Preschool Debate Goes on After Governor Releases Budget Plans

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

PRESCHOOL

Tools

By Kelli Sutterman

Story Created: Jan 27, 2011 at 8:06 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 27, 2011 at 8:06 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Every child deserves to learn. That is the belief of North Liberty preschool teacher Donna Ahee.

“I think to have preschools available for all children, regardless of their income level is the best thing we can do for our future,” said Ahee.

Ahee said she is happy Governor Branstad wont close the door on the preschool discussion, but she dies have some concerns. That’s because Branstad favors vouchers, rather than universal preschool.

“My concern would be that all children have access to preschool, and under a voucher program we might have some children that fall through the gap and don’t have access to preschool,” said Iowa City Community School District Superintendent Stephen Murley.

Murley cites research that shows preschool is important to all kids, and he fears a voucher program could limit opportunities.

“Clearly all student benefit from preschool, it’s not just the student that come from families in need, but certainly our middle income families benefit from it as much as lower income families,” he said.

Next Article Police: New Information on Human Remains Found in Southeast Iowa

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.

read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.