The Knoch School District will give their youngest students more instruction in literacy and math foundations through all-day kindergarten beginning this fall.
The Knoch School Board approved the plan based on recommendations from administrators by an 8-1 margin. Board member Deb Miller voted against the proposal due to lack of definitive data that this plan would address parental concerns.
According to Superintendent Dr. David Foley, a full-day of kindergarten will allow for time for teachers to address the social and emotional challenges many young children deal with. A recent survey of 55 Knoch parents found 86% in favor of joining a majority of Pennsylvania school districts with all-day kindergarten.
Foley went on to say that no new teachers will be hired to accomplish this goal. Instead teachers who are already employed will be shifted around due to changing enrollment. The district will also save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year by eliminating mid-day bus runs.
