District explores Title I–funded full‑day preschool at two sites as staff weigh logistics

District staff told the board they are investigating a Title I–funded, full‑day preschool targeted to students ages four to five who live in Title I attendance areas. The staff presenter said the initial concept would be paid entirely from district Title I funds (the district portion rather than individual building allocations) so students from any Title I attendance area could attend.

Staff said two tentative sites under consideration are General Beadle and Black Hawk and that staffing might include one certified teacher and one paraprofessional per classroom. They emphasized that to comply with Title I rules the program would need to be full day and that families would be responsible for transportation. The presenter said the district is consulting with special‑services staff to assess how this preschool would work for students with disabilities.

District representatives said they plan to attend the Department of Education’s Title Programs: Plans to Practice meeting in Pierre to learn more about compliance and best practices. The YMCA has expressed interest in exploring a partnership and a district staff member noted further planning will address waitlist and application processes if demand exceeds capacity.

Board members pressed staff on where the Title I funds would be drawn from; staff responded the district would use the district‑level Title I portion so the program wouldn't unduly deplete a single building’s allocation. Dr. Thompson said the administration's goal would be to present a decision to the board at its May meeting if planning and special‑services coordination proceed on the expected schedule.

No formal board vote was taken; the item was described as exploratory and staff will return with additional details for future board consideration.