POLL: Would You Fund Transitional Kindergarten?

The program planned by the Burlingame Elementary School District may be put on hold following proposed state budget cuts by Gov. Jerry Brown.

In an attempt to balance the budget in California, Brown suggested cutting transitional kindergarten funding, established under Senate Bill 1381.

The bill adjusts the kindergarten start date, mandating children turn 5 years old by Nov. 1 for the 2012-2013 school year, then Oct. 1 for the 2013-2014 school year and finally Sept. 1 for the 2014-2015 year. As part of that adjustment, a transitional kindergarten program was introduced for students who would otherwise begin kindergarten in the 2012-2013 school year, but now must wait under the bill.

If funding is cut, the program will no longer be mandatory, but some district officials feel it would still be beneficial for the children waiting to enter kindergarten. What do you think? Should the district slash funding in other areas to support a transitional kindergarten program? Or are school budget tight enough as it is? Let us know what you think!