Mount Greylock Considering Universal Pre-Kindergarten
iBerkshires.com reports the Mount Greylock Regional School District may take a look at transitioning to universal pre-kindergarten as soon as the current academic year.
At last Tuesday's School Committee meeting, Superintendent Kimberley Grady broached the subject of removing the fees the district currently charges for programs at Williamstown Elementary School and Lanesborough Elementary School.
The topic is trending across the commonwealth, and the need is growing in the district, Grady said.
At the state level, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees is voting on a resolution that the group, "file or support legislation that will provide a sufficient appropriation for universal pre-K in Massachusetts and will achieve the actions necessary to provide access to good, quality universal pre-K for all children in Massachusetts."
Locally, Grady said she sees concerning trends of declining pre-kindergarten enrollment and assessment scores among incoming kindergarteners that indicate greater need.
Education is not compulsory until first grade in Massachusetts.
Grady said if the universal pre-K switch can't happen this year, it will be one of her priorities for the 2020-21 school year.