Teri Kemper, director of the Mountain View Whisman School District preschool program, told the board at its evening meeting that the program has delivered California State Preschool services under a state contract since the 1980s and has consistently earned top-tier QRIS ratings since the system’s 2012 rollout. Kemper said the program combines early learning with health and developmental screenings, inclusive classrooms for children with special needs, parenting classes and family engagement activities supported by partnerships and grant funds.

“Kinder is amazing and does great things, but they fill a void that can’t be filled otherwise,” said parent Nicole Datta at the meeting, describing how preschool services support working families and provide continuity for children transitioning into kindergarten. Kemper highlighted partners that support screenings and enrichment, including the Healthier Kids Foundation and the Community School of Music and Arts, and noted that Prop 28 funds are being used this year for dance instruction.

The presentation outlined classroom practices — visual schedules, social-emotional routines and a four-day California Teaching Pyramid training for classroom staff — and cited enrichment offerings such as weekly music and movement and science workshops. Kemper said the preschool team includes about 30 staff members, many former preschool parents, and thanked families and volunteers for long-term community support.

The board and attendees framed the presentation against an ongoing budget review. Mick Nguyen, president of the Mountain View Education Association, and multiple parents urged trustees not to eliminate preschool as a proposed budget cut. Nguyen asked the board to account for recently announced state increases in per-pupil funding when weighing cuts and warned that reducing support staff or programs like STEAM or physical education would place unsustainable expectations on classroom teachers.

Trustee Conley thanked Kemper for 30 years of service and praised the program’s capacity to prepare children for later grade-level work. The board held no vote on program elimination during the meeting; any budget decisions would be addressed in future agenda items and budget sessions.

The district will host a site visit to Latham Preschool the following day, and Kemper invited trustees to observe classroom practice and student engagement. The board did not take formal action on program funding at the meeting; further deliberations about budget reductions remain on the calendar.