Thursday’s meeting states that during the budget process for Fiscal Year 2026-27, all departments were directed to create five-year budget projections. The Community Services Department approached this in several ways, including a review of individual programs. Roots & Wings, while a beloved and longstanding program, was found to be operating at a substantial deficit. This finding, along with other factors, including the possibility of a free, full-day preschool program at Zephyr Cove Elementary School and ongoing teacher turnover at the program, prompted a closer look at the program and how to sustain it going forward.
Other agenda items:
Annual performance evaluation and pay review of County Manager Jenifer Davidson.
Introduction of an ordinance on Art in Public Places, and decategorizing “murals”
as a “use of community significance.”
Continued discussion regarding a Notice of Termination by Knox Excavating, Inc. related to the Painted Rock Mine
For the full agenda, visit HERE