Kingston City School Board debates future of Montessori program at George Washington Elementary

The Kingston City School District (KCSD) Board of Education meeting on June 4, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the performance and structure of the Montessori program at George Washington Elementary School. The discussions revealed a growing urgency to address the educational disparities faced by economically disadvantaged students and English language learners within the district.

Dr. Petalino, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized that George Washington is currently classified as a Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI) school, indicating that it is underperforming compared to other schools in the district. He presented data showing that despite substantial investments in the Montessori program, student achievement has not improved, particularly among vulnerable student populations. The decline in economically disadvantaged students at George Washington—from 79% in 2017 to 53% today—was noted as a troubling trend that raises questions about the program's effectiveness.

The board also discussed the challenges posed by multi-grade classrooms, where younger students often require more attention, detracting from the instructional time available for older students. Dr. Petalino pointed out that the current structure is problematic and suggested that separating younger students from the Montessori program could enhance educational outcomes.

Another significant point of contention was the perceived inequity in resource allocation. Board members expressed concern that the focus on the Montessori program may be diverting essential resources away from other elementary schools in the district, which serve a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students. The discussion underscored the need for a more equitable distribution of educational resources to ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive.

The meeting also touched on the implementation of the CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) program, which some board members believe could provide a more effective educational framework than the current Montessori approach. However, there was uncertainty about how the introduction of CKLA would impact the future of the Montessori program, with some members advocating for a balanced approach that considers the needs of all students.

In conclusion, the KCSD Board of Education meeting revealed a critical juncture for the district as it grapples with the effectiveness of its educational programs. The discussions highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of the Montessori program and a commitment to ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all students. As the board moves forward, the challenge will be to reconcile differing educational philosophies while prioritizing student achievement and community cohesion.