Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief James Floyd meets with MCN Head Start students Dec. 2, as the new buses arrive at the MCN Okmulgee Head Start Center in Okmulgee, Okla.
For immediate release
Dec. 2, 2016
Federal Grant allows purchase of new buses for MCN Head Start
OKMULGEE, Okla. — The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start Program was awarded a one-time Health and Safety grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families in August. This grant was used to purchase three new 29-passenger buses.
These buses will be used at the Eufaula, Okemah and Tulsa centers.
Eufaula Center Lead Teacher Kay Romero said the center has had the same buses for the six years she has worked at the center. She also said the new bus will be able to help the low-income families they serve in different ways.
“Without these buses a lot of our kids would not have a way to school,” Romero said.
Romero also said that the buses can be used to transport parents and children to health appointments if the family lacks transportation.
“Our FWS, field service worker, or center supervisor can take them to appointments,” Romero said.
MCN Principal Chief James R. Floyd said that during the first months of his administration a programs needs assessment was done.
“A review of our programs identified the age and condition of our Head Start fleet as a critical issue that must be addressed as a priority,” Floyd said. “We currently have 12 buses in the program and to date have managed to replace five older, high mileage buses with new ones and will continue to seek grants and explore other funding resources to complete this effort.”
Floyd also said it was the Nation’s responsibility to ensure the safety of students.
“These buses carry the Nation’s most precious resource, our children, and we recognize the vital need and immense responsibility of transporting our students,” Floyd said “and will adhere to the strictest standards to maintain a high level of safety and dependable operation for the children and families we serve.”
Two additional buses were purchased with an appropriation from the MCN National Council earlier in the year for the Checotah and Okmulgee centers.
The MCN Head Start Program is a multi-site program with a funded enrollment of 289 children and families and is organized under the MCN Department of Education & Training.