SWCSD#1 Considers Moving Up Kindergarten Start Time, Public Forums Scheduled

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Sweetwater County School District #1 is hosting public forums later this month to discuss the Cost Savings Task Force’s suggestion to start kindergarten at the same time as first through fourth grades.

The suggestion is one possibility to save the district money as next year’s estimated budget shortfall is a minimum of $6.1 million after the most recent legislative session.

If passed, kindergartners would begin the school day at 8:40 a.m. in lieu of the current kindergarten start time of 9:30 a.m.  With this option, some bus routes would be eliminated resulting in a potential savings.  In addition, these students would not be picked up at their door in the morning as they would participate in the established 1st – 4th grade bus stops.

Transportation drop-offs after school would be the same as they are now with bus stops in place for all K – 4.

By arriving to school at the same time with all grades, kindergarteners would be extended the opportunity to receive art, music, library, and physical education/health (otherwise known as specials).  The District is working on a specials schedule to determine the staffing effects of these instructional additions.

The District is searching for options to provide fine art opportunities for our youngsters while keeping the fiscal issues of the budget in check.  This is an opportunity for the District to share information with the community and to gather feedback.

Two meetings are scheduled at the CAB:

  • Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 31, 2017 from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

The information will be similar in both sessions.