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SWCS seeks all-day K waiver
(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - February 03, 2011)
The South-Western City Schools District Board of Education will consider applying for a waiver to prevent implementing all-day, every-day kindergarten.
According to Patrick Callaghan, executive director for elementary education, it would cost approximately $3.3 million to put the kindergarten program in place. The district would need to hire 29 additional teachers and classroom aides. It would also need funds for intervention specialists, art, music, physical education, building administration and support staff.
If implemented, the district would need space for about 30 classrooms, in an environment suitable for young students.
"We certainly believe that all-day, everyday kindergarten would have a positive impact for our students and their learning," said Superintendent Bill Wise. "That said, it would also have an impact on the district from a facilities and financial standpoint. The district would have to bear the costs of securing additional classroom space and outfitting those classrooms."
Wise added, "With a reduction of state funding to school districts being discussed at the state level, we are focusing on continuing to provide the level of services we currently offer our students."
The Ohio Revised Code says all public school districts shall provide all-day, every-day kindergarten to students beginning in fiscal year 2011. The state may grant a waiver to districts that can prove all-day, every-day kindergarten would be a hardship.
Last year, the board of education applied for the waiver, stating the district did not have the funds or the space to accommodate the extra students. The waiver was approved for the 2010/11 school year.
School districts can apply for a wavier for the 2011/12 and 2012/13 school year.
There is proposed legislation in the Oho House of Representatives that would eliminate the all-day, every-day kindergarten requirement.
The board of education is expected to vote on the waiver at its Feb. 14 meeting.
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