Rogers district outlines pre-K expansion, funding and enrollment ahead of 2025-26

Rogers School District staff on April 22 briefed the board on pre-kindergarten enrollment, funding and program expansion plans for 2025'1026.

Brandy Brooks, the district's pre-K director, said the program currently operates at two locations with approximately 325 enrolled pre-K students this school year. Brooks told the board the district had about 72 students withdraw after the tornado-related disruptions earlier in the year and that centralized registration has produced 170 students fully enrolled for next year and 78 pending files (missing one or more documents such as proof of residency).

Brooks said the district will open a third pre-K center at Westside at the start of next school year and expects to add three-year-old classrooms for staff in the initial phase, with a view to offering three-year-old spots to the community later. The program has a staff of about 45 people, including 18 certified teachers and additional assistants who must hold either a CDA or an associate degree, Brooks said.

Funding and partnerships

Brooks and district staff outlined funding sources for the program. The district's primary funding is the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) grant; the administration reported total ABC funds of $1,633,600 and described a per-student figure of roughly $5,001. The program also holds 20 accelerated spots funded at $97,200, and 40 tuition-based spots with a staff discount for Rogers employees (district staff said teacher/staff discount rates and community rates are available). The district also receives snack reimbursements through the CACFP program at about 70% of billed snack costs.

Brooks listed community partners including Garden Club of Rogers, Trike Theater, Harley-Davidson and nearby high schools that provide childcare interns and job-shadowing supports. The district is piloting the Atlas assessment in May and will continue to use literacy and math curricula (3 Cheers for Pre-K, Launchpad for Letters, Math Expressions) and the DIAL and Launchpad assessments for screening and progress monitoring.

Special education and access

For special education services, Brooks said the district is partnering with Tita and Amy Faith (special education partners) so that Rogers will provide many SPED services directly in-district rather than outsourcing them to a coop. Brooks said hiring is underway and staff expect the in-house arrangement to improve early intervention access.

Brooks and Dr. Perry (superintendent) emphasized access as a district priority and highlighted that 152 incoming kindergarten students who were screened had not attended district pre-K this year; the district said increasing access for those families is a target.

Enrollment numbers shared to the board

- Current enrolled this year: ~325 students (two centers) - Withdrawals since tornado: 72 students (district staff) - Fully enrolled for next year (documents complete): 170 - Pending enrollment files (missing documents): 78 - Staff: 45 employees, including 18 certified teachers and assistants (CDA/associate degree requirement) - Funding: Arkansas Better Chance total $1,633,600 (approx. $5,001 per ABC-funded student); Accelerate funds for 20 slots ($97,200); 40 tuition-based slots with staff discount

Board questions and next steps

Board members asked about enrollment processes, community outreach and planned facilities upgrades at the Westside site. District staff said new playground furniture will be purchased with leftover COVID grant funds, and Westside will include four classrooms at opening. The district also said the pre-K center will pilot Atlas assessment in May and will continue monitoring readiness and screening results for kindergarten placement.

Speakers (attributed in coverage): Brandy Brooks, Dr. Perry, Dan Kaley (facilities/operations staff referenced), and other school administrators who contributed statements in the presentation.

Why it matters: expanding pre-K access and adding on-site special-education services were presented as strategies to improve kindergarten readiness and close early-achievement gaps. The board was asked to note progress on enrollment ahead of the 2025'1026 school year.