Issue #2 (02/03/10) -- Because of the complexity of the topic of full-day versus half-day Kindergarten for Hebron in FY 2010-2011,
D&S will be outlining the issues in a multi-part series.
Issue #3 of the series will appear on Thursday, February 4.
The issues are complex and, unfortunately, because of the way the information has been disseminated, the debate over the value of full-day vs. half-day kindergarten has not been driven by the statistical data. As we begin this series, we ask you to consider the following:
- While many of the issues are related, our goal is to avoid redundant information. As a result, some topics may be accused of “lacking depth.” However, reading the complete series will reveal the rigor to which the topic has been considered from a data-driven perspective.
- Much of the statistical data that is specific to Connecticut and to Hebron is collected from the Connecticut State Department of Education website. That website is generally current up through the 2007 school year, with an occasional, more up-to-date report being published.
- This research is being collected by unpaid volunteers who do not have access to the state’s Public School Information System (PSIS). Obviously, that would make the research and reporting easier by several orders of magnitude.
- It is our understanding that the town of Hebron faces significant financial challenges, by virtue of the letters sent by our Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance members and by virtue of the well-publicized decline in revenues that face almost all Connecticut municipalities in this budget year.
- Especially during these financially challenging times, ALL non-mandated programs that require local taxpayer funding warrant review. Don’t we have enough unfunded mandates to deal with already? Don’t all boards in Hebron complain about the cost of unfunded mandates? Understanding cost-to-benefit ratios, as well as consideration of alternative means to accomplish similar results, need to be fully explored on the all day Kindergarten issue.
- If all day kindergarten is ultimately approved, what services will have to be sacrificed for children in Grades 1-6 to offset the $196,948 cost of all day Kindergarten?
Issue #3 will take an in-depth look at our current history and the history of all day Kindergarten. Check back on February 4th for that discussion.
Issues #4 and beyond will ask the tough questions and provide the data necessary to help you, our readers, reach a sensible conclusion or raise more questions about Hebron’s FY 2010-11 budget.
Check back daily!