New state budget helps kindergarten

Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Dennis Carlson was pleased with the new state budget signed by the governor Sunday.

The new state two-year budget fully funds all day kindergarten, a switch from the past when the state funded kindergartens by only 50 percent.

The fully state-funded kindergarten will save the district an estimated $150,000 a year. Prior to this the board of directors had committed the district to funding the half not funded by the state because the members felt that early learning needed a boost in the district.

Next fall there will be three kindergarten classes for the first time, indicating that more young families are staying in the area.

Meanwhile, the district is preparing its budget for the 2013-14 school year. The budget has to go to the North Central Education Service District for review. Patrons of the district will get an opportunity to comment on the budget at a hearing at the district office on July 22, beginning a 6 p.m.