Budget proposal includes
implementation of full-day kindergarten

To strengthen the district’s educational program for its youngest students, the implementation of full-day kindergarten in 2008-09 remains a part of the revised budget.

Research indicates that students
who attend full-day kindergarten
make greater gains in reading and math achievement scores than their peers in half-day programs. They also have higher self-esteem, independence
and social skills.

The district's goal is to provide more time for learning in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, the implementation of a full-day program also provides significant financial incentives.

“We finally have the resources available to make this happen,” said Superintendent Christine Crowley. “This program will actually help us save money both in next year’s budget and in the future.”

Extra state funding makes transition possible
Duanesburg has been awarded a $30,000 planning grant from the New York State Education Department to convert the district’s three half-day kindergarten classes to full-day at the start of the 2008-09 school year. The grant will be used to cover the costs associated with curriculum development and planning, classroom furniture and equipment, as well as materials and supplies.

During the 2008-09 school year, the district will receive approximately $245,000 in conversion aid to cover the switch to full-day kindergarten. This amount, already included in the proposed budget, has helped reduce the estimated tax rate increase.

“Without the transition to full-day kindergarten we would not receive these revenues,” said Business Administrator Brenda Kane. “In addition to the conversion aid, Duanesburg will receive additional foundation aid in the future to fund the full-day program.”

The amount of foundation aid, estimated at $123,000, will continue to increase annually based on present state aid calculation figures.

Additional cost savings
Further, the district will save approximately $13,240 per year on transportation because mid-day bus runs to transport kindergarten students home will no longer be necessary. This figure represents savings associated with bus driver salaries and does not include costs for benefits, fuel or maintenance.

State plans for full-day program
Although full-day kindergarten remains a non-mandated program in New York State, the state education department and Board of Regents have been pushing for the implementation of a full-day program for years.

Research findings indicate that children in full-day programs make greater gains in reading and math achievement scores than their peers who attend half-day programs or who are not enrolled in kindergarten.

Full-day kindergarten provides more one-to-one instruction, less large group learning and greater time on activities than half-day programs.

Planning, curriculum development and preparation
About 50 students are expected to enroll in the program next year, and suitable classroom space is currently available at the elementary school.

This spring, Elementary Principal Dr. Kathleen O’Brien and next year’s kindergarten teachers examined full-day kindergarten programming currently in place at neighboring schools. Shortly after, they began building the curriculum based on the strengths observed, as well as using their broad background knowledge on the subject matter.

The tentative schedule includes study in the four core subject areas, as well as time for recess, specials and storytime. Please visit the links above for more detailed information.


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