Lisbon board OKs all-day kindergarten

LISBON -- The Lisbon Board of Education has approved all-day kindergarten for district children beginning this fall.
Superintendent Don Thompson said the board has discussed all-day kindergarten before but the cost factor was a consideration because the state only reimburses districts for half-day kindergarten.
However, there have been inquiries from parents about whether the all-day program was going to be offered, Thompson said.
Additionally, renovations taking place at McKinley Elementary will provide classroom space to conduct an all-day program this fall.
Thompson said there will probably be a need for one additional teacher at McKinley.
The board decided to take the action now because kindergarten registration for the fall will take place next week.
Elementary Principal Lana Judy said her staff would be excited by the prospect of all-day kindergarten and felt it would add to the overall education of the children.
In other matters, Judy said McKinley pupils raised $1,026.26 in a penny drive for tsunami victims. The proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.