HUBBARD Kindergarten change upsets some parents

All-day, every-day school is better for beginning pupils, the superintendent said.
By SUSAN BERLIN
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
HUBBARD -- Some parents expecting to have some input into a decision on all-day kindergarten were disappointed by the school board's approval.
Board members voted Monday to change Hubbard's half-day kindergarten program to an all-day, every-day kindergarten, beginning next fall. The vote was unanimous.
Phillip Roudebush, Roosevelt Elementary principal, said a committee of kindergarten teachers and counselors has been conducting research and holding open meetings since October. The committee has visited three area elementary schools that already have this kindergarten program: McDonald, Struthers (Center Street) and Brimfield.
Roudebush said most parental concerns center around whether their child is mature enough for all-day attendance. Some parents said they had thought the action was still in the developmental phase.
But Superintendent Jim Herrholtz said some research implies that all-day, every-day school is better for beginning pupils' learning and socialization.
Teacher Marianne Modarelli said Hubbard's board should be commended for seeking and using teaching and staff input.
Other action: In other business, Paul Pero asked the board about the Hubbard Community Pool. Pero, a swim coach and swimmer's parent, said he had heard that the board might lease the pool.
Herrholtz said there is a committee exploring ways to offset operating expenses including leasing. Herrholtz invited Pero and other interested parties to join the committee.