Philadelphia district to preserve full-day kindergarten

    The School District of Philadelphia will not cut full day kindergarten after all.

    Superintendent Arlene Ackerman said Friday she will use federal Title 1 funds to pay for the full-day kindergarten. That money has been budgeted for professional development among other things.

    “We believe our students deserve the opportunity to compete with other students throughout the commonwealth and this world,” she said.

    City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell is pleased

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    “This is an example of good minds working together and we have the leadership in the person of Dr. Arlene Ackerman with her experience in the past that, perhaps we can do it another way, and that’s what it takes,” said Blackwell.

    Ackerman said she wanted to solve the kindergarten problem before teachers are given pink slips Monday. She says more money from the city and state is still needed to maintain transportation and other programs currently on the chopping block.

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