Monroe kindergarten schedule changing

  • By Alejandro Dominguez Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, February 16, 2011 12:01am
  • Local News

MONROE — Big changes are coming to the Monroe School District’s kindergarten program this fall.

By a 3-2 vote, the district board on Monday adopted a plan that would have kindergartners attending a full day of class twice a week, and every other Monday.

The goal is to save money on bu

ses now used to transport kids between morning and afternoon half-day classes. The district figures it will save about $118,000 per year by adopting the schedule. The district is facing a $2.1 million budget shortfall next year due to declining enrollment and state budget cuts.

Board directors Tom MacIntyre, Greg Accetturo and Jim Scott voted in favor of the new schedule.

“We don’t have money to do what we want,” board member Jim Scott said. “We need to make tough decisions and this is the first decision of the year.”

Board president Jamie Wright and director Debra Kolrud voted against the plan.

Wright said the decision is not consistent with what the board has approved in the past.

“In the past three years we decided on cuts, we said we won’t change the structure of the schools,” Wright said.

The district currently has about 400 kindergarteners. Not all of them use the mid-day transportation. Approximately 144 students ride the kindergarten buses; others are picked by parents or use the same buses as elementary students.

In a packed board meeting, most who spoke to the board were against the proposal. They said some children do not have the stamina to attend for a full-day, the off-days inhibit teachers’ ability to set a routine, and that illness on a school day could cut a whole week’s learning in half.

Pre-school helper Cassie Fontenot said the board’s decision keeps the kids out of school.

“They are not going to have a lesson at home. They’re watching TV,” she said after the meeting.

It also will make parents move out of the Monroe area, she said.

Others were not keen to the idea, but said children are adaptable and if cuts are not made in transportation, more students could suffer from other cuts instead.

“I don’t think it is the best choice but it’s not a horrible one,” parent Melissa Magelsen said. “We can make it work.”

As part of its plan, the board will allow at least one elementary school to continue with half-day kindergarten as long as parents provide transportation. Parents can pay tuition to extend those classes to a full day.

Kindergarten registration starts at 6:30 p.m. March 1 at every elementary school in the district. For more information, parents can call their neighborhood school.

Alejandro Dominguez: 425-339-3422; adominguez@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide. (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.