Idaho's Pre-K Classes Lack State Funding

The Gem State is one of only 12 states in the United States that does not provide state funding for pre-kindergarten classes, according to a 2007 study completed by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. While federal dollars are available for pre-kindergarten classes with special needs children, there's nothing in place for all youngsters under 5 years old.

That's something that state Sen. Mike Burkett, D-Boise, eventually would like to see change in Idaho. According to a study prepared at Boise State University, offering pre-kindergarten classes to all low-income children in the state would cost less than $17 million annually.

With the current system, school districts must rely on a patchwork of funding sources like federal and private grants, local funding and federal payments made to rural counties because of federal lands within their borders that do not generate property taxes.

"What it amounts to is schools are putting together a hodgepodge of funding to go forward with this, but the state provides no funding," Burkett said.

With the current economic situation stifling state revenues, the 2009 legislative session probably will not see a proposal for $17 million in funding, Burkett said, adding that in the meantime it's important to bring awareness to the issue.

"I think the key for now is to begin to make more people aware of the benefits for pre-k," he said. "Historically, it's been thought that the costs would be substantially greater."

Burkett said the funding is an investment that would pay off with youngsters being better prepared for kindergarten, demonstrate higher graduation rates, and garner an increased earning ability as graduates enter college and the work field.

Mel Wiseman, superintendent of Shoshone School District, said he would welcome state funding to help the district expand its pre-kindergarten class. The district's pre-kindergarten class primarily serves special needs children.

"If it were open to everyone, it would be an asset," Wiseman said. "It would be a big help."

Pre-kindergarten classes have the advantage of preparing children for school and offering a way for them to socialize with other youngsters, he said.

Gaylen Smyer, superintendent of Cassia County School District, said the district currently has pre-kindergarten for special needs students. Before looking at pre-kindergarten state funding, he said, it would better to first expand the existing funding for kindergarten.

John Fennell, assistant superintendent of Minidoka County School District, said a wider availability of pre-kindergarten classes would help students be better prepared for reading. The district's pre-kindergarten class serves special needs children.

"We've definitely seen the benefits for children who have that opportunity," he said.

In the private sector, Twin Falls Christian Academy has a pre-kindergarten class. It helps lay the foundation for further education with numbers, colors and letters, said Principal Brent Walker.

State Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome, said it's important to look at funding for existing educational resources already in place such as teachers and equipment. She said that maintaining what's already in place should be a top priority.

Idaho's lack of state funding for pre-kindergarten is not unusual in the West. Other states that do not pay for pre-kindergarten programs include Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

Still, the national rate of 4-year-old children in state-funded pre-kindergarten programs has increased in the last five years from 14 percent to 22 percent of all children, said Jason Hustedt, a researcher with the National Institute for Early Education Research.

Full text available at Times-News: Magicvalley.com.