By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

THE continuance of the kindergarten program offered by the Public School System depends on the budget PSS gets this fiscal year.
PSS is seeking the restoration of the $6 million taken from its budget as a result of the administration’s 15.6 percent across-the-board spending cuts in light of the government’s worsening financial crisis.
PSS is supposed to get a $38.6 million budget for fiscal year 2007. The 15.6 percent cut means that $6 million will be deducted from the school system’s budget.
There were two bills, SB. 15-242 and S.B. 15-255, passed by the Legislature to restore the PSS budget cut, but both were vetoed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
In an interview yesterday, PSS acting finance director Tim Thornburgh said that the system acknowledges the importance of its kindergarten program but “this will still depend on the budget restoration for PSS.”
Kindergarten is not a mandated program for PSS but it was offered to help with the early development of children.
There are nearly 700 children attending the kindergarten program this year.
Thornburgh said PSS may discontinue the program “if anything under $38.6 million is received by the system.”
He added, “But still, all is up to the Board of Education which will decide on the program. It all depends on the budget that is given to PSS.”
Thornburgh said PSS is optimistic that lawmakers and the administration will do the right thing for the school system.
In FY 2006, PSS was provided a $37.2 million budget of which $2 million was taken by the administration.
The administration has yet to return the $2 million to PSS.
According to BOE member Herman T. Guerrero, kindergarten is an integral part of a child’s education.
“I would rather see that we start charging fees for programs and activities that are an integral part of education such as busing and text books (so we can continue the kindergarten program),” Guerrero said, adding that everything is on the table but the board needs to set priorities.
He said a reduction in travel activities should also be considered.
“We need to reduce travel and take advantage of modern technology such as video teleconferencing. Early childhood education is important in getting children ready for first grade. Our leaders need to make sure that they provide the necessary funding to ensure the continuity of the kindergarten program,” he said. “It is bad enough that we are providing double sessions for kindergarten and making it a first-come first-served basis, but for us to eliminate it would be a disservice to the children of the commonwealth.”