(After almost three hours of discussion, the Finance Committee having gone over 4k as well as retirement health care financing issues, still had not got to the half day kindergarten. The Observer retired, but Karen persisted and here is her report of that portion of the meeting. Thanks, Karen. )
After much well thought out and respectful discussion, it was voted (all but Pierick ) that in strict financial terms, half-day Kindergarten option should be eliminated. After the vote, they allowed me to enter the discussion and it was acknowledged that any of the Board members who voted to eliminate the half-day option for financial reasons may in fact change their opinion to reflect the broader variables that are introduced at the full board.
I found this encouraging since I believe our community does value the half-day option.
I absolutely understand how members of a finance committee may feel they have no choice when wearing that hat to vote for measures that increase revenue. It's kind of their job.
The good news from last night is the open minded understanding from the Board members that voting one way in one Committee doesn't lock them into voting the same way under an expanded set of variables at the Full Board meeting.
All that happened last night was the Finance Committee formally indicating to the Board that eliminating half-day increases revenue. Something we all acknowledge.
It is up to the Board (and those finance board members) to balance that revenue increase with the needs and desires of the community it serves.
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