Politicians Ponder Full-Day Kindergarten Plan for Loudoun Schools (ICYMI)

Considering that Loudoun is one of only three school systems in Virginia, and the only one in the Washington metro area, that does not offer a full day of school to all of its kindergartners, it seems to be a hot topic for many running for election.

Following the discussion made on Sept. 9 by Loudoun County School Board candidates at the political forum hosted by the Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents, the discussion of full-day kindergarten(FDK) continued.

On September 15th, Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Eric Williams proposed a plan to implement FDK at the school board work session meeting.

Williams presented a plan with different options and what it would cost to gradually offer an opportunity for as many as 2,400 kindergarteners in the next four years. His proposal estimated that to offer this program to over half of Loudoun’s kindergartners, it would cost close to $36 million.

For the current school year, the full day kindergartner option was offered at 35 of the county’s 58 elementary schools, to all students that are eligible for free and reduced lunch, require English language learner services, and are enrolled in early childhood special education. Additional spots were offered where there was room available in a lottery to students who did not meet the criteria.

William’s proposal highlighted two suggestions: using existing space and expanding space.

The proposal suggested that by increasing class sizes from 15 to 25 students and expanding classrooms that offer half-day programs to full day programs, the estimated cost would be $1.4 million.

The second part of the proposal was on expanding space by building and adding three classrooms at 12 schools. The estimated costs for this were between $32-34 million in county funds over four years.

Williams emphasized that the discussion would continue in October after the current enrolment numbers are calculated.