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''If children don't have a good start in school, it really impedes their progress,'' a board member notes.
By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 1, 2002
INVERNESS -- Ending concern over having to turn away dozens of disadvantaged children and losing important contact with their parents, the School Board voted Tuesday to restore funding to the prekindergarten program.
The move, which will benefit up to 175 children in Citrus County, diverts $350,000 in state funding for intervention programs to cover the expense of 9.5 teachers across the district.
Despite earlier sentiment that the district should focus its resources on kindergarten through 12th grade, the School Board was unanimously behind the program Tuesday.
"If children don't have a good start in school, it really impedes their progress," board member Carol Snyder said.
In equally swift fashion, the board indicated support for the $162.5-million budget for the coming year. A final hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
The proposed budget exceeds this year's $152-million spending plan and calls for an 8.667 mill rate. That's slightly lower than the current rate, but those whose property value increased could see a higher tax bill.
The prospect of cuts in the prekindergarten program, similar to one for disabled children, came with changes in federal eligibility requirements, including one that both parents or guardians work.
Previously, the only requirement was that the child qualify for a free lunch based on total family income. As the district began to screen children for prekindergarten, it became evident that many were not going to meet the tougher standards.
"I believe very strongly about getting people in the workforce," School Board member Patience Nave said. But she fears that the focus on employment overshadows the needs of children from poor families.
Stimulating learning before these children officially enter school could mean fewer problems in later grades, Nave said. "We're intervening before they need intervention," she said.
Prekindergarten coordinator Nancy Haynestold the School Board that the nine-month preschool program resulted in average developmental gains equivalent to 19 months for economically disadvantaged children.
What's more, last year's program resulted in more than 6,000 hours of parental involvement, from storybook reading to field trips.
"A child that enter schools at age 5 and has not been read to or sung to or read nursery rhymes is already behind -- years behind," Haynes said.
Superintendent David Hickey said he would work to find money for the program to continue in future years, and said school officials need to lobby lawmakers for changes in the eligibility requirements.