Mayor applauds passage of NH full-day kindergarten funding

Mayor Gatsas was among those Republicans in support of the initiative.

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MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas on Thursday issued the following statement upon passage of SB 191 establishing the kindergarten initiative development support program by the NH House of Representatives that will fund full-day Kindergarten programs at the full educational adequacy rate. The bill passed the House on May 4 by a vote of  247 to 116. (Link to roll call vote is here for the amended bill.)

On May 2 Gatsas was among many who gathered at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to show solidarity within the business community for full-day kindergarten:

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Mayor Ted Gatsas

“I am pleased by the positive vote in the New Hampshire House of Representatives to fund full-day public kindergarten programs at the full adequacy rate in the State of New Hampshire.

 “For our students in Manchester, and communities throughout the entire State of New Hampshire, public full-day kindergarten is making a real difference. Reading, writing, comprehension and cognitive development are the cornerstones of a solid educational foundation and that connection begins in kindergarten.  Here in Manchester we have seen the positive effect that a full-day kindergarten program has had on our students and their families and it is time that the State of New Hampshire recognizes the significance of a full-day program in the adequacy funding formula.

 “I applaud the efforts put forth by Governor Sununu, the leadership of the State Senate, the membership of the NH House of Representatives, and the education and business and industry community that have supported funding full-day kindergarten at the full-adequacy funding level.

 “I would encourage the House Finance Committee to review this legislation quickly so that communities, like the City of Manchester, that are currently in the budget process can plan accordingly,” Gatsas said.

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!