Gov.'s pre-K program concerns Hansen

The Early Edge pre-school program proposed by Gov. Steve Bullock will be far more expensive than supporters claim, and it will cause unforeseen problems for school districts that take part.

Those are the concerns of State Sen.-elect Kris Hansen, R-Havre, who spoke to the Hill County Pachyderm Club Friday.

Hansen said Bullock, a Democrat, has set aside $3,700 for every student who participates in the pre-K program. But other states involved in similar programs have found the cost to be $7,000 to $8,000 Hansen said.

The state Office of Public Instruction has secured a federal grant to help pay the cost, she said. While that will narrow the gap, it won't come close to funding the entire program.

“The governor has estimated a ludicrously low cost,” she said.

She’s afraid the cost will be substantially higher than is being budgeted.

Hansen is a member of the Senate Education Committee that will review the governor’s proposal.

While the governor’s proposal has received acclaim from most Democrats and many in the education community, members of the Pachyderm Club were worried.

City Council member Brian Barrows questioned where the pre-K classes would be held.

Some school districts have vacant classrooms and buildings, he said, “but in Havre, we’re full.”

And Ed Matter said he was concerned what the Bullock plan would do to existing preschool programs.

A woman in his church operates a day-care program as her sole source of income. She’s afraid what will happen to the program if Bullock’s proposal is approved.

The Hi-Line will have a lot to say about the proposal when the Legislature convenes in early January.

Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, will join Hansen on the Senate Education committee.

Rep.-elect G. Bruce Meyers, R-Box-Elder, will serve on the House Education Committee.