Neshaminy: Full-day kindergarten nixed

From the BCCT.

But Morrisville still has it...

Full-day kindergarten nixed
By RACHEL CANELLI

High school administrators also talked about how they're saving money.

The vote's finally in and it's no way for full-day K - at least not next year.

During a strategic action committee meeting attended by more than 60 people that focused on the budget Monday night, the Neshaminy school board voted 6-3 that with a possible $14 million deficit, the district simply cannot afford to implement a full-day kindergarten program.

Board President Ritchie Webb recommended kicking the concept, which could cost several hundred thousand dollars, back to the administration for future reconsideration.

Board members Kim Koutsouradis, Richard Eccles and Frank Koziol, though, voted against the motion and for pursuing a plan.

Eccles said Neshaminy's students need early childhood intervention to help boost standardized test scores, and Koziol said he believes grants could fund the program.

"The conversation (about full-day K) cannot go away," said acting Superintendent Lou Muenker. "It's something our community will value and needs."

Meanwhile, the Neshaminy high school administrators said they're doing their part to help trim the fat.

Principal Alex Menio said faculty members are using electronic versus paper memos, and using white instead of colored paper.

Administrators said moving the ninth grade from the middle schools up to the high school next year could save about $100,000 by condensing athletic teams. That transition will also save the 34 cents per mile Neshaminy pays teachers who need to go to more than one building during the school day.

Officials are also looking at extending the life of uniforms, moving competitions within the district and putting course selection, newsletters, handbooks and policies online.

"We need your help," Webb told the high school staff. "Look at positions. We hope you'll continue to try to help us out."

The board also combed through some of the more than 70 suggestions from the public to cut expenses.

Some residents said they support the board looking at every dollar, and making hard decisions to help families struggling to pay their taxes. While other parents, and board members said the district needs to negotiate a new teacher's contract, or ask the certified staff to come up with concessions, before hurting the kids.

Although the board members said they're working on making a deal, district officials still need to find other ways to decrease costs.