Goshen Schools see funding shortfall for full-day kindergarten

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

Tools

Goshen Schools short funding for full-day kindergarten

The Goshen School Board approved plans to implement its pilot full-day kindergarten program next fall. But the school system will have to find an extra $400,000 to fund it. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jan 29, 2008 at 4:47 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2008 at 12:54 AM EST

GOSHEN — Lawmakers passed a bill last year to help fund full-day kindergarten, but one district says it's not enough.

Most of the elementary schools in Goshen have gone to full-day kindergarten. But there are still a few that still have half-day classes.

The Goshen School Board approved plans to take its pilot program full-day next fall.

The school system will need extra funding to hire new teachers and buy desks and materials to go to full-time. It has some money budgeted and has partial funding from the state, but still needs $400,000 next fall to implement it.

“We're very concerned about future funding, that by 2009 the legislators do need to step up and fully fund the full-day kindergarten program, because right now it is not fully funded,” said Bruce Stahly, superintendent of Goshen Schools.

Schools such as Chandler Elementary see the merits of going with full-time kindergarten.

“I definitely believe that, while implementing a full-day program across the board for everyone is going to be more expensive, I think our benefit for our students is well worth the cost,” said Chandler Elementary Principal Cherie Borg.

"Well because I have so much more time to teach them, we're able to do reading and writing daily, as well math, and they are really functioning about six months ahead of where they were in the half-day program,” explained teacher Debbie Richards.

Alison Kirkton is a teacher at Chandler and also has twin daughters in full-day kindergarten there. She says she appreciates the extra time they are being given in the classroom at such an early age.

“I'm impressed with what improvement that my two daughters have made from the beginning of the year to the middle of the year in kindergarten this year,” she said.

The district says it's trying to find a way to raise the money to start the full-day program.

More Good Stuff

WSBT Weather

icon
Current Temp 44.7
°
More Weather

On Demand

More On Demand

Stock Quotes

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
Wheel of Fortune
7.30
Jeopardy!
8.00
How I Met Your Mother
8.30
Accidentally On Purpose
9.00
Two and a Half Men
9.30
Big Bang Theory
10.00
CSI: Miami
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Late Show with David Letterman

Question of The Day

Will the new health recommendations for women change your health screening habits?

E-mail your comments. We'll pick some to read during WSBT News at 5.

  • YES
  • NO
Today's Mortgage Rates