Community Corner

Is It Time for Cheshire to Consider All-Day Kindergarten?

Southington appears poised to implement all-day kindergarten this fall and Berlin has proposed the program as part of their budget. Is it Cheshire's turn?

The Cheshire Board of Education last fall took on discussions regarding whether to implement all day kindergarten, but the conversation did not lead to any changes. When the board approved the budget last week, however, the costs to implement the program were not included.

With other nearby towns considering the move, however, is it time for Cheshire to work all-day kindergarten into their plans?

The Southington Board of Education last week endorsed the decision to implement all-day kindergarten by an 8-1 vote during their budget discussions and on Tuesday, Berlin School Superintendent David B. Erwin introduced a budget request that included the all-day program.

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"There was consensus by board members that all-day kindergarten would probably be a good idea," Cheshire Board of Education member Cathy Hellreich told the full board in October. "With the Common Core and what's being asked of our kindergartners, more time in the classroom would be beneficial."

But with growing maintenance and facility needs that forced the board to increase School Superintendent Greg Florio's request for the first time in over 20 years, kindergarten changes were not included in this year's proposal.

So what's your take? Should Cheshire move to all-day kindergarten or did they make the right decision in waiting? Tell us your thoughts.

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