In a recent Bedford School Board meeting, the topic of full-day kindergarten was revisited, marking the third discussion since 2020. The meeting featured insights from elementary principals Phil Schapler, Cheryl Daley, and Molly McCarthy, who highlighted the growing demand for full-day kindergarten among parents and educators alike.

The board acknowledged that Bedford is one of the few districts in New Hampshire that does not offer full-day kindergarten, a situation that has led to increasing inquiries from parents who are accustomed to full-day programs in other districts. The principals noted that many families are requesting early admission to first grade, seeking alternatives to the current half-day kindergarten structure.

Concerns were raised about the challenges faced by kindergarten teachers, who are tasked with delivering a comprehensive curriculum within a limited timeframe. Teachers expressed that the current half-day schedule forces them to compress essential learning into just two and a half hours, which can lead to stress for both students and educators. The principals emphasized that a full-day program would allow for more effective teaching strategies, including small group instruction and adequate time for social-emotional development.

Financial implications were also a significant part of the discussion. The board noted that transitioning to full-day kindergarten would result in a loss of approximately $600,000 in revenue from the current K Plus program, which is a fee-based half-day option. However, the potential for increased enrollment in full-day kindergarten could offset some of these costs, with estimates suggesting that the district could gain around 80 additional students.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further community engagement to gauge public sentiment regarding the shift to full-day kindergarten. Board members expressed the importance of involving families in the decision-making process, recognizing that the community would ultimately bear the financial responsibility for any changes.

As the conversation continues, the Bedford School Board is tasked with balancing educational needs, community expectations, and fiscal realities in determining the future of kindergarten in the district.