Noxon board approves half‑day pre‑K program and updates policy language

The Noxon School District Board approved establishing a half‑day pre‑K program for 4‑year‑olds and directed staff to modify board policy 21‑65 to reflect the program at halftime enrollment.

Principal Joel Ramsey explained that House Bill 352 (state literacy initiative) and the district’s CLSD grant provide funding to support expanded pre‑K options. Ramsey said the district currently identified potentially four eligible 4‑year‑olds and that grant funds would cover a significant portion of early‑grade literacy programming. Trustees emphasized the need to confirm budget details before full implementation: "We haven't seen next year's budget," one trustee said, and another asked administration to confirm how A & B state funding and grant dollars would combine to cover staff and operating costs.

Trustees discussed operational models (standalone pre‑K, combined pre‑K/kindergarten classrooms, summer and home‑based options) and agreed to adopt language that initially authorizes a half‑day pre‑K program, with flexibility to amend policy later as enrollment and funding clarity permit. A motion to approve the pre‑K program and amend policy to reflect a half‑day pre‑K intervention at this time was made and seconded; trustees proceeded with a show‑of‑hands vote and approved the motion.

Next steps: administration will finalize policy language, post the updated policy and program description, and report budget and staffing impacts at the next regular meeting. The board directed administration to advertise positions (kindergarten/teacher openings) and to coordinate enrollment and staffing decisions with elementary staff.