Davenport, North Scott earn preschool grants

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By Dan Gearino | Wednesday, July 18, 2007 12:01 AM CDT | () comments

DES MOINES — Gov. Chet Culver’s office has announced the 52 school districts that will split $15 million to expand access to preschool.

Among those selected were Davenport, Delwood, Durant, Central Community, Muscatine, North Scott and West Liberty school districts.

A total of 176 districts applied to the program out of 364 districts statewide.

“Today is a great day for Iowa’s children and Iowa’s future,” Culver said in a statement. “In January, we promised to increase access to quality preschool for 4-year-olds, and today we are able to deliver on that promise.”

The Iowa Department of Education selected the 52 districts based on criteria set this year by the Legislature. The goal is to help provide high-quality preschool in places where it isn’t available or isn’t easily accessible.

“We congratulate these school districts and commend the governor’s efforts to expand high-quality preschool opportunities to Iowa’s young residents,” said a statement from Iowa Board of Education Chairman Gene Vincent.

During legislative debate on the program in April, sponsors said the main beneficiaries would be middle-income families, because low-income families already qualify for preschool aid through other programs.

Funding for the program increases each year for the next three years, topping out at $60 million per year.

The governor’s goal is to make preschool accessible to 90 percent of 4-year-olds by 2011. Right now, about 40 percent of 4-year-olds attend preschool.

The Department of Education did not immediately release the amount of money going to each district. The amount will be based on each district’s needs and anticipated enrollment.

Districts not selected can reapply next year. Those already selected don’t need to reapply.

Dan Gearino can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or dan.gearino@lee.net. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.