The Henry-Washington Early Childhood Area board is set to merge with the Des Moines/Louisa board, creating the four-county DHLW Early Childhood Board, on June 5th with final approval from the state board. The merger began in December. The 11-member board is made up of volunteers and local elected officials who were already serving on the two boards. Washington County’s representatives are Patricia Lipski, who serves as chair, and Washington County supervisor Stan Stoops who is treasurer. Additional members are needed from Washington and Louisa counties to fill vacancies.

According to Beghtol, the board received 25 applications for over $1.1 million in requests and it has approximately $900,000 to award to programs for fiscal year 2016. A board retreat is being held today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Marr Park and it is open to the public.

DHLW Early Childhood Area Board
Patricia Lipski (Chair) – Washington County
Paula Buckman (Vice Chair) – Louisa County
Stan Stoops (Treasurer) – Washington County
Mary Campbell (Secretary) – Des Moines County
Dave Helman – Henry County
Jim Cary – Des Moines County
Sergio Ayala – Louisa County
Melody Raub – Henry County
June Morgan – Des Moines County
Gary See – Henry County
Mike Steele – Henry County
Chad Reckling – Des Moines