EXCERPT FROM: WJBD Radio
By STAFF
Calling it the most difficult decision she's ever had to make, Regional Superintendent of Schools Keri Garrett has decided to pull the plug on the Pre-K program operated by her office. That means Pre-K will no longer be available to more than 300 kids in Marion, Clinton and Washington Counties. A total of 21 people will also lose their jobs.
Garrett says the program is the victim of the state's budget crisis. "That decision was based on not receiving payments for the last school year for Pre-K and fiscally I just cannot afford to start another fiscal year without payments or back payments being made," Garrett explained.
Garrett says she is still owed over a half-million dollars from the state for providing the program during the last school year. In addition, Garrett says the money to fund next year's program is in doubt and could receive no assurance from the state as to when that money might be available. Garrett waited to the last possible moment to make the decision in hopes the funding outlook would improve.
Garrett says the most tragic part of the decision is what the Pre K students will lose. "There is significant data and research out there that has tracked children who have had quality Pre-K and the data is clear that this is what is best for at risk children to give them the best foundation for success down the road for their education career," Garrett noted.
Full text available at WJBD Radio.