Decision looms on Mokena SD 159’s Early Start Program

• Reprints

John Troy

Updated: March 13, 2012 10:30AM

Mokena School District 159 will have to make a decision about whether to continue its Early Start Program for at-risk preschoolers “sooner rather than later,” a school official said.

The district no longer qualifies for state funding for the program it launched in 1997, Assistant Supt. Charles Vitton said.

He said the cost to the district for a certified teacher and two classroom aides would be about $78,000. Grants from the state previously paid for the program, but funds “are now competitive, and 159 does not meet the requirements,” Vitton said.

Vitton said that although it is difficult to prove the effectiveness of the Early Start Program, “if you spend money up front, you save on the back end.” He said District 159’s program has received “glowing reports” from the state.

Board President John Troy said it was frustrating to have the state start and fund a program for years before “taking it away,” lamenting that the district now is in the position of having to decide whether to cut a successful program.

He said District 159 is “unfortunately always at the head” of making cost-cutting decisions.

“Other districts will have to face this,” Troy said.

Vitton said there is a waiting list for the program, which instructs 41 students from 3 to 5 years old in morning and afternoon classes.

“It’s putting everyone in a very difficult predicament,” Vitton said.

A special board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at Mokena Elementary School, 11244 Willowcrest Lane.