Huntington, IN - During the April 14, 2025 School Board Work Session, Huntington County Community Schools administration provided a comprehensive update on the district's expanding preschool program, highlighting its growth from serving 38 students in 2004 to a projected 137 students for the 2025-2026 school year.
Director of Elementary Education Jay Peters introduced the presentation team: Beth Husband, Director of Special Education; Laura Lahr, Director of Preschool Programming; and Kristy Fisher, Coordinator of Preschool Programming.
Program Evolution
Mrs. Lahr outlined the program's history, noting that HCCS operates a developmental preschool serving students ages three through five. The program began in 2004 with just 38 students at Lincoln Elementary and has steadily expanded to multiple locations.
"Our goal is to have a preschool in every elementary building. We are so close," said Lahr. With programs currently at Flint Springs, Lincoln, Andrews, and Salamonie, the district plans to add Roanoke Elementary in August 2025.
The preschool classes aim for a 50-50 ratio of students with special needs and typically developing peers. While students receiving special education services attend free of charge, typically developing peers pay monthly tuition.
Financial Structure
Beth Husband explained the complex funding structure that supports the preschool program:
- Special education grants (approximately $1.3 million annually, with about 50% allocated to preschool)
- A separate preschool grant of about $50,000
- Education fund contributions
- Parent tuition payments
- New voucher programs
The administration recommended increasing tuition from $100 to $200 monthly starting next school year, which would still keep the program competitive with other area preschools while bringing in approximately $130,000 in revenue.
Voucher Initiative
Christie Fisher detailed the new voucher opportunities being implemented:
- The Childcare Development Fund (CCDF) voucher for three-year-old students from families under 150% of the federal poverty level
- The On My Way Pre-K voucher for four-year-old students from families under 185% of the federal poverty level
"If just half of the 137 students that we have planned for next year was to get the On My Way voucher, that's $379,000," Fisher noted.
The district has scheduled informational sessions at multiple schools to help families navigate the voucher application process.
Future Expansion
Superintendent Rod Trout emphasized the importance of making preschool available at every elementary school. "My goal has always been to have a preschool in every elementary school."
The district is still working through space limitations at Horse Mann Elementary, the only remaining elementary school without a preschool program.
Board members expressed strong support for the program's growth, citing research showing that students who attend the district's preschool program demonstrate significantly better kindergarten readiness.
"Nothing would make me any happier than giving every student an opportunity for preschool that wants to have it in this community," Superintendent Trout shared. "When you can get a three-year-old and a four-year-old in and start that process, they are so ready for kindergarten."