During his campaign for re-election, Gov. Mitch Daniels talked about many ideas he wanted to implement during his next term.
One was to complete what he started, which was to fully fund full-day kindergarten. So far, the state only partially pays for the program. He also wanted to start Hoosier College Promise, which would help students fund their first two years of college.
Both are now on hold, according to a proposed state budget he announced Tuesday.
That means for schools that charge students for attending full-day kindergarten, fees are unlikely to go away any time soon.
“We anticipate GCCS will continue to charge the $1,200 tuition for those who do not qualify for the free and reduced meals program or those who are identified with significant academic needs,” said Travis Haire, interim superintendent of Greater Clark County Schools.
“I think most of us pretty well knew that with the economic situation that we are in, we probably weren’t going to have any more money to go toward the full-day kindergarten program,” said Monty Schneider, superintendent of West Clark Community School Corp.
Schneider said this means the current fee of $1,000 per student will likely remain intact for the next school year.
Clarksville Community School Corp. offers full-day kindergarten for free to its students. Superintendent Steve Fisher said he hopes to be able to continue that next year.
“Unless we have a large increase in kindergarten students, it will not effect us,” Fisher said, adding that the corporation already has the space and staffing in place for the program.
The delay in starting the Hoosier College Promise program may mean high school seniors have to look elsewhere for money — such as by taking out student loans and getting a job — Schneider said.
He also said he hopes full-day kindergarten is not put on hold indefinitely.
“I hope we get there someday,” Schneider said. “We still feel like it is a very good program.”
Clark County
Full-day kindergarten and Hoosier College Promise are not included in budget
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Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
As the deadline approaches, more schools are failing to meet requirements under the law, with nearly half not doing so last year, according to the Center on Education Policy.
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Democrats downsize: Clark County Democrats want to remove five precinct committee people for supporting candidates outside party
DeArk also said he never received a letter that said he may be removed as a precinct committeeman.
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“As a matter of practice, I do not accept certified mail,” he said. -
Paying their fair share?
John Gilkey, president of the town council, said when Knott initially shared the information with him a few weeks ago, he was surprised to learn some residents weren’t paying any taxes.
Continued ... - News and Tribune briefs for Feb. 9, 2012
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Daniels visits Jeff to sign book, talk right-to-work
- Feb 8, 2012
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Single father graduates from Family Drug Court
Carmichael said the carrot and stick in Drug Court is not going back to prison. In the Family Treatment Drug Court, the motivation is to get their kids back. The participants have pending Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases.
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Some lawmakers want you to cruise in for Sunday commerce
The current ban on motorcycle sales is a remnant of Indiana’s old “blue laws” that prohibited various activities on Sundays. The legislature has been slowly chipping away at them.
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Court of appeals hears Messer appeal
Counseled by attorney Bart Betteau, the basis of Messer’s appeal was that his words were constitutionally-protected free speech. But Special Judge Roger Duvall upheld the merit commission’s decision in 2011.
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Jeffersonville mayor, council disagree on hiring
Moore said he would veto the legislation, but include a recommendation that the three already hired positions be funded. Zastawny said the council would consider that recommendation.
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GCCS OKs modified balanced calendar
The calendar for 2012-2013 closely follows the calendar adopted by the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation for the same year.
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Indiana granted No Child Left Behind waiver
