Waunakee board braces for new state 4K "Get Kids Ready" program; centers warn of tight finances

Waunakee Community School District board members on Wednesday heard a series of public comments from local 4K providers and a district briefing on a new state program called Get Kids Ready that will begin in the 2026-27 school year and requires providers to choose either the state contract or a district contract for the same year.

Providers asked the district to protect existing community partnerships by considering an increased district investment in 4K. Bridal Fitzgibbon, owner of the Village Early Childhood Center, told the board her center's reimbursement rose from about $3,300 per child in 2015 to roughly $3,600 now, while operating costs have climbed sharply. Fitzgibbon said her center lost about $30,700 in 2023 and $30,300 in 2024 on the 4K program and asked that the district factor reimbursement and enrollment distribution into any contract decisions.

Sandra Bricep, director of Peace Lutheran Preschool, said her program operates at a loss under its current contract (she cited a contract figure of about $3,500 per child that she planned to verify) and urged higher payments and better supports for children with behavioral and mental-health needs. Bob Davis of Inspire Early Childhood proposed greater open enrollment options to preserve enrollment levels at community centers if the district or state option is chosen.

School administration briefed the board on Get Kids Ready, noting the state budget included a $66 million annual allocation for the program and language that prevents a provider from participating in Get Kids Ready and contracting with the public school district for 4K in the same year. Steve (district staff) said that puts centers "in a difficult spot because they have to make a choice early in 2026," and the district is proposing an accelerated timeline for planning and decision-making to support centers: a budget-committee update Dec. 1, proposed board consideration of 2026-27 4K contracts on Dec. 8, and an in-person meeting with 4K directors Dec. 15.

The administration and treasurer, Mark, outlined fiscal scenarios showing the potential state-equalization-aid impact if 4K student counts shift. Mark said one scenario could add nearly $2 million in equalization-aid loss in 2027-28, which he estimated could mean roughly a 4% increase to the levy in that example. Board members said the district values community partnerships and discussed exploring a range of scenarios, including increasing district investment to retain partners.

What happens next: the budget committee will continue dialogue with 4K providers at a virtual meeting this week and during community finance sessions next week; the board is likely to revisit 4K contract options in early December with a target of asking centers for their choices prior to winter break so families and providers can plan for 2026-27.

Sources and attribution: quoted speakers and timing are from public comment and the administration presentation during the board meeting.