Newark oks full-day kindergarten
By John Zornow

On April 8, Superintendent of Schools Robert Christmann introduced Dr. John Eckhardt of Thomas Associates, the planners who will help the board find direction in solving space problems.

Christmann reminded people that the '98 seniors were in kindergarten when the board first attempted to deal with the overcrowding problem.

The board is looking at a time frame that allows for input from shared decision making groups, as well as parent and community focus groups. After a facilities review process identifies what can be accomplished and what it will cost, the board would hope to pursue a community referendum in December.

Full day kindergarten receives board approval. The board voted unanimously to pursue a full day kindergarten program in the fall of this year. In effect, they approved the recommendations of Supt. Robert Christman. Highlights of these recommendations are:

1. Space. For 1998-99, three full-day kindergarten classes will be located in each of Lincoln, Perkins and also Roosevelt Children's Center Buildings.

2. Staffing. Nine teachers will cover a projected enrollment of 180 children.

Board adopts budget. The board unanimously adopted the 1998-99 budget that will result in a tax increase of an estimated 2.46 percent. This means that an Arcadia property owner will pay a rate of $18.84 per thousand. According to Christmann, over a six-year period, the average rate increase has been 1.25 percent.

Board honors Tim Tanea. The board authorized a letter to be sent to Tim Tanea for his heroic efforts that resulted in the saving of a student's life last March. Tanea used the Heimlich Maneuver lifesaving technique on a district student on a bus.

School Calendar approved for 1998-99. The board memebers okayed the final draft of the school calendar, which calls for 183 teaching days with the first day of school beginning September 8.

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