The Lincoln Board of Education on Tuesday approved a $200,000 grant proposal to pilot two full-day preschool programs in elementary schools.
The grant program from the Nebraska Department of Education allows schools to expand existing early childhood programs in the district and LPS has applied for them for several years.
This one is different because it is for full-day programs, which would be a new venture for LPS. However, if the district gets the grant it could still choose to use the money for additional half-day programs, according to LPS officials.
The board approved the grant proposal 4-1 with Matt Schulte voting against it. Kathy Danek and Annie Mumgaard were absent.
The district now has 29 half-day preschool programs in elementary schools and more than 800 children on a waiting list. The district serves about 1,500 children, including about 100 in a full-day Educare program — the partnership with the University of Nebraska and the Buffett Foundation — and home-based care.
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The grant proposal sparked a debate at the last meeting that highlights the dilemma facing the district: invest in full-day programs that research has shown may have longer-lasting effects on children or serve more children with additional half-day programs.
Board member Barb Baier has been an outspoken proponent for all-day programs, but some other board members have said they see the benefit of serving more children.
The board is updating its strategic plan and the issue of full-day preschool programs will likely be decided as part of that process.