School Officials Still Weighing Full-Day Kindergarten

Regional School District 13 officials are still considering the cost benefit of full-day kindergarten.

At Wednesday night's Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Susan Viccaro said a "majority" of parents with children entering kindergarten this fall support the change, according to a survey conducted by the district.

"There are a lot of variables that go into this decision," said Viccaro who has openly supported full-day kindergarten because she believes it is necessary to prepare students for new state standards being implemented at the start of the 2014 school year.

But one of the most important factors in deciding how to move forward - student enrollment - won't be available until sometime next month when kindergarten registration ends, she said.

Viccaro is working closely with elementary school principals in the district to determine whether there is enough space to accomodate full-day students, as well as what staff changes might be necessary.

"We also want to do this in the most cost effective and prudent way that we can," she said. "We know we're headed for all-day kindergarten. Whether it's next year or the year after is still to be determined."

Viccaro said she planned to make a detailed presentation to the board and interested members of the public at an upcoming board meeting.

Prior to the superintendent's update, board members heard from a mother who came to the meeting to support the change.

"Soon our students won't just be compared to other districts in the state but to other districts across the country as well," said Cindy Nick, a Middlefield resident whose 4-year-old daughter will enter kindergarten in the fall. "I think all day kindergarten is necessary to ensure our students can meet these standards.

"Two hours and 45 minutes is just not enought time for kidergarten. I ask that you make an investment in this community and make all-day kindergarten next year."