Schools receive nearly $190 million

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Principal Mika Cassell said for teachers and parents at Dixie Bee Elementary School, full-day kindergarten is a no-brainer.

"We're just pleased especially for being a half day kindergarten program at Dixie Bee and to finally get full day it's very obvious the impact it makes on the boys and girls," Principal Cassell said.

Enrollment in Indiana's full-day kindergarten program increased by 19 percent this year.

That means the state will distribute nearly $190 million to help fund programs, more than double the amount from last school year.

"This year, we will be able to offer it to every child in every one of our schools, and we're really excited to be able to do that," Vigo County School Corporation Director of Elementary Education Christi Fenton said.

The money will go to 338 public school corporations and charter schools across the state that collectively saw the increase.

Vigo County will receive just over $3 million.

No matter which title school your child attends, you won't have to pay.

"They love it, they're very excited that it's all day they don't have to pick and choose between schools now because some parents were trying to find daycare," Kindergarten teacher and parent Erin Rader said.

However, the school corporation says don't get too excited just yet.

The funding is in a grant form, meaning it's not continually funded year after year.
 
"Parents want it, the teachers want it, we need to make sure we're still sending that strong message that kindergarten is important and we want it fully funded and so that it will be here to stay rather than just in a grant form," Fenton said.

Its news that provides relief for schools and parents for the upcoming year, making it easier for your student to compete.

The money will be given out this Friday.

The money schools will save will also help with funding preschool programs.

The School Corporation encourages you to write your legislator and make your voices heard.