Elementary schools get new preschool program
By Donna C. Gregory ASSISTANT EDITOR

The Chesterfield School Board is expected to approve $750,000 in funding this week for a new preschool initiative that would serve more than 100 at-risk children beginning this fall. An additional grant totaling $215,000 will be used to cover startup costs.

The program will initially be offered at seven elementary schools that were selected based on student poverty levels. Participating schools include Bensley, Beulah, Davis, Falling Creek, Providence, Reams and Harrowgate.

But funding such an initiative did not come without careful questioning by school board members last week during a budget work session. Some members seemed to question if it is fiscally responsible to fund the program especially when the school system is facing mounting school construction costs.

"Everyone would like to have more money to do more programs," said Chairman Tom Doland, who represents the Matoaca District.

Then there was the issue of space. Since state law mandates that the preschool program can't be held in trailers, other students would need to be moved to free up classroom space.

"I don't think anyone would want to vote against this," said Bermuda representative Marshall Trammell Jr., "but where are we going to do this? We're already running out of space."

Administrators replied school principals are committed to finding space for the program.

Midlothian representative Jim Schroeder told fellow board members he doesn't want the program "framed as babysitting for poor children."

Superintendent Marcus Newsome answered school board members' concerns by saying, "There are many excuses not to do this, but we can't afford not to do this for these children."

Dale representative David Wyman agreed, "To me, this is just another security net," adding that he'd rather spend the money at the preschool level when at-risk kids are easier to reach than at the high school level.

The program is expected to serve 112 children during the 2007-08 school year. It could be expanded later to accommodate more children.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, there are about 500 at-risk children in Chesterfield who are eligible for preschool services who are not currently being served.

To qualify, students must be four years old and attend school 180 days. Students will ride the bus to and from school.

Alternative middle school

The school board is expected to approve $220,000 in funding this week for a new alternative program for students who have been suspended long-term or expelled from middle school. It would also serve students who chronically misbehave at their regular middle schools.

Called the Chesterfield Community Academy, the program will be held at Community High School after the regular school day has ended. Instruction in the core subjects of math, English, science and social students will be given via computer. Teachers will act as coaches and facilitators.

A maximum of 60 students will attend the academy at any one time. During the 2005- 06 school year, 115 middle school students were suspended long-term and eight were expelled.