District proposes moving pre‑K programming to Caring Steps; plans two GSRP classrooms and tuition pre‑K options

Rochester Community Schools administrators proposed a plan May 19 to repurpose the district’s Caring Steps facility for pre‑K services in fall 2025, with two full‑time Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) classrooms as the immediate centerpiece and optional tuition‑based pre‑K 3 and pre‑K 4 offerings depending on family demand.

Assistant Superintendent Kimberly Hampton and Assistant Superintendent for Business Operations Matt McDaniel presented projected classroom configurations, licensing and a preliminary budget. The district asked Oakland Schools for two full‑time GSRP classrooms at Caring Steps (36 GSRP seats total). Oakland Schools would administer GSRP registration and county placement; district staff said there were 53 Rochester residents currently on the GSRP waitlist countywide.

McDaniel showed district fiscal modeling for two full‑time GSRP classrooms: state GSRP per‑slot payments (half‑day and extended‑day rates) would generate about $440,000 in revenue for the two classrooms; Oakland Schools would retain approximately $40,000 for program management. After staffing, program and district administrative costs, the modeled net left roughly $27,000 that could be applied to facility costs at Caring Steps. Start‑up grants that previously provided one‑time funding to open classrooms were not available this year; Oakland Schools told districts earlier in April that start‑up funds were reduced and then on May 9 said none remained.

The district also outlined tuition models: pre‑K 4 tuition at $4,980 per year (18‑student class) could net modest positive revenue if at full capacity; a 12‑student class would show a shortfall. Pre‑K 3 tuition at $2,050 per year would not cover costs even at full enrollment under the modeled hours and staffing. McDaniel summarized wage scales and credential requirements for lead and associate teachers; lead teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree and appropriate endorsement or equivalent state approval for GSRP.

Administrators said the proposal also seeks to make early childhood staff Rochester Community Schools employees (including an early‑childhood director) to improve retention and program coherence. They proposed a short August transition window for currently enrolled children at Caring Steps so families would not experience a long break in care; classroom postings for leadership and teaching roles were released in late April and May.

Trustees and members of the public questioned whether families would travel to Caring Steps and whether the two GSRP classrooms alone would justify keeping the building long term. The board asked for more financial detail on facility operating costs; the administration said the district’s operations and maintenance budget for the Caring Steps building was about $194,000 but that figure could fall if the program converted to regular school‑day hours and reduced custodial needs. Trustees also suggested considering school‑based pre‑K expansion and further community input.

Ending: The board received the report as a non‑action item; administration said it would continue enrollment outreach with Oakland Schools, finalize staffing and present additional financial details and options in coming weeks. No vote was taken May 19.