Online petition now part of push for all-day kindergarten at Grayslake Elementary District 46
An online petition with at least 100 supporters was presented by a parent to Grayslake Elementary District 46 as part of her continued push for full-day kindergarten.
Jamie Taylor appeared at Wednesday's school board session with a printout of signatures and comments on the petition. She also reiterated reasons why she believes a publicly funded, all-day kindergarten would benefit students and District 46 overall.
District 46 Superintendent Ellen Correll said the board intends to address the results of a strategic plan at the next regular meeting Wednesday, Dec. 10. Full-day kindergarten is expected to be part of the discussion.
"The board will need to determine if it is something they can financially support," Correll said Thursday. "In the meantime, I am going to look into the cost (and) staffing for adding even a little time to the half-day program. That is all in the beginning stages."
Taylor, who has cited research in her pitch for all-day kindergarten, said she has spoken at six District 46 meetings. She said she's trying to keep the issue before the school board.
"I understand the financial issues the district faces," Taylor said in an interview Thursday.
Educators who have addressed full-time kindergarten at other suburban school districts have typically cited studies showing such programs result in the young children scoring higher on standardized tests and having more grade level promotions. Proponents also contend longer kindergarten days lead to social and emotional improvements for children.
Taylor said she's seeking community support on the Change.org online petition that's gained at least 100 backers and a Facebook group. Some parents have joined her at District 46 meetings to speak in favor of full-day kindergarten.
While talking to the District 46 officials during public comment time Wednesday, Taylor called attention to a recent development regarding full-time kindergarten at Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59. The district's school board is expected to vote Dec. 8, on the superintendent's proposal to expand full-day kindergarten from six to 11 schools.
District 59 officials say it would cost $450,000 to $550,000 a year to pay for the all-day program across the district due to a need for more teachers, extra classroom materials and added transportation. Some board members questioned a suggestion to allow parents who want their children to attend full-day kindergarten to pay for the additional half day.
Roughly 76 percent of kindergarten students statewide are in class all day, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.
"All children deserve equal opportunities," Taylor told the District 46 board. "Our district is not providing that currently."
Gurnee-based Woodland Elementary District 50 will offer full-day kindergarten, without extra cost to parents, starting in the 2015-16 academic year. Round Lake Area Unit District launched a similar program this year.