Board approves 4K provider contracts that include district-funded wraparound childcare

The Fort Atkinson School District Board of Education voted Feb. 19 to approve contracts with 4K providers for the 2026–27 school year that include district-funded wraparound childcare at designated partner sites.

Doctor Abbott described the initiative as an expansion of community partnerships to meet family needs, saying "The school district will cover the cost of wraparound care for 4 ks students attending our Purdy Elementary location, as well as our partner program at Parents Cooperative Preschool." Administration emphasized that wraparound care will be optional and provided Monday–Thursday during portions of the school day at no cost to families.

Trustees asked about capacity, licensing and budget sources. Abbott explained that the district will rely on a mix of regular school budget allocations and state aid associated with 4K enrolments for the initial one‑year commitment, describing the effort as a deliberate, controlled experiment to attract and retain families. "We are definitely viewing this as not a need but a must have for our community and an investment in bringing families into our district," Abbott said.

After discussion the board moved, seconded and approved the contracts on roll call. The transcript records affirmative roll-call votes from several named trustees (Missus O'Malley, Missus Amato, Mister Lou, Mister Lewis, Mister Nickram). The administration said more details about registration and site logistics will be provided online and during the registration process at fortschools.org.

Administrators noted this is a one‑year commitment to allow the district to evaluate uptake and costs before considering longer-term program design changes.