A kindergarten program for 4-year-olds will be on the Board of Education's agenda tonight, and Superintendent Crystal Ritzenthaler hopes that board members will take a long-term view when they consider it.
"Our hope is the board makes the decision, looking on the long-term impact 4k could have on our district - both on the educational and financial picture," she said.
"I hope people can look beyond the second and third year with this program."
At a meeting in December at the New Life Christian Nursery School — a community partner in the 4K initiative known as the Baraboo Early Learning Cooperative (BELC) -- school board members and active committee members, Doug Mering and Ed Mortimer provided advice on what they would want to hear about if they approved the program. Community support of the initiative and accurate budget projections were the top concerns.
Ritzenthaler will provide information on the proposed implementation of the program at a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at Baraboo High School.
Dawn Philippe, the owner of Sunshine Playhouse day-care, said she is among the supporters. It is likely her day-care will also be training someone to get their Department of
ion to eventually lead the 4K sessions at their center.
"Maybe siblings and new students in general will stay here for our day-care (after the two and a half hour 4K session). We'd be getting our name out there too. We're one of the newest (day-cares) to come to Baraboo," Philippe said.
Peggy Burgette, a licensed child-care provider in Sauk County, was initially apprehensive about 4K, but became more supportive of it once she heard more details.
"Yes it would take away from my business, but at the same time if it gives children a better future, I won't argue about it. I don't think it would be a bad plan, but it just would help to keep us more informed on what the projects are and what they're proposing. It affects all of us," she said.
Parental support
Nearly three-quarters of 62 parents with 4-year-olds surveyed by the school district have said they would send their child to the 4K program.
In a survey, parent Stacie Medleski wrote that she recently moved from Stevens Point where 4K was in place.
They had just gotten 4-year-old kindergarten and I was disappointed when the Baraboo School District did not have this program. I think the early learning program is a great idea," she wrote.
Ritzenthaler said she has also heard from parents outside of the district enquiring if Baraboo offers 4K. Another reason the Baraboo School Board will consider the 4K program now is so parents have time to open-enroll into Baraboo's program.
Karna Hanna, director of the Sauk County Development Corporation, said that because of the appeal of 4K to potential Baraboo parents, the local economy will be positively impacted.
Early childhood education has been documented as one of the best investments a community can make in terms of economic development," she said. "I was also thrilled to learn they were planning on having kindergarten in the childcare centers. It really helps stabilize them financially," she said.
It is also reported the Baraboo Head Start Program, a Federally-funded early childhood education program, has a wait-list of 25 families that could benefit from a universal 4K program.
Lori Von Asten, a baraboo early childhood education teacher, also said universal 4K appeals to parents of special education students by allowing the district an extra year to identify and address the needs of children.
Making the case
Ritzenthaler said Monday's presentation will feature an open question and answer session as well as a public comment time during the special meeting.
Board members such as Mortimer, Judd Maxwell and Gary Cummings have all agreed they will be weighing the financial aspects of 4K carefully.