The District 64 Board of Education cleared a substantial hurdle in making full-day Kindergarten a reality as they voted to officially move forward with the originally presented Option Four.
“This is the right time and the right Board,” said Board member Rebecca Little, “Interest rates are low and we need to stop kicking the can down the road.”
“This is an exciting time for the District,” said Chief School Business Official Adam Parisi, “our team is looking forward to the next steps of the planning process and ultimately constructing modern spaces that allow for the most innovative teaching and learning opportunities.”
Option Four calls for an upgrade to Jefferson School, relocates the Educational Services Center (ESC) to Jefferson, and offers an all-day kindergarten option at each of the K-5 schools. It comes with an estimated cost range between $23,532,280 and $25,901,249.
“After speaking with the community members and with administration, and knowing the administration has done their due diligence to put their best foot forward to the Board, I am in support of the plan” said Board member Nicole Woitowich.
The Board’s approval keeps full-day kindergarten a possibility as soon as the 2022-23 school year.
"It's never a bad idea to invest in our children's education and in the community by making our schools better” stated Board Secretary Phyllis Lubinski.