The Evansville School board voted 4-3 tonight to preserve half day kindergarten for the 2007-8 school year, provided that there are 15 students of interest as of April and a minimum of 12 at August 1st.
Channel 15 News was at the board meeting and may have already had some tv news coverage of the event.
Parents in their presentations noted that there is no clear educational advantage in the data for full over half day, and the whole purpose of the two options is to adjust to the child's needs---which happens to be one of the school districts goals as stated in their handbook.
Even in the money area, Bill Connors, former Evansville City Adminstrator, spoke to the myriad of conflicting numbers that have come from the school district on the possible savings from eliminating the half day.
Art Phillips spoke as he has in the past in support of the half day, noting that there are other areas to cut rather than this valued program. Mr. Hatfield voted to support it, with conditions, and noted that even though he had voted to cut the program in finance committee, considering everything including the conditions, he could support continuance.
Mr. Pierick spoke regarding the budget crisis in education that is coming now that the season of political rhetoric has passed. It is not clear that the legislature can fashion a new formula for schools. He voted to continue the half-day program, but noted that it depends on community support.
Tina Rossmiller spoke in support of the half day, and also in support of the 4K and felt that the investment in these early programs was important and that the school district needed to make them a priority.
More audio and video tomorrow.
It was the night the community spoke up. The parent speakers were new speakers. Parent Jackie Liebel spoke on the survey undertaken by Families for 5K Choice and the 460 signatures of support that were gathered as well as the 17 students that showed an interest in next year's half day class. The effort in undertaking the door to door petition was an important factor in demonstrating to the board that this program of CHOICE was indeed of value to a large number of the Evansville community. It was not just a few parents. It was many. Most speaking for the first time to the school board. They stood up last night.
For the record, The Observer was silent, trying to figure out the instruction manual of the new video camera recording the meeting. Hopefully you can see some of it tomorrow. I have assured everyone that you will look very young. I promise. More tomorrow.
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Congratulations to all involved in this. I think it's the best decision/choice for all. I am glad that I live in a community where the school board listens to the parents. Now that is truly something to be proud of.
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