Governing Board Study Session 5/4/2026

The Phoenix Elementary School District #1 Governing Board held a study session on May 4, 2026, focusing extensively on the district's preschool and Head Start programs. Presenters detailed the structure, enrollment processes, and quality ratings of various preschool sites, including Faith North, Emerson, Kennallorth, and Shaw, highlighting the inclusion of students with IEPs and partnerships with the Y Academy for before and after school care. The board discussed tuition models, subsidy programs such as Quality First scholarships and DEES subsidies, and efforts to increase accessibility and enrollment through outreach and electronic application systems. Financial data revealed a significant district subsidy for preschool programs, with tuition revenue partially offsetting costs, and a noted decline in enrollment over recent years. Importantly, academic data demonstrated that students attending district preschools showed markedly higher proficiency rates in third-grade state assessments compared to peers who did not attend. The board also reviewed the early entry kindergarten assessment process and discussed ongoing efforts to standardize assessments and enrollment procedures districtwide. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported during the session, but the discussion underscored the district's commitment to funding and expanding high-quality early childhood education programs despite budgetary challenges.