Main Line Times: Lower Merion School Board supports increased state funding for pre-kindergarten programs
“Lower Merion officials are getting behind a statewide initiative that could help send more students to government-funded pre-kindergarten programs.
The Board of School Directors Monday night unanimously approved a resolution supporting increased state government funding for pre-K programs across Pennsylvania.
Under the resolution that was passed, the board suggested research shows students who have access to what it called quality pre-k programs helps them perform well in school. They also concluded that spending the money on such programs is what the resolution called a “wise financial investment.””
Read the full story here.
Pittsburgh Business Times: Report: Pre-K investment could generate $800M for Pennsylvania
“For every dollar Pennsylvania invests in high-quality pre-k education, the state sees a $1.79 return, according to a new report from ReadyNation/America’s Edge.
It is estimated that if Pennsylvania funded pre-k for all 3- and 4-year-olds, the investment would generate $800 million in additional goods and services and create nearly 28,000 jobs, according to the economic impact study.”
Read the full story here.
Wilkes-Barre Citizens’ Voice: Study: Pre-K a fiscal boon in region
“A $40 million investment in pre-kindergarten education would generate $72 million in new spending in the Northeastern Pennsylvania economy, according to a study released Friday.
The analysis, released by the statewide Pre-K for PA campaign and conducted by ReadyNation/America’s Edge, calculates how an expansion of early education in the Commonwealth generates business and jobs and found that statewide, every dollar Pennsylvania invests in pre-k programs generates $1.79 in new spending.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, a $40 million investment would give nearly 6,400 more 3- and 4-year-old children access to publicly funded, high-quality education. The study defines Northeastern Pennsylvania as Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. The $40 million would generate $72 million in spending, including $32 million outside the early education sector. The spending would include $7 million in services, $5 million in real estate and construction, $6 million in insurance and finance and $4 million in retail and wholesale trade. Statewide, about $1 billion is needed annually to fund pre-k for about 170,800 children who do not currently have access.”
Read the full story here.
Lower Merion, William Penn, Norristown School Boards Pass Resolutions in Support of High-Quality Pre-K
Pre-k momentum grows as three area school boards join the cause in support of state-funded early learning policies
Philadelphia, PA – The boards of three area schools districts – Lower Merion, William Penn and Norristown – all signed on in support of the growing Pre-K for PA movement Monday evening by enacting resolutions calling for the adoption of state-funded policies to ensure that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania can access high-quality pre-k education.
“All children should have the opportunity to enter kindergarten ready to succeed,” said Lower Merion School Board President Dr. Melissa Gilbert. “We are fortunate to have a number of high quality pre-K options in our community. We recognize, however, that these options do not exist in every district, nor are they affordable to every family in Lower Merion. As a state, it’s essential that we invest in quality early learning programs to prepare future generations of Pennsylvania students for success.”
“Investment in high-quality pre-k is an issue that Pennsylvania’s elected officials and candidates for office cannot ignore,” said William Penn School District Superintendent Joe Bruni. “We have seen it over and over again – too many of our children fall behind in school because their families do not have access to, or cannot afford quality pre-k. Now is the time to reverse this trend and invest in our kids.”
“We know that the investment in early learning is essential, because it helps ensure that every child has the best chance possible for academic and social success,” said Norristown Superintendent Dr. Janet Samuels. “Every child has a right to high quality pre-kindergarten, we have a responsibility throughout the Commonwealth to ensure all children and families have access. The impact on the lives of children is immeasurable.”
Each of the three resolutions highlights the benefits of high-quality pre-k programs. Those benefits include, among others: improved early literacy, language, math, social and emotional skills; a reduction in special education placements and grade repetition; increased rates of high school graduation and college enrollment; and decreased high school dropout and crime rates.
For a copy of each of the full resolutions, visit Pre-K for PA’s “Supers for Pre-K” webpage here.
Pre-K for PA is an issue campaign supported by individuals and organizations across Pennsylvania who believe that investing in our children is the right choice and an urgent necessity. Our vision is that every 3- and 4-year-old in Pennsylvania will have access to high-quality pre-k. We will not endorse nor oppose candidates, but rather we will advocate on behalf of this vision for Pennsylvania’s children, schools and communities.
The Times Herald: Norristown school board passes resolution opposing charter school bill
“The school board also unanimously approved a resolution in support of Pre-K for PA, a coalition of Pennsylvania organizations and individuals campaigning to bring access to high-quality early education to all of Pennsylvania’s three- and four-year-olds.
Anne Gemmell, Pre-K for PA field director, gave a presentation to the school board at the March 24 school board meeting on the benefits of the district’s support for early childhood education for Pennsylvania’s 3 and 4 year olds.
“We do believe when you provide high quality support for young ones, it makes a great difference,” Gemmell said referencing data that shows children who receive high-quality early care are more prepared for their academic careers and eventually contribute to the state’s economy. “We’re asking school boards to throw their clout behind this issue.””
Read the full story here.
