By AP
DETROIT –
Updated state rules mean that public schools in Michigan must offer all-day kindergarten to receive full funding for each kindergarten pupil starting in September.
The Detroit News reports Monday (http://bit.ly/zGwzes ) that the rules were approved last year by the Legislature. The state this month updated school districts about the half- and full-day options as well as the financial consequences.
The newspaper says districts still may offer half-day programs but will lose half of their per-pupil funding for each student. Most districts get an average of $7,810 in state aid for each child and are struggling to make up for other cuts.
Many districts changed to full-day kindergarten in recent years in anticipation of the change. But others are grappling with the financial challenges of the switch.