Southeast Tennessee schools want funding to add 27 new pre-kindergarten classes for the 2008-09 school year, nearly double the number now, according to the Tennessee Department of Education.
“We have a lot children who are not being served so we would like to offer another class,” said Christie Vandergriff, pre-k program director for Sequatchie County Schools. “We can serve up to 20 students and we have a waiting list.”
State education officials said the state’s 136 districts asked for funding for more than 300 additional pre-k classes. Department of Education spokeswoman Rachel Woods said the requests may increase once the budget is approved. She said the timing of the release — a few days before the Senate Education Committee vetoed a move to set aside money to expand the pre-k program before approving higher education building projects — is coincidental.
“I usually get this out in January,” she said. “I’ve been (shorthanded) in the office.”
Each district will get at least one classroom and the rest will be awarded based on need, she said.
The governor earmarked $25 million for pre-k programs in the coming school year. The estimated cost for one class is around $110,000.
School districts must provide matching funds or in-kind services, based on their share of the state education dollars. The poorer a district, the more state dollars available, Ms. Woods said.
Funded by Tennessee lottery money, the pre-k program is voluntary and gives priority to at-risk children. Once they are served, other children may be enrolled in the programs.
Many school districts are able to stretch their pre-k dollars by partnering with private and for-profit area child care providers.
In Bradley County, the Family Resources Agency, administers the 27 pre-k classes at Bradley County and Cleveland City Schools.
NEW PRE-K REQUESTS
Bradley: 3
Cleveland City: 6
Marion County: 7
McMinn County: 2
Etowah City: 1
Meigs: 1
Polk: 3
Dayton City: 4
Sequatchie: 1
Source: Tennessee Department of Education
