Preschool returning to La Conner for year trial

Preschool is coming back to the La Conner campus by popular demand.

The La Conner School Board on June 13 approved the return of a district preschool program this fall on a one-year trial basis after members were assured it would be supported by outside funding sources and not dip into a K-12 budget projected to be tight due to declining enrollment.

Board members gave the green light for a 15-student, four days per week, morning only campus preschool staffed by one teacher and a paraprofessional.

The decision followed an impassioned presentation in support of the preschool proposal by middle school teacher Crista Landworth, district speech and language pathologist Ellen Benetti and Special Programs Director Andy Wheeler.

The trio cited research linking preschool attendance to greater long-term student academic performance, development of key socialization skills and enhanced self-confidence.

They noted that while student preschool attendance does not count toward the enrollment figures the state counts for funding support, it has benefits.

“We know that parents are looking for pre-K programs,” Landworth said. “That’s where those families and students make friends and develop a support system. When that happens, they’re more likely to go to kindergarten there.”

Wheeler said Landworth and Benetti had taken the initiative several months ago to craft a plan for a self-funded campus preschool.

“It is a risk,” Wheeler acknowledged, “but the intent is to not ask the district for (financial) help.”

When the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community gained a grant for preschool education for Native American students last year, the preschool lost too many students to continue, said Wheeler.

Now, $129,000 in operational funds have been lined up. With estimated operations costs of $110,000 for 2022-2023, there is a $19,000 cushion.

Superintendent Will Nelson voiced his support for the proposal.

Board member J.J. Wilbur said preschool program endorsements from Nelson, Wheeler and panel colleague John Agen, whom he he described as “the most risk averse board member,” proved convincing.

Board President Susie Deyo cautioned that the former campus pre-school modular building might need maintenance work that could cut into the project’s relatively thin working margin.

“I’m not sure if the old building is ready for you to go into,” she said.

That led to suggestions that community members might volunteer their help.

“There’s not much padding for extras unless you go to the community,” Deyo said.

The board decided the potential benefits of bringing preschool back too good to pass up.

“It’s a big deal,” said board member Amanda Bourgeois. “It’s real important. Everything starts with early childhood education.”

Wilbur felt the same.

“Some things are worth taking a risk for,” he said. “I think this is one of them.”