K4 talks suspended until fall, at earliest

The Elmbrook School Board will delay any further discussion of reinstating 4-year-old kindergarten until fall, at the earliest.

Addressing the issue Tuesday, most board members noted they had no interest in revisiting the issue this school year.

Board will wait

"We have spent a lot of time talking about this already," said Glen Allgaier. "I don't have an interest in talking about it."

Jean Lambert, Meg Wartman and Kathryn Wilson agreed.

"I am disappointed because I think it's a critical education decision," board member Bob Ziegler said. "But I will go along with the majority."

Board member Richard Brunner did not comment, and board President Tom Gehl said he was comfortable with waiting.

Support remains

Despite the decision, K4 continues to have its supporters.

Prior to the board discussion, Superintendent Matt Gibson presented the issue as part of a package of recommendations from the Enrollment Management Study Team. Gibson asked the board to revisit the matter before the end of the school year.

Gibson characterized K4 as an additional tool that could enhance the district's financial plan. A financial summary he presented estimates a two-year enhancement to the district of more than $1.5 million and an annual financial benefit of more than $930,000 starting in the fourth year of operation.

Following the board discussion, Burleigh Elementary Principal Bill Zahn encouraged further discussion as early as this summer.

"You know how I feel about K4," he told the board. "If I can be of any help, please let me know."

Zahn said his school's staff told him they could be "up and running" with a K4 program in short order.

Previous discussions

The decision to delay further K4 consideration came after lengthy discussions at two previous meetings. On Jan. 10, the district proposed bringing back the K4 program that had been discontinued after a pilot in 2005-06 and 2006-07. A financial model at that meeting showed that the owner of a $300,000 home would pay $70 to $100 more each year to fund the program.

While parents have previously stepped up to ask the board to approve K4, none addressed the board Tuesday.