The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Lakota considers sharing services with ESC

Water rescue occuring at Caesar Creek Lake
New 12 min. ago
Out-of-state shoppers arrested in clothing theft
10:14 a.m.
Fairfield gas station robbed at gun point
10:02 a.m.
AK reassigns five execs
8:56 a.m.
Ohio education reform plan stalls
5/25/12
> More headlines

By Denise Wilson, Staff Writer 10:22 PM Monday, January 23, 2012

LIBERTY TWP. — In an effort to help address a $9 million budget deficit projected by the 2012-13 school year, the Lakota schools board of education is considering a proposal to restructure its preschool program.

Under the proposal, the district’s preschool program would partner with the Head Start program, which is operated by the Butler County Educational Service Center.

The restructuring of the preschool program would offer an opportunity to share services, reduce cost and generate multiple benefits, according to the district. By consolidating services, the costs to Lakota general fund would be reduced by an estimated $1.2 million. Currently, according to the district, the personnel costs to the district to provide the preschool program is $3.3 million.

The board of education rolled out the first phase of proposed budget reductions, which calls for the partnership with the BCESC, during a work session Monday night at the district’s central office.

The current Lakota preschool program serves about 288 students in 15 classrooms. These classrooms consist of students with identified disabilities and typically developing students — tuition students. Students range in ages 3 to 5.

In addition to the five Lakota preschool classrooms, there are four total Head Start classrooms. These four classrooms are currently run by Butler County ESC through its Head Start program.

According to the district, the Head Start program operated by the BCESC and the Lakota preschool program both serve Lakota students.

This division of services creates inefficiency and limits the ability of each entity to maximize service opportunities, district officials said.

Share this article