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Suffield board hears data showing many early-entry kindergarten waivers later need intervention
Summary
Principal Gina Olearczyk reported that of 24 students waived in for 2024–25, 13 (54%) now need academic intervention; of 12 waived in this year, five (42%) already require intervention. The board discussed tightening assessments while complying with state law.
Principal Gina Olearczyk updated the board on Suffield’s kindergarten waiver process, which allows parents of children born Sept. 1–Dec. 31 to request early entry to kindergarten under state rules. Olearczyk said there has been no legislative change to the waiver process and that districts remain required to offer it.
Olearczyk reported outcome data from Suffield: of 24 students waived in for the 2024–25 school year, 13 (54%) are now in first grade and require academic intervention; of 12 students waived in for the current school year, five (42%) are already requiring intervention. She said the administration plans to proactively share these data with parents.
Board members discussed the state mandate and explored how Suffield could make its assessment and waiver process stricter to better ensure student readiness while remaining legally compliant.
The update is informational; the minutes record discussion but no change to district policy or a formal board vote on revision of the waiver process.
