The Parsons USD 503 Board of Education agreed Monday to exploring additional preschool offerings at Lincoln School for the 2026-2027 school year, expanding its early childhood education program.
Lincoln Elementary offers robust preschool options to prepare students for the increased academic expectations of kindergarten.
For years the district has had to place preschool students on a waiting list because there were not enough openings, despite the district adding an additional 3-year-old pre-school program in more recent years and adding two additional spots to both AM and PM classes, an increase from 10 to 12 students each session.
The district has 24 3-year-olds in preschool and 56 children in the 4-year-old preschool program, Lincoln School principal Shelly Gardner said.
Still, at the beginning of this school year there were a total of 16 on the wait lists for 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool spots, Garner said.
“We’ve talked for a number of years about adding an additional pre-K, we just didn’t have the physical room in which to do that, “Superintendent Lori Perkins explained. A classroom is now available that could serve those students.
Gardner said they would have to decide how to design the additional program, such as adding a 3-year-old program in the morning and four-year-old program in the afternoon, given the two age groups could not be in a combined class because of the broad difference in skill levels.
Perkins said preschool children only count as a half a student in terms of funding, so it takes two children to equal one, but it would be enough to help cover the cost of employing an additional staff member.
Board member David Ray said unfortunately some children come to school very unprepared, so the earlier the district can begin educating children academically, socially and emotionally, the better.
Research shows the earlier the intervention the more students benefit in their learning as they advance, Perkins said.
“I think it is what we need to be doing,” board member Jeff Quirin said of adding to the program. “It’s the right thing to do.”
The district and building administration will consult with current preschool staff regarding their thoughts on expanding the preschool program, structuring, and the potential need for added child care options, too.
Perkins said they will bring their determinations back to the board in the spring for any needed approval.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, the board:
Observed a presentation of a plaque from Superintendent Lori Perkins to Olivia Lyons, for her 11 years of service on the board. Monday night was her final meeting, as she chose not to run again and new board members will be taking their seats in January.
Heard about the district Christmas cards made by Guthridge fourth and fifth grade students.
Heard there will be an early student dismissal Dec. 19 at noon allowing teachers to work on grades for the end of the second nine weeks.
Heard Dec. 22 through Jan. 2 is Winter Recess. Heard there will be no school Jan. 5 and 6 for staff professional development. Students will return Jan. 7.
Received an update on food service from Marla Kirkpatrick.
Received Kansas Association of School Boards recommended policy updates for consideration and future discussion, with possible approval in January or February.
Hired Mirella Baker, middle school child nutrition staff; Skyller Hopper, high school assistant softball coach; Misty Fowler, sub bus monitor; Maleah Beaty, part-time custodian at Guthridge; Gerald Beardmore, high school assistant baseball coach; and Eric Lyons, assistant baseball coach.
Accepted the resignations of James Cowger, part-time custodian at Guthridge and Pam Barnes, Guthridge/middle school library aid.
Approved the termination of Jennifer Mills, middle school nutrition staff.
Approved the superintendent and assistant superintendent contracts for the 2027-2028 school year.
Approved principal and assistant principal contracts for the 2026-2027 school year.
Heard an update from Lee Ann Hunter on the Tri-County Board meeting, which included discussion of the aging education center, where students from the Tri-County are attending who functionally or behaviorally cannot attend in a regular classroom setting in their district. The Tri-County board discussed how much it would cost to roof the building, and the fact the doors are bad, and extremely costly to replace. It must be decided whether to sink more money into the building or try to find another place. Those decisions will be made after bids are received.
Perkins explained Tri-County does not have a capital outlay fund, or contingency funds, only roll over funds from the prior year.