Ponca City Board of Education Approves
Lease Agreement with Child Development Center
The Ponca City Board of Education on Monday approved a lease agreement with the Child Development Center (CDC) for district-owned property at 1615 North Seventh Street. This agreement will allow the CDC to operate a childcare center on the premises, enabling the district to return all pre-kindergarten classes to neighborhood schools.
The one-year lease will begin on July 15, 2025, with automatic one-year renewals. The lease cost is $10 per year. Under the agreement, the CDC will be responsible for all property maintenance, utilities, and improvements. In addition, the CDC will offer a 20 percent childcare discount to qualifying district employees and provide care on Professional Development Days.
State law prohibits schools from leasing property to for-profit childcare centers. As a nonprofit that has served the community for over 58 years, the CDC has long been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Ponca City. The 5-STAR-rated center is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable care for the community’s youngest learners, with a clear mission to offer nurturing, developmentally appropriate childcare that builds the foundation for lifelong learning.
“This partnership is a win-win for Ponca City,” said PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming. “By leasing the former Washington PreK facility to a trusted nonprofit in the Child Development Center, we’re not only supporting our staff with affordable childcare options, we’re helping meet a critical need in our community. This collaboration strengthens families, supports our workforce, and helps ensure more Ponca City children have access to a safe, nurturing place to grow and learn.”
Mary Beth Hunt, Executive Director, Child Development Center, said, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ponca City Public Schools. This opportunity reflects a shared commitment to investing in the development and success of Ponca City’s youngest learners." said Mary Beth Hunt, Director of the Child Development Center. “With this expansion, including additional classrooms and the capacity to serve more children, we’ll be better equipped to meet the growing needs of local families. This is a monumental step forward in ensuring that more of Ponca City’s children have access to safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care during their most critical years. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future, one child at a time."
Alexis Kirk, CDC Board President, said, “We are thrilled to move into the new building. With more space, improved accessibility, and a stronger connection to Ponca City Public Schools, the center is better positioned than ever to support local children and their families. We invite the community to support this exciting next chapter, whether by spreading the word, joining our volunteer efforts, or signing up for care. We’re building a brighter future for Ponca City.”