We knew it was coming, all-day kindergarten, but we weren't sure when.  Now we know, at least for Rockford and Forest Hills public schools.

Full-day kindergarten will begin in the 2012-2013 school year.

On Tuesday, Dr. Michael Shibler, Rockford's superintendent, recommended to the school board that the district move to all-day kindergarten. Dan Behm, Forest Hills superintendent, says his district also made the decision to switch on Tuesday.

Dr. Shibler said that he sent a letter to kindergarten parents Tuesday morning.   In the letter, he talked about  state legislation that requires districts to provide all-day, every day kindergarten in order to receive full state funding.

Shibler stated that all-day kindergarten will cost the district $1.8 million, but if all-day were not implemented, it would cost the distract $2.4 million

In Forest Hills, Behm says not offering full-day kindergarten would have cost his district $3 million in state funding.  Offering it will cost about $2.7 million.  Behm says district leaders are waiting for the legislature to determine how they will account for the cost.  The superintendent says it's possible the district could receive more funding from the state and see its obligation to the Michigan school employees retirement system reduced by pending legislation.

Are you a kindergarten parent?  How do you feel about this?  Is it a good thing, or bad thing?  Let us know.

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