Nutley approves full-day kindergarten
NUTLEY SUN
OF NUTLEY SUN
The Nutley Board of Education voted 7-to-1 on Tuesday for full-day kindergarten to begin this fall. Board member Charles Kucinski was absent.
Board Vice President James Kuchta voted against the measure, citing the need for more fiscal analysis before starting a new program. Board members Steven Rogers, Vincent Moscaritola and Deborah Russo also raised concerns. Rogers said he had been under the impression all the kinks had been worked out, but would take Superintendent Joseph Zarra at his word.
The curriculum is set and "whatever issues there are will be addressed," Zarra said. "What we do in the next eight weeks will be small compared to what we’ve done," he said, referring to the numerous construction projects over the past few years.
Zarra said he is confident facilities and staffing will be available. "[Facilitating] lunch is the biggest issue now, but we will have that ironed out by the end of the month," Assistant Superintendent Mariana Francioso said. The administration plans to meet with the elementary principals soon to go over logistics.
"I believe it will be a smooth transition," Board President Kenneth Reilly said.
The original $375,000 price tag for full-day kindergarten was lowered when
Board Vice President James Kuchta voted against the measure, citing the need for more fiscal analysis before starting a new program. Board members Steven Rogers, Vincent Moscaritola and Deborah Russo also raised concerns. Rogers said he had been under the impression all the kinks had been worked out, but would take Superintendent Joseph Zarra at his word.
The curriculum is set and "whatever issues there are will be addressed," Zarra said. "What we do in the next eight weeks will be small compared to what we’ve done," he said, referring to the numerous construction projects over the past few years.
Zarra said he is confident facilities and staffing will be available. "[Facilitating] lunch is the biggest issue now, but we will have that ironed out by the end of the month," Assistant Superintendent Mariana Francioso said. The administration plans to meet with the elementary principals soon to go over logistics.
"I believe it will be a smooth transition," Board President Kenneth Reilly said.
The original $375,000 price tag for full-day kindergarten was lowered when