Reed district planning to reintroduce transitional kindergarten

The Reed Union School District will roll out a new transitional-kindergarten program this fall for young 5-year-olds that will slowly expand to all 4-year-olds over the next four years.

The program at Reed Elementary School will be part of a new statewide mandate aimed at ensuring universal access to free, high-quality pre-kindergarten classes, though the district isn’t slated to receive any state funding to launch or maintain it at a cost of up to $300,000 for about 40 kids in its first year — 80 by the time it fully expands.

The district hasn’t offered transitional kindergarten since 2014-2015, when it struggled with limited enrollment and classroom space and declared itself exempt from previous legislation.

For the complete story, pick up this week's edition of The Ark on newsstands or SUBSCRIBE NOW for home delivery and our e-edition.