Bringing full-day kindergarten to La Grange School District 105 is a move that most school board members support, but the district’s uncertain finances remain a concern as officials look into the cost of adding the program next year.
“I can see all of the reasons to do it, but the financial element of it scares me,” board President Dave Herndon said Monday night. “The state of Illinois scares me in their fiscal situation. That’s my biggest concern in anything we do period — what happens at the state.”
A parent-teacher committee recommends the change, arguing that a full-day kindergarten program would be beneficial for the community, citing potential improvements in achievement for low-income students and English Language Learners. A community survey found more than 75 percent of respondents also supported the program, which would be offered in conjunction with a half-day option, according to district documents.
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“I don’t think that there’s a thing we could do that could impact our kids more,” said board member Jan Reagan, calling the program “long overdue.” “I just think it’s a great way to get our kids … ready for school.”
Others added that the program would better prepare all students to meet accelerated expectations in the classroom.
Board member Robert Webb said, however, that he did not think the program was cost-effective, noting that long-term impact on student achievement is unknown.
“To me, the benefit doesn’t exceed the cost,” Webb said.
District staff members have said funds to support the program would be available under current budget predictions, but pending state legislation could change that.
“Senate Bill 16 takes this off the table,” said Superintendent Glenn Schlichting, referring to a proposal that would change the formula that determines state funding for school districts in order to eliminate what proponents call the “poverty penalty.”
District 105 would lose 82 percent of its state funding — more than $1 million a year — under Senate Bill 16, according to a school board letter to the community.
Herndon suggested the board wait until January to approve the program in case of any “surprises” from Springfield. Lawmakers return to the Capitol this week for the fall veto session.
Schlichting said he would bring the board more financial information about implementing the program next month.