WPS Announces Free Full Day Kindergarten

This week, the Weymouth Town Council voted and approved the School Department's FY22 Budget, which included funding for universal free full day kindergarten. 

 

“The Town’s proactive and collaborative approach to budgeting in the face of a pandemic not only allowed us to avoid budget cuts like many surrounding towns, but allowed us to fulfill a very ambitious school department funding request, and implement free full day kindergarten,” Mayor Robert Hedlund said.  “This investment in education will prove beneficial for the entire community for generations to come.” 

 

Currently, there are 373 students registered for kindergarten for the Fall.  Registration will remain open through the start of school, and enrollment information is available on the district’s website. 

 

“I would like to thank Mayor Robert Hedlund and the Town Council for their support of the School Department’s budget, as well as Chief of Staff Ted Langill, Assistant Superintendent Brian Smith, and their respective teams for their collaborative efforts to develop plans with the partnership of the School Committee,” Incoming Superintendent Robert Wargo said.  “After a year-long pandemic, it is more important than ever to identify and address the needs of our students, especially in their early years.  Free full day kindergarten will have immediate and long term benefits for our families and the entire community.”

 

The district is anticipating a full time, in-person return to school across the district for all grades including kindergarten. 

 

“Early education is essential to the beginning of a strong education, and I am delighted we are able to provide free full day kindergarten for Weymouth,” School Committee Chair, Lisa Belmarsh said.  “The School Committee and School Administration worked very hard to make this a reality knowing the educational impact it has on students, and the financial impact it has on families. I thank Assistant Superintendent Smith, Budget Chair John Sullivan, and Interim Superintendent Smith for working with the Mayor's Office and Town Council to identify funding sources including ESSER funding to fund this need. I also thank the Mayor for recognizing how important this program is for the future.”

 

The district has submitted a Request for Proposals (RFP) for before and after school care at its elementary schools, and proposals are due next month.  Information and announcements related to before and after school care can be expected by the end of July.  At a minimum, the district is committed to providing after school care beginning in September.  

 

“It is our goal to provide access to services, community support and clinical support at an affordable rate,” Incoming Superintendent Wargo added. “The district will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure safe quality programs, support services, and enrichment opportunities are available to our students.”

 

###