Kindergarten Would Be Mandatory Under Bill

Kindergarten would be mandatory for Idaho school districts under a bill proposed by Rep. Kitty Gurnsey, R-Boise, and Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow.

Gurnsey supported a bill in 1975 that gave state funds to kindergarten programs in school districts that decided to offer them. Her new bill is a follow-up to the 1975 legislation.

“I felt it was unfinished business, after 21 years. It seemed like something I should do,” said Gurnsey.

Current law leaves the decision to offer kindergarten up to individual school districts.

State school officials said Tuesday they know of no Idaho school districts that do not offer kindergarten.

A committee studying crowded conditions in the Coeur d’Alene schools has considered eliminating kindergarten as one solution to space problems, but the possibility is considered remote.

The Senate Education Committee voted Tuesday to introduce the bill. Public hearings will be scheduled.