New Berlin administrators recommend launching half‑day universal 4K; board told program could be revenue‑positive

District administrators for the School District of New Berlin recommended the board move forward with a half‑day universal 4K (four‑year‑old kindergarten) program and asked trustees to provide a final decision by February.

The recommendation followed a presentation that reviewed local comparisons, screening data, facility and staffing options, transportation, wraparound care logistics and three‑year financial projections. The administration said the district currently operates an early learning program (established in 2018) but is one of the few districts in the region without a universal 4K offering.

The presentation said neighboring districts (Elmbrook, Pewaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego‑Norway and others) now offer 4K. A member of the public, Matt Gunlak, identified himself as a New Berlin resident and parent and told the board he strongly supports adopting district‑wide 4K to “build it from the ground up with a strong foundational 4Ks program for all our kids.”

Administrators described the proposed approach as a half‑day program (five days per week) with morning and afternoon sessions and an option for wraparound care for families that need full‑day coverage. The district’s initial enrollment planning used an 80% participation assumption of eligible students (about 210 children); administrators said that would require roughly five classrooms per session and would likely be divided across Ronald Reagan and Elmwood elementary schools to keep children close to their community schools. Poplar Creek and Orchard Lane were identified as sites with less immediate capacity.

On staffing and operations, presenters said classrooms would be staffed by DPI‑certified teachers and that classroom specialists such as music and PE would be delivered in the classroom rather than pulling children out of sessions. For wraparound care, the district said it would primarily contract with third‑party providers (while leaving some limited on‑site wraparound at district schools) and that transportation would be provided for eligible resident 4K students; administrators cautioned that bussing to every separate third‑party site may not be feasible.

On finances, district finance staff presented estimated startup grant aid from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, categorical per‑pupil aid and projected property tax impacts. Administrators estimated a roughly $400,000 net gain to the district in the first year (driven by start‑up grant aid), a larger net in year two as state aid phases, and a stabilized annual net thereafter (the presentation cited a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar annual net in later years). The administration estimated a conservative local property tax impact of about $0.15 per $1,000 of equalized value, which it said could equal roughly $52.50 on a $350,000 home; administrators also noted that enrollment, property values and biennial budgeting factors could change that estimate.

Board members asked detailed logistical questions about capacity when 4K children advance into elementary grades, distribution of morning/afternoon sessions and whether assignment to specific buildings or sessions would be by lottery or preference. Administrators said they would propose preference requests followed by a lottery if demand exceeded capacity and reiterated that final facility and transportation plans would depend on actual enrollment numbers.

The administration recommended the board approve a half‑day universal 4K program and requested a board decision no later than February so the district could finalize registration, complete necessary facility renovations, hire staff and secure wraparound agreements.

Next steps: administrators said they will return with more detailed implementation plans (staffing finalization, curriculum selection, enrollment procedures and finalized transportation routes) if the board directs them to proceed.