[simage=2508,400,y,center]

The Knoxville School District has been awarded a grant that will allow four year olds in the community to attend voluntary preschool for free. Superintendent Dr. Randy Flack tells KNIA/KRLS news the district, with cooperation of Stepping Stones Early Learning Center, submitted the application to the Iowa Department of Education in late April and received word that the grant was approved last week. Flack says the classes will begin this fall at West Elementary.

According to Flack, the district has advertised for a teacher to fill the new pre-school position. He says the next step in the process is to continue to advertise the program for students and work with Pam Mahoney, director of Stepping Stones to develop a plan for the program. Mahoney says she believes this is an excellent opportunity for the community, and that it will be welcomed by parents of four year olds.

An eligible child is a resident of Iowa who is or will be four years old on or before September 15. An informational meeting will be held Wednesday, June 23rd at 6 p.m. in the West Elementary Gym. If you are interested and unable to attend the meeting, reservation packets will be available on June 24 at the district office. Registrations are due by July 15.