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Kindergarten enrollment jumps to 41; board approves one-year early‑admission policy with July 1 deadline
Summary
With kindergarten enrollment reported at 41 (budgeted for 28) and four waiver requests pending, the board approved a one-year early‑admission policy that sets July 1 as the deadline for applications and directs staff to screen candidates using the Eastcon rubric.
Willington school administrators told the board on June 12 that kindergarten enrollment for 2026-27 has reached 41 students, well above the 28 the budget assumed. Four early‑admission waiver requests are pending.
District leaders cautioned that a kindergarten class of 20 is management‑intensive and could lead to staff attrition if handled poorly. To avoid hiring a new full‑time teacher (an estimated additional recurring cost of about $80,000 including benefits), administrators proposed shifting an existing teacher from a larger third- or fourth-grade team to create a third kindergarten section if feasible.
The board adopted a one‑year Policy 5111 (admission to public schools at or before age five) to allow screening of waiver candidates for 2026-27. The board set a July 1 application deadline so screenings can occur during summer school when staff availability is higher; the district will use the Eastcon rubric to assess maturational readiness and produce a documented recommendation.
Administrators said teams will prioritize class stability and student needs when making any shifts: special education supports and one‑to‑one aides would remain in place for identified students regardless of section numbers. The board asked staff to monitor any effects of reassigning teachers and to report back early in the school year.
Parents were urged to contact elementary administrators with questions and to watch for a published classroom plan in July.
