Special All-Day Kindergarten Update from Deborah S. Delisle

[marklingm]

February 1, 2011

Good morning,

I hope that you are managing through the ice and snow that seems to have gripped the state this Tuesday.

I send this message to counter an article that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch today. The article was based on information I shared in Monday’s EdConnection about the evidence-based model (EBM) spending rules, which were to begin no earlier than July 1, 2011. As mentioned in this week’s communication, the State Superintendent has the authority to delay the EBM spending requirements until the 2012-2013 school year, which I indicated would occur. However, the article in the Columbus Dispatch stated that we “pulled the plug” on the all-day kindergarten requirement. This is not accurate. All day kindergarten is still a requirement and will continue until legislation is passed to change this requirement. Thus, the requirement to secure a waiver for this rule is still in effect. The only change for this year is that the waivers will be approved for two years as opposed to one. Let me reiterate, all-day kindergarten is still a requirement as is the waiver process associated with it.

At the Ohio Department of Education, we realize the fundamental importance and benefit of all-day kindergarten, while simultaneously understanding the financial situation facing our state. We are prepared to assist school districts as we all consider innovative ways to provide this essential early learning experience for Ohio’s children. As the regulatory agency that supports public instruction in Ohio, we are responsible for implementing changes in law that are enacted by the Ohio General Assembly. I have had productive conversations with various legislators on issues currently being considered through proposed legislation.

Please note that although there will be a delay for the spending rules, the reporting requirements did begin this year (FY 2011) and will continue to be required unless legislation changes. Should House Bill 30 be enacted as presented, the reporting requirements would be eliminated.

I hope this message clarifies misinformation that has been presented in the media.

Sincerely,

Deborah S. Delisle

[Betsy Voinovich]

February 1, 2011

Good morning,

I hope that you are managing through the ice and snow that seems to have gripped the state this Tuesday.

I send this message to counter an article that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch today. The article was based on information I shared in Monday’s EdConnection about the evidence-based model (EBM) spending rules, which were to begin no earlier than July 1, 2011. As mentioned in this week’s communication, the State Superintendent has the authority to delay the EBM spending requirements until the 2012-2013 school year, which I indicated would occur. However, the article in the Columbus Dispatch stated that we “pulled the plug” on the all-day kindergarten requirement. This is not accurate. All day kindergarten is still a requirement and will continue until legislation is passed to change this requirement. Thus, the requirement to secure a waiver for this rule is still in effect. The only change for this year is that the waivers will be approved for two years as opposed to one. Let me reiterate, all-day kindergarten is still a requirement as is the waiver process associated with it.

At the Ohio Department of Education, we realize the fundamental importance and benefit of all-day kindergarten, while simultaneously understanding the financial situation facing our state. We are prepared to assist school districts as we all consider innovative ways to provide this essential early learning experience for Ohio’s children. As the regulatory agency that supports public instruction in Ohio, we are responsible for implementing changes in law that are enacted by the Ohio General Assembly. I have had productive conversations with various legislators on issues currently being considered through proposed legislation.

Please note that although there will be a delay for the spending rules, the reporting requirements did begin this year (FY 2011) and will continue to be required unless legislation changes. Should House Bill 30 be enacted as presented, the reporting requirements would be eliminated.

I hope this message clarifies misinformation that has been presented in the media.


Sincerely,

Deborah S. Delisle

Hey Matt---

I can't remember where our District stands on this. I know that we have All Day Kindergarten this year, but I think members of our School Board, Linda Beebe, and Betsy Shaughnessy voted against keeping All Day Kindergarten-- in the form of a waiver asking that Lakewood be excused from the legal requirement of providing it-- while you voted for keeping it. (Board members Favre and Kamkutis were absent for that vote if I remember correctly.)

Fall '10 was a long time ago now, I'm not sure if I have the particulars right. Can you clarify where our District stands on this? Has Lakewood been excused from having to provide All Day Kindergarten in the future? Having seen the benefit of this program in my own family, I agree with our State Superintendent about the "fundamental importance" of this program, and hope that our District plans to continue it.

Please bring us up to date. Thanks. (And thanks for the snow day.)

Betsy Voinovich

[marklingm]

Betsy,

The resolution reads as follows:

WHEREAS, The Lakewood Board of Education recognizes that providing all-day, every-day kindergarten presents a hardship to the school district and is seeking a waiver for the delay of implementation; and,

WHEREAS, the Lakewood Board of Education understands that the waiver is for the delay of all-day, every-day kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year; and,

WHEREAS, the Lakewood Board of Education acknowledges that the Superintendent may seek a waiver with board approval by submitting the board adopted resolution for delay, the justification for the waiver and a plan for implementation for providing all-day, every-day kindergarten beginning in 2011-2012 school year; and,

WHEREAS, on July 1, 2010 the Lakewood Board of Education recommends and grants permission to the Superintendent to seek a waiver.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Lakewood Board of Education recommends that the Superintendent seek a waiver for the delay of all-day, every-day kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year.

While the resolution speaks for itself, the Lakewood Board of Education does, in fact, have all-day, every-day kindergarten for the 2010-2011 school year.

As with Superintendent of Public Instruction Deborah S. Delisle, I realize the fundamental importance and benefit of continuing all-day, every-day kindergarten. I also realize the financial situation facing our own Community. And, as stated in the above resolution, the Administration is working on “a plan for implementation for providing all-day, every-day kindergarten beginning in 2011-2012 school year.”

I will defer to my fellow board members to share their individual opinions as to all-day, every-day kindergarten.

Matt