Kirsti Marohn

kmarohn@stcloudtimes.com

Two state lawmakers are pushing a bill that would create a pilot preschool program for low-income students and those learning English.

Rep. Jim Knoblach and Sen. John Pederson, both Republicans from St. Cloud, authored bills that would provide $430,000 for the program.

Knoblach said he authored the bill because of St. Cloud’s demographic challenges, including a growing number of English language learner students.

“A lot of people realize St. Cloud’s in a somewhat unique situation,” he said.

District officials say data show students who attend preschool stand a much better chance of success when they enter kindergarten. While some students already are attending preschool, the cost is out of reach for many families.

“Unfortunately, we use up all of our scholarship funds and still have many children who are not able to access quality preschool programs,” said school board member Bruce Hentges.

Nearly 60 percent of the district's student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch, and about 20 percent are English language learners. Many of those students would benefit greatly from preschool, Hentges said.

"The financial challenges, which includes transportation for those families, makes it difficult if not impossible for them to enroll in a preschool program," he said.

The proposal would allow the St. Cloud school district to create two sections of preschool at three elementary schools: Talahi, Westwood and Discovery. In total, about 90 preschoolers could attend the first year.

The funding could be used to purchase furniture and instructional materials, to hire and train teachers and staff and to cover transportation costs.

The idea for the program came out of discussions about how to best serve students who are new to the country, said Joni Olson, executive director of student achievement and strategic alignment for the St. Cloud school district.

Research shows that early intervention and acquiring English skills earlier helps the students enter school academically at their grade level, and decreases the likelihood that they will need English language learner classes later, she said.

The bill received a positive response from the House Education Finance Committee, which had a hearing on it earlier this week. It was laid over for possible inclusion in a larger education funding bill.

The proposal touches on some of the key issues being debated at the Legislature this year: how to close the achievement gap between white students and students of color, and how to reduce racial economic disparities in the state.

If it's approved, the committee asked St. Cloud to report the results of the program and the students’ test scores when they reach kindergarten, Hentges said.

“It could be a model that might bring about expanded funding for such programs statewide,” he said.

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