SALISBURY — The Wicomico County Council is expected to devote time in today’s meeting to discussing pre-kindergarten education, council meeting hours and issues with the local Housing Authority.
Council President John Cannon said he has received phone calls from day care owners who are worried changes to pre-kindergarten education would hurt their bottom line.
Currently, 4-year-olds from economically disadvantaged backgrounds receive pre-K education in the public school system.
The Maryland state Department of Education is considering expanding that program so it would reach many middle-class families.
Cannon believes county governments would be asked to shoulder 30 percent of the enlarged program’s costs.
“There are concerns with local day cares who see this as possibly compromising their business,” Cannon said.
The council is also expected today to talk over the idea of moving a portion of its meeting times to evening hours. Proponents, such as Julie Brewington of Salisbury, have contended that evening hours would better accommodate residents who work during the day.
Council members say they are willing to experiment with the idea, but are skeptical it will boost turnout at meetings.
“I don’t have a preference one way or the other. I truly don’t,” Cannon said.