April 10, 2013 -- At last night's School Board meeting, the Board endorsed plans to introduce a no-fee, optional, all-day, every day kindergarten program in fall 2014.

To some, I'm sure full-day kindergarten in Mounds View seemed inevitable. But I want to share with you the background of how and why this plan has developed into reality.

The Equity Promise
For many years, our district has embraced a comprehensive effort aimed at post-secondary success for all students. This Pre-K - 14 initiative includes our Equity Promise which states that all students will be prepared for post-secondary success regardless of race, class or disability. The Early College program in our high schools is a good example of the work we are doing to fulfill this promise for our oldest students. But what about our youngest students?

Studies show there are significant benefits of full-day kindergarten, especially if the students' educational momentum can be sustained in succeeding years. Already, half of our kindergarten families participate in our fee-based, full-day Kindergarten Plus experience. Around the metro, many districts now offer no-fee, full-day programs, including several of our neighbors like White Bear Lake, North St. Paul, Stillwater and Forest Lake schools. For some time, our district has wanted to expand kindergarten, but the cost of this program and the space available has previously prevented action. Until now.

Legislative support
Although the Legislature remains in session, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have indicated state funding for this programming is likely this year. Regardless of the level of state funding provided, the Board believes now is the time to make all-day kindergarten a reality.

Enrollment and facilities
When it comes to facilities, the timing seems right as well. Now that our enrollment has once again reached 10,000 students, our elementary schools and kindergarten classes in particular are experiencing some stress points. As currently configured, we are limited in how many students we are able to accommodate in our full-day Kindergarten Plus program.

Kindergarten Centers
To find room for a full-day kindergarten program, and to address capacity issues at some elementary schools, Mounds View plans to open Kindergarten Centers at Snail Lake Education Center and at Pike Lake Education Center. Specifically, kindergarten students from Island Lake and Turtle Lake would attend Snail Lake, while students from attendance areas of Bel Air, Pinewood, Sunnyside and Valentine Hills would attend Pike Lake. To make room, educational programs currently housed at those two sites, including Bridges, Oak Grove schools, Adult Basic Education and the Area Learning Center, would move into leased spaces.

Next steps
To open kindergarten centers in fall 2014, planning will continue this spring and throughout the next school year. Later this spring, each elementary school will host a gathering where families and community members can meet the principal, review Snail Lake and Pike Lake building plans to see the spaces allocated for kindergarten, ask questions and provide feedback. A website dedicated to sharing a host of details is taking shape at www.moundsviewschools.org/news.asp?DocID=2453.

Anyone interested in viewing last night's presentation and Board discussion can find the meeting at http://mvsb.nsacwebcasts.com/viewer.php?id=4197 and click on agenda item 4.5. As my team and I mentioned last night, we believe the outcome of these developments will be very positive for our students and ultimately our entire community. I hope you will stay tuned, stay engaged and play a role as we begin our latest effort in delivering The Equity Promise for all of our students in Mounds View Public Schools.