SHARE

Wayne Supporters Make Last Push For Full-Day Kindergarten

WAYNE, N.J. — Wayne voters will decide next week if the district should fund full-day kindergarten for 2016-2017 and beyond.

Ashlee Nauta helps spread the word about the vote on full-day kindergarten in Wayne.

Ashlee Nauta helps spread the word about the vote on full-day kindergarten in Wayne.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tracy McNie Rozansky

With days to go before a Nov. 3 Election Day ballot vote, supporters of full-day kindergarten were continuing to spread their message to the community.

Residents in favor of full-day kindergarten raised about $2,000 for advertisements, flyers and signs, according to Tracy McNie Rozansky. The group will visit the Preakness Center over the weekend to raise awareness once more.

Proponents created no fewer than three Facebook pages to educate the public.

Not only is it important for children to start early -- classes are harder than ever, creating a need for extended instructional time, Rozansky said. 

Wayne is the only municipality in Passaic County without full-day kindergarten, fellow supporter Albert Scala said. A half-day doesn't allow enough time for learning, he said.

"We like to think that Wayne's a progressive town," Scala said, "and the fact that we are still without full-day kindergarten is somewhat disheartening."

If the ballot question is approved, $2.1 million of taxpayer money would be added to the 2015-2016 budget, Schools Supt. Mark Toback previously told Daily Voice.

Owners of homes assessed at $228,200 would pay an additional $48 per year and those of homes assessed at $500,000 would be paying $106 more per year, he said. 

Board of Education President Eileen Albanese said the governing body cannot take a position on the issue -- however, the members urged voters to turn out. 

to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE