MUSD board considers sixth-grade move, kindergarten tuition

The Maricopa Unified School District governing board is set to discuss, and possibly take action, on moving sixth grade back to the elementary school level, and providing only half-day kindergarten.

If approved, both moves would take affect in the 2013-2014 school year.

The board, which meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, is considering the measures as the district faces a $1 million budget shortfall. The current budget is $31.6 million.

The district has been offering free full-day kindergarten since the state stopped paying for full-day programs. If kindergarten is reduced to a free half-day, the board is considering charging $130 per month per student to offer a full-day program.

Currently in MUSD, middle schools are grades sixth, seventh and eighth. District staff is recommending the board keep sixth grade in the elementary schools.

According the agenda: “There is sufficient space at each elementary school to retain current grade six students at their respective schools. We believe that serving grade six students at the elementary level would work well.”

Superintendent Steve Chestnut said moving grade six back to the elementary school level “is entirely separate from closing a middle school. We could keep both middle schools open with grades seven and eight.”

Possible ways to combat the budget shortfall were discussed during two community coffees with the superintendent last week, including the possibility of closing an elementary or middle school.

***ADVERTISEMENT***The board on Wednesday also will meet the students who participated in the Future Cities Arizona program from the blended-learning program at Maricopa Wells Elementary School, and meet Maricopa Rotary students of the month.

For more information on these agenda items and others click here to get to the meeting of your choice, then click on “print agenda” and then go to “detailed agenda.”

The board meets in the District Office Administration Building, 44150 W. Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.