Low Enrollment Risks Half-Day Kindergarten Program

Kindergarten enrollment at has been slow this year, to the point that officials are now concerned the half-day program may have to be cut if a minimum does meet a May 30 deadline.

The half-day kindergarten is slated to be at in Grosse Pointe Woods but requires a minimum of 15 students to be enrolled in order for it to continue, according to a request to get the word out by district spokeswoman Rebecca Fannon.

Enrollment for all of the kindergarten classrooms has been slower than last year and is causing a bit of concern among officials related to per pupil funding. While the district is not yet at risk of losing funding, enrollment figures are what help them to determine staffing and funding for the next school year.

Exact enrollment numbers are never settled until the new school year begins, however officials are working on a budget for the 2012/13 fiscal/school year now and must pass it before July 1.

According to figures compiled for Patch by Chris Fenton, the Assistant Superintendent of Business Administration for the district, enrollment in late April was at 197, including 6 students for the half-day program. Last year, at least that many were registered by March.

The deadline related to being able to maintain the half-day kindergarten is noon on May 30, according to Fannon, who also referenced the district's attempt to plan for next school year.

For more information, call the enrollment office at 313-432-3093.