All-day kindergarten is approved for next year

The Odessa School Board has adopted a proposal to offer all-day kindergarten to its youngest pupils next year (2011-2012) but only for four days each week. Kindergarten will be held Monday through Thursday but not on Friday.

Increased poverty levels among the school’s population of children was cited as one of the determining factors leading to the change from half-day kindergarten. School superintendent Suellen White said that the number of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches has increased to more than 50 percent of the total enrollment.

The administration and board, said White,...