Westford’s public schools are preparing to provide a limited version of full-day kindergarten, and it appears that the Westford School Committee is largely satisfied with the program’s implementation.
At the committee’s Feb. 1 meeting, plans to presented to implement public full-day kindergarten in Westford were approved 6-1-0.
One full-day kindergarten class at the Robinson, Nabnasset and Miller Schools will be provided in addition to two special integrated full-day programs at the Miller School.
Robinson and Miller will continue offering three half-day programs while Nabnasset will offer four half-day programs.
Enrollment tuition for the full-day programs has been set at $4,200 per student, a figure that came in part due to the guidance of the School Committee, who urged that the program aim to be revenue neutral.
That tuition figure may change in future years however due to non-recurring startup costs. Additionally, families in need of financial assistance will be eligible for reduced tuition, but there will be no free tuition offerings for the program.
Each class is expected to have 20 students, with a lottery to be held in late March if there are more applications than openings.
Registration will be held on March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on March 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Informational nights for parents are scheduled in May.
However, it is likely that additional informational nights will be held sooner due to concerns from the School Committee that parents be able to obtain information prior to enrolling in the program.
School Committee Member Erika Kohl voted in opposition to the plan, citing data provided by the Full-Day Kindergarten Citizens’ Advisory Committee showing no long term benefits between full-day and half-day programs.
Kohl also noted concerns surrounding curriculum overload.
Westford School Assistant Superintendent Kerry Clery replied by noting the curriculum is designed to be perceived by kindergarten students as a directed form of play.
School Committee Members David Keele and Avery Adam also voiced support for the plan and for the concept of full-day kindergarten, seeing it as a choice for parents seeking the service.
During the meeting, the School Committee also heard a financial update from Superintendent Bill Olsen on what cuts are needed to meet Town Manager Jodi Ross’ budget recommendations, a district enrollment projection from local demographics expert George Murray and a new scoreboard at Westford Academy.
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