Preschool programs
Following are available half-day sessions for students in the Middletown City School District:
Butler County Educational Service Center: 7 classrooms
Wildwood Eementary: 1 classroom
Amanda Elementary: 1 classroom
Rosa Parks Elementary: 1 classroom
Creekview Elementary: 1 classroom
MIDDLETOWN — The Butler County Educational Service Center will run Middletown’s preschool program next year as the district continues to search for ways to alleviate costs.
The Middletown City Schools Board of Education on Monday approved a contract with the county ESC, which will now administer the preschool program comprised of more than 300 students. Classrooms are housed in several of the district’s elementary buildings.
The contract results in a savings of approximately $300,000 for the district, said Robin Long, Middletown’s interim treasurer.
The countywide BCESC offers a variety of services to school districts and social agencies for the enhancement of educational programs, including Head Start and Help Me Grow. It is able to relieve the district of some preschool costs by accessing approximately $619,000 in federal funding.
According to Middletown Superintendent Greg Rasmussen, the district’s preschool program had a waiting list of more than 100 students this year. Through the new partnership, more than 50 more students will be able to be served, he said.
Four special education classes are currently part of Middletown’s preschool program. Next year, under the BCESC, there will be six, said Jon Graft, Assistant Superintendent of BCESC Early Childhood Programs.
“By letting us run their preschools, they’re able to save local dollars and serve more children at the same time,” he said.
The BCESC already has more than 20 employees working in Middletown’s preschool classes. Seven preschool employees are directly employed by Middletown schools. They would need to go through an application process with BCESC before next year to continue teaching preschoolers.
“We’re going to choose the most qualified candidates based on their education and experience,” Graft said.
Wendy Folino, preschool coordinator for Middletown schools, said if not hired by BCESC, her educators will still serve with the district in some capacity.
“No one will be losing their jobs,” she said. “They will still be teachers within our district.”
Still, those educators may bump others with less seniority, Rasmussen said.
At the federal level, there is speculation the Head Start program may be in danger.
According to the Wall Street Journal, about $13 billion is expected to be cut from what President Barack Obama requested for the Departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services in his recent budget proposal. The White House said it would maintain current enrollment levels in Head Start, but a top Republican aide said that point was still under discussion.
Board President Marcia Andrew asked Graft, who was present on Monday, if he was concerned with possible funding cuts.
“There’s a lot of public and congressional support (for the program),” Graft said. “I think we’re confident Head Start funding will continue at a level we’ll be able to keep serving Middletown families.”
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