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Parents and staff push back on Woodland "Topper Tots" changes; board postpones decision to finance meeting
Summary
Parents and staff raised concerns about a proposed tuition increase and a reduction of after‑hours care at the Woodland early childhood program (to be retitled Topper Tots). The board postponed final approval and asked staff for further financial and staffing data at a special finance meeting May 1.
Parents, employees and board members engaged in a lengthy discussion about proposed changes to Woodland Elementary School's early childhood program during the Johnson City School Board meeting. The agenda item would rename Woodland's ECLC program "Topper Tots," increase tuition, and shift operating hours to align with other district sites.
Parent Jane Tester said the proposed changes would affect families' budgets and kindergarten readiness. "This is including a shift in operation hours, a name change, and an increase in tuition," Tester said, adding that the current structure had helped her child make notable academic gains.
LaDawn Hudgins, president of the Johnson City Education Association and a district speech therapist, said many staff who use the program as working parents are concerned by…
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