Kindergarten Fee Survey from SPS SPS is looking at options to fund full-day kindergarten in light of the state budget cuts. One idea being discussed is raising the fees for full-day kindergarten from $207 to $310. Fees would be waived for families who qualify for free or reduced meals. The district is conducting a survey about the increase. See the link below for the survey.
from SPS:
Dear SPS families and families with young children:
Please respond to this survey as soon as possible. Responses received by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16th will be shared with the School Board during the budget work session that evening and will help guide budget decisions. We will continue to accept responses to the survey through Friday February 18.
The state of Washington funds only half-day kindergarten (there are a few exceptions to this for high poverty schools). For many years our district has added funding for a further half day to ensure there would be one full day kindergarten available in every school. Over the years schools added "pay for K" programs as more and more families wanted full day K for their children. For the 2010-11 school year, we implemented a standard $207 per month Pay for K program across the district. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch receive tuition waivers.
With the severe budget crisis, we are considering various options to balance the budget and one is related to Kindergarten services. We want your feedback about these options. Thank you.
School Budget Nuts and Bolts: Presentation Attached is the presentation from the "School Budget Nuts and Bolts" SCPTSA General Meeting. [ download / view file ]
School Budget Nuts and Bolts: SPS Budget Glossary "School Budget Nuts and Bolts" were discussed at the last SCPTSA General Meeting. We'd like to thank School Board President Steve Sundquist, School Board Director Sherry Carr, SPS Chief Academic Office Susan Enfield and SPS Executive Director of Finance Duggan Harman for serving on the panel and answering questions.
Attached is the "SPS Budget Glossary: A to Z" created by the Seattle Council PTSA with input from SPS officials. [ download / view file ]