At its 9-24-08 Board meeting, the GSCS Board noted a number of concerns and issues that are arising out of the preschool expansion initiative. These issues indicate unintended consequences may result if this program is implemented too hastily. It is a costly program but one that demonstrates proven results in our state to date. However, better to slow down and get it right out of the gates, especially given these times of economic crisis. GSCS is already in contact with the executive and legislative branches about concerns members have brought to the board, and appreciates any facts you can forward to us on this issue at gscs2000@gmail.com that demonstrate negatives re: cost, and effective & efficient implementation.

September 29, 2008 Preschool plan needs time out

ASBURY PARK PRESS EDITORIAL

Berkeley school officials are racing the clock to develop a plan to comply with a state mandate to provide full-day preschool for some of the district's 3- and 4-year-olds by next September and all of them by 2013.

The state should set the clock back at least a year to give school officials adequate time to evaluate the township's needs and to either challenge the mandate or develop a more practical, affordable and equitable plan.

Berkeley and five other Ocean County school districts are among 87 municipalities statewide being required to provide full-day preschool, previously available only to the state's 31 poorest districts. Berkeley and the other districts were chosen because they have relatively large numbers of children eligible for free lunch programs and relatively low income levels. Gov. Corzine eventually wants to expand the program to other districts.

The program is not only extravagant but dubious educationally. How can state officials expect 3-year-olds to ride a school bus up to 30 minutes each way and feel comfortable in a classroom seven hours a day, five days a week? In Berkeley, 5- and 6-year-old kindergartners only attend school half a day.

And why should free pre-school be available in Berkeley, but not Lacey, Brick, Jackson and scores of other similar communities throughout the state? The state — more specifically, taxpayers in more affluent districts — will ante up $11,506 per pupil for in-district programs, but that will offset only some of the costs.

Berkeley has the option of putting the preschoolers in state-approved day-care centers and recouping $12,394 per child if there are facilities close enough to the schools. But there is nothing that could handle the hundreds of eligible children in Berkeley.

School officials believe they can accommodate the 100 preschoolers anticipated for next September in the district's three elementary schools. But in 2013, officials estimate they will have to find space for at least 500 children. At least one new elementary school would have to be built.

The state is requiring one certified early childhood education teacher for every 15 children, plus a classroom aide with a minimum of two years of college.

Districts also will need new school buses and bus drivers and aides to escort the preschoolers to and from school on those buses.

If Berkeley officials, who were informed only recently of the specific rules and regulations they must follow, can spring into action fast and meet a Nov. 15 grant application deadline, they might be able to recoup 40 percent of the cost of building a new school. If not, they are on the hook for all of it.

The universal preschool program was hastily conceived. It is inequitable, unaffordable and of limited educational value. The state must be willing to listen to reasonable alternatives. If it doesn't, a time out is in order.