Glen Lake will now have space for 32 preschool students with almost all families paying zero in tuition, thanks to a grant that fell into place last week.
The State of Michigan awards money to the Intermediate school district that turns into slots for students that are divided up amongst local school districts. If a school district doesn’t use all their slots then they can make them available to other schools.
Last Thursday, Glen Lake finance director Ben Papes and Director of Childhood programing Sarah Guffey were meeting with North Ed’s early childhood team, where they awarded funding of $163,000 for 16 more seats.
Current teachers at Glen Lake meet state requirements as well as the classroom capabilities.
“The big thing is that I can call 16 families and give them that news,” Guffey said.
Glen Lake will be looking for more three and 4-year olds to make sure they hold onto that funding in the future.
“We already know that we have 15 in there right now that will fill one classroom next year,” Papes said. “We have to get out there and find 16 more to fill the other one they upped the income limits to include more (kids at the state level). it’s not quite universal Pre-k yet. There’s not enough to service every single four year old in the state.”
The grant will also allow for $50,000 in startup costs that could be used for various things including a preschool style playground the board mentioned during the meeting.
