Anticipating state funding cuts, Catalina Foothills Unified
School District became the first district in the city to eliminate
free full-day kindergarten next school year at its four elementary
schools and will charge $4,000 a year for a child to participate in
a full-day program.

In a letter dated March 10, the district sent parents of
prospective kindergartners letters saying kids will be divided into
morning (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and afternoon (noon to 3 p.m.)
sessions. Parents can enroll their kids in the other session,
dubbed Kindergarten Plus, for $4,000 a year or $420 a month for 10
months. The first payment for both plans is due May 1, and a $70
registration fee is due April 1.

Kindergarten Plus classes will be staffed by a certified teacher
and a classroom assistant.

According to Joan Marrs, the district Community Schools
Director, the district will use the tuition to pay the teacher and
aide, and some money will go toward the school to cover the use of
the library and computers and supervision during lunch hour.

"It's not just child care. We'll be using the extended time for
learning," she said. "We're looking at this as a quality
experience."

Lisa Millerd, the Legislative Representative for Ventana Vista
Elementary School's Family Faculty Organization, is unhappy with
the change.

"My feeling is it's short-sighted," she said. "I do understand,
though, from a financial standpoint. Kindergarten is not mandated
as a grade. But in the past we have had half-day kindergarten, and
when you offer full-day kindergarten then toggle it back, you're
causing all sorts of disruption to the education of these
kids."

via www.azstarnet.com