In a report to the board on the rationale behind offering full-day kindergarten, the administration cited:
We believe that the increase this year in Hopkins kindergarten families choosing open enrollment options outside of our district rests, at least in part, in our lack of ability to offer them a full day kindergarten choice. (p.3)The full report can be found online at the Hopkins Board website, under new business under the November 1, 2007 agenda.
There will be a $3,400 charge for the full-day option, with scholarships available to low income families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch program. One section of kindergarten will be offered for each of six locations in the district before a possible increase to more sections at all Hopkins Schools.
Making education more accessible and more effective is one of my prime motivators in this campaign for School Board. I applaud this decision, but realize the implementation is often more important than the policy itself. Results of the enrollment process will be available in early Spring, and I hope this program gets off to a successful start.
There are over 700 students from Hopkins School District boundaries who attend schools in neighboring districts: this number has increased almost 40% in the past five years, and being responsive to the needs of Hopkins families is one way to serve them and build stronger Hopkins Schools.
