It is requiring a measure of faith in the Legislature, but the Everett School District’s board of directors voted recently to continue funding full-day kindergarten at four district elementary schools, beyond the funding provided by the state, until the state catches up with its pledge to fund full-day kindergarten for all students.
The state has required itself in earlier legislation to offer full-day kindergarten by 2017-18. Meeting that goal has come in steps. This school year, the state provides all-day funding for six of the district’s kindergartens and will increase that to 10 the following year. The school district’s commitment to continue funding for four schools will mean full-day kindergarten will be offered next school year at 14 of the district’s 18 elementary schools and its one K-12 school. Currently, 1,296 of the district’s 1,776 kindergarten students are enrolled in full-day classes.
Gov. Jay Inslee, in his education budget, proposed funding day-long kindergarten for all students in the state a year ahead of schedule, but — and this is where the leap of faith comes in — the Legislature still has a long slog ahead of it this session to meet its mandate to fully fund education and address in some manner the class-size initiative that passed in November.
It’s a $1.1 million annual commitment for the Everett School District, but one in which district taxpayers should have confidence. Research has outlined the advantages of full-day kindergarten.
The National Association of School Psychologists notes that among the benefits of the longer sessions are: higher long-term achievement and greater progress in social skills, particularly for disadvantaged children and those from low-income families; higher reading scores in early grades; higher test scores; increased self-esteem and independence; greater access to nutritional breakfasts and lunches; greater creativity; and a less-hurried school day with more varied experiences.
Unfortunately, not all school districts have been in a position to take advantage of the full-day funding offered by the state, as was reported Friday by Herald Writer Chris Winters. Because of a shortage of class space, the Mukilteo School District has had to leave $1.6 million of state funding on the table because it didn’t have enough classroom space.
Mukilteo’s space crunch should be corrected by the time the state begins fully funding all-day kindergarten. District voters approved a $119.15 million bond last year that will open a new elementary school in 2016 and an early learning center in 2017, providing the space the full-day sessions need.
Moving ahead, school districts and their voters will have to ensure that adequate classroom space is available to provide full-day kindergarten to all children.
While we’re on the subject, we’ll repeat our support for legislation sponsored by Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline. House Bill 1491 would provide support and assistance for certified child care centers and early education programs. With the commitment made to full-day kindergarten, Kagi’s bill will help ensure that kids are ready to take full advantage of it.
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