Fund shortage forces delay of pre-K program
Bangor Daily News, May 3, 2007
(excerpt) Over the past four years, SAD 68 officials have laid the groundwork for a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. They had planned to initiate the program with the fall opening of the new SeDoMoCha Elementary School, which includes three specially designed classrooms for the youngsters.
"Had the state followed its plan to move public education to the 55 percent funding level, we would have had enough this year to start the program," SAD 68 Superintendent John Dirnbauer said Wednesday. Since that funding fell short, the program will be shelved until fall 2008 when officials hope funds will be available.
"We are very disappointed," Dirnbauer said. About 50 to 60 children were pre-registered for the new classes, he noted.
Dirnbauer said the district has had much success with its pre- kindergarten pilot program at the Monson Elementary School and wanted to provide the same offerings for Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston and Sebec children. The program at the new school will be delayed, much to the disappointment of parents, teachers and administrators, he said.
The district expects to receive about $6 million in subsidy, of which $493,986 is for the debt service on the new school. Excluding the debt service payment, the subsidy reflects an increase of about $68,000 over last year, Dirnbauer said.
This article has not appeared on the Bangor Daily News web site. Nevertheless I feel it is of great local interest. We offer this excerpt with the hope that such use of the BDN material falls within fair use guidelines.
Bangor Daily News, May 3, 2007
(excerpt) Over the past four years, SAD 68 officials have laid the groundwork for a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds. They had planned to initiate the program with the fall opening of the new SeDoMoCha Elementary School, which includes three specially designed classrooms for the youngsters.
"Had the state followed its plan to move public education to the 55 percent funding level, we would have had enough this year to start the program," SAD 68 Superintendent John Dirnbauer said Wednesday. Since that funding fell short, the program will be shelved until fall 2008 when officials hope funds will be available.
"We are very disappointed," Dirnbauer said. About 50 to 60 children were pre-registered for the new classes, he noted.
Dirnbauer said the district has had much success with its pre- kindergarten pilot program at the Monson Elementary School and wanted to provide the same offerings for Dover-Foxcroft, Charleston and Sebec children. The program at the new school will be delayed, much to the disappointment of parents, teachers and administrators, he said.
The district expects to receive about $6 million in subsidy, of which $493,986 is for the debt service on the new school. Excluding the debt service payment, the subsidy reflects an increase of about $68,000 over last year, Dirnbauer said.
This article has not appeared on the Bangor Daily News web site. Nevertheless I feel it is of great local interest. We offer this excerpt with the hope that such use of the BDN material falls within fair use guidelines.
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