Kindergarten

Kindergarten Project in Goffstown

Last Updated Nov 20, 2008 07:01 AM

The History of the Public Kindergarten Project in Goffstown
Goffstown residents have been talking about the importance of public kindergarten for at least thirty years.

In 1971, kindergarten was presented at the School District Meeting but did not receive a majority vote.
In 1974, a space study committee identified the need for more space at the high school and at that time identified kindergarten implementation as a priority as soon as space became available.
In 1976, kindergarten was again mentioned but no action was taken because of limited space.

In 1978, a committee was formed to look at school accountability. Kindergarten was discussed as important for Goffstown children. No action was taken, but there was agreement that as soon as space was available public kindergarten should be implemented.
In 1983 a kindergarten committee was formed. The recommendation to the Goffstown School Board was that the District would provide kindergarten when space became available.

In 1987, a committee was formed and a non-binding referendum was made to the voters of Goffstown asking whether or not there was support for public kindergarten. The article had no funding attached and voters said they supported public kindergarten.
In 1987, a report was published by the New Hampshire Department of Education stating the benefits of public kindergarten.

In 1995, the Superintendent of Schools provided information to school board members about the importance of kindergarten and Governors Merrills proposal for Kindergarten Incentives and Foundation Aid.
In 1997, RSA 198:15L through 198:15-T established Kindergarten Aid that provided 75% construction aid and 30% state building aid for the remaining 25% not covered under the kindergarten aid. The total building aid was 82%. In addition, start up furniture, playground equipment, and other essential were covered under the 75% aid. In addition, $750 dollars would be provided by January 1 of each year to cover operating expenses for each kindergarten enrolled in the program. That legislation was legislated to sunset in 2001.

In 1999, a Kindergarten Study Committee presented the benefits of kindergarten to the Goffstown School Board. The Board did not act at that time because of high school space, and renovation concerns and issues.
In 2001, the Kindergarten legislation was extended and amended with an additional 6 million dollars. The amendment restricted kindergarten construction and eliminated state building aid for kindergarten construction. The per student incentive was to $1,200.
During the 2001-2002 school year, the Goffstown School Board authorized the formation of a Kindergarten Study Committee. In January 2002, their charge was re-issued to include a study of kindergarten and elementary school space.
In July 2001, the Goffstown School Board presented a request to the Capital Improvement Committee for public kindergarten. That request was denied due to the need for more information about land and the overall benefits of kindergarten to the community.

On May 6, 2002, the Goffstown School Board authorized the Public School Committee and the school administration to move forward with an application for a stand alone public kindergarten school. The Goffstown School Board is making Kindergarten a priority and will stand behind the need for such and the benefits that public kindergarten will bring to the students and their families in the town of Goffstown.

See also Kindergarten 576 1 - 7