Schools

K-L School Board Mulls Full-Day Kindergarten

At their meeting Thursday, Katonah-Lewisboro school board members gave their interest in a possible switch to full-day kindergarten, a change in schools that could be made as early as the 2014-15 school year.

Board members stated their interest after hearing findings from a committee charged with studying the possibility. Currently, Katonah-Lewisboro schools operate on half-day kindergarten, which runs for 190 minutes. In contrast, a full-day configuration would run for 390 minutes.

Notable subjects, such as reading, math writing, social studies and science, are a collective 65 minutes under the half-day schedule, which would be extended to 175. The full-day scenario would also bring the introduction of a lunch period, which does not exist now.

Presenters, including several teachers and staff, argued that full-day kindergarten offers a better academic environment for kids. The benefits, presenters stated, include more in-depth learning experiences, more time for fine motor activities, language proficiency, and better social and emotional skills. A full-day format would also help to prevent overlap between outside events like assemblies and regular instruction time.

“Basically full-day kindergarten helps close achievement gaps,” said Jill Bernier, a district staff member who was among the presenters.

One key argument given for making the transition is that it will help kids better deal with a change to Common Core standards, along with mandated activity. For example, Alice Cronin, assistant superintendent for instruction, stated that the half-day system served kids well in the past but noted Common Core as a factor for considering a switch.

Moving to full day could cost $1,023,487 extra, according to a financial analysis presented. It would be a change from a half-day cost of $1,256,690 to a full-day cost of $2,280,177. The analysis includes higher salary and benefit costs along with some start-up costs for materials.

Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Jumper said the kindergarten staff is currently four full-time teachers, two half-time teachers, four full-time teaching assistants and two half-time assistants. This translates to a total of five full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, which would go up to 10 FTE in the full-day switch.

Superintendent Paul Kreutzer does not expect costs to rise substantially in a full-day scenario, noting that the number of sections - there are currently 10 - is expected to drop. By 2016, the district could be looking at just eight sections for its schools.

Board member Peter Treyz said that full-day kindergarten is "the way to go," but so long as it does not have "serious, serious financial issues" for people in town. He also asked about the financial implications for the switch, along with the possibility of a school closure; a closures study is expected at the board's June 20 meeting. Jumper replied that it depends on how many schools are closed.

Weighing in on a full-day switch, board member Janet Harckham said that she is "very much looking forward to it.” Fellow board trustee Marjorie Schiff was enthusiastic about the idea and noted why it was being considered.

With the board's interest in the possibility, the committee would continue to meet and will go into detail, according to Cronin.

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