DCS looking to expand pre-k program

The Demopolis City Schools Board of Education voted Monday to seek grant funds that would assist with the establishment of a high quality pre-kindergarten program.

The vote came after the board was briefed on high quality pre-k programs and grant possibilities by Allison de la Torre, executive director of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance.

“Although we have received high marks nationally for that program, it only serves about six percent of students across the state,” de la Torre said of the scarcity of well-developed pre-k programs around Alabama. “We’re going around the state trying to develop partnerships and trying to help communities with their own pre-k efforts. There is an opportunity to receive a certain amount of money for as many pre-K classrooms as you need.”

Those funds would come from a $12.5 million line item in the state education budget that would allow for the creation of 2,000 new pre-K students in 150 communities around Alabama.

“Demopolis could definitely vie for some of those new classrooms,” de la Torre said. “They will give preference to districts that have a high number of students that qualify for free and reduced lunches.”

Demopolis City Schools currently averages 62 percent of its students on free and reduced lunch initiatives.

Each grant would cover 75 percent of a pre-k classroom to consist of 18 students, one highly-qualified teacher and an aide. Districts receiving the grants would then be required to come up with a 25 percent match between facilities and in-kind donations. Additionally, each school system receiving such a grant would be required to meet the pre-k standards set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education while also receiving assistance and support from the Office of School Readiness in meeting such requirements.

DCS Superintendent Dr. Al Griffin said the cost of each pre-k program would range from $100,000 to $120,000 annually and the funds would be applied to the budget for Fiscal Year 2014.

Should Demopolis receive such a grant, part of its 25 percent match funds for which it is responsible could potentially be covered by the Black Belt Community Foundation.

“The Black Belt Community Foundation can possibly help with our match and cover up to $20,000 of our match,” Griffin explained.

The addition of a strong pre-k program would serve not only to enhance the readiness of students when they arrive in kindergarten.

“So much of the brain development occurs prior to the age of five. Having that, you’re going to have a better-prepared, more well-rounded child entering kindergarten,” Griffin said. “The state is taking a proactive approach in addressing this matter with a $12.5 million line item. This is dependent on enrollment, facilities and any other requirements to make sure we’re in compliance.”

Each school system can apply for a grant for as many pre-k classrooms as it deems necessary. The system will receive assistance from de la Torre in applying for the grants.

“I look forward to working with Allison de la Torre and definitely thank her for taking time out of her schedule to come and address the board,” Griffin said.

With limited space available in a pre-k program, the selection of students to be accepted into the program would be based on a lottery system.

In other actions, the board voted to approve the consideration of the English Language Arts textbooks on the state textbook list. Other items included the amending of several board policies to bring them into compliance with the Alabama School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2012.

The board also voted to accept a DCS Athletic Facilities Plan that prioritizes potential future improvements of facilities used for DCS athletics.

Griffin also told the board that the school system’s calendar committee will put together two prospective calendars this year. One will meet the requirements of the current Flexible School Calendar Act and the other would start Aug. 12 rather than the currently required Aug. 19 that would reflect the potential passage of an opt-out bill on the Flexible School Calendar Act.