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Residents ask USD 297 to explore daycare, preschool and after‑school programs
Summary
Two community presenters asked the USD 297 Board to budget for a childcare payroll position and to allow on‑site childcare or a converted preschool classroom; the board agreed more research is needed and will revisit the item in December.
Jessica Matthies and Shay Zweygardt told the USD 297 Board on Nov. 14 that their community needs daycare, preschool, after‑school and summer programming and asked the district to budget for one payroll position to support those services. They proposed either allowing childcare to be built on school property or converting a grade‑school classroom into a preschool room.
Kindergarten teacher Lori Rieger reported that children who attend ABC Preschool and Head Start arrive at kindergarten with the skills needed to excel, reinforcing the presenters’ argument that early childhood offerings prepare students for school entry. The presenters did not provide a proposed budget beyond requesting one payroll line item.
Board members acknowledged a possible need but said there were more questions than answers. The board agreed to direct further research and to return the topic to the Dec. 12 board meeting for additional discussion and potential next steps.
