Full-day kindergarten coming back to East Pennsboro Area School District
By Barbara Miller, The Patriot-News, Harrisburg, Pa. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Returning full-day kindergarten, which was cut last year, will cost an estimated
Parents concerned about rising class sizes due to a reduction in the number of fourth grade teachers asked the board to consider their concerns in the budget vote.
The board also heard from parents advocating the return of full-day kindergarten, as well as those asking taxes not be increased.
The
One of those urging more spending cuts was former board member
Parent
The vote was 5-4, with
Parent
Deveney said the decision on fourth grade was made prior to consideration of full-day kindergarten. He said a fourth grade teacher is being transferred to another area of need in order to help balance the budget.
Fourth grade will have an estimated 26.5 students, compared to 21.5 this year at West Creek Hills, with four teachers. At
Board member
Likewise,
While the district didn't have to furlough any teachers to do it, no new teachers are being hired, Franchak said. Through attrition and rearranging staff, he said the district saved nearly
Board member
Deveney said the budget's 3.77 increase in revenue comes from the tax increase, while spending is rising 5.28 percent. The district's 2.6 percent state spending limit index isn't keeping up with pension and medical insurance costs, Deveney said. The
"Look at the numbers, and budget for the future," Deveney said prior to the vote.
Despite the divided vote,
In his parting comments, Deveney, who is retiring
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