Tuesday night the Albert Lea school board approved a motion which granted the start of an all-day/every-day kindergarten (ADEDK) program.

Though the program was a part of the referendum, no formal approval had been made to grant the program.

Chair Ken Petersen was positive about the program, but warned that state cuts could limit the life of the program.

Some board members attended the Minnesota School Board Association conference last week, at which Gov. Tim Pawlenty addressed the audience. Though positive about keeping high standards for education, he implied that the state will probably keep the same school budget it had for 2002 and said a that kind of increase could happen for as many as the next five years, according to Petersen.

The district, Petersen said, has received an average 2.5 percent increase each year in state funding. The referendum was planned on such an increase. He said a 0 percent increase would mean the ADEDK program may be short lived.

Salaries make up the majority of budget. With increases in cost of living and no raises in state funding, Petersen said it could very difficult to keep up the program.

Other board action:

– The board commended Community Education director Heidi Cunningham and high school teacher Jim Haney, both of whom were chosen for the Blandin Foundation Community Leadership Program retreat.

The Blandin Foundation, located in Grand Rapids, Minn., is set up to give leadership seminars for people in small towns and rural communities in Minnesota.

24 Albert Lea residents were chosen from 37 applications. Ken Petersen and Bill Villarreal were also awarded with scholarships to the program.

There will be three workshops for those selected, which amount to two weeks of retreats, according to Petersen.

– Assignments for board members for 2003 were approved.

The chair will remain Ken Petersen; vice chair, Bill Leland; clerk, Margie Thorn; treasurer, Tom Eaton; directors, Jolinda Schreiber and Bill Villarreal.

– The board commended Sara Kirsch of Southwest Middle School for her role as site coordinator for after school activities.

Kirsch spoke to the board and said that the program has been very successful.

Students can spend extra time at school to get homework help, work in the media center or computer labs, or they can participate in the many clubs, sports, activities and classes offered.

She said an average of 100-150 students participate in sports and that most classrooms and clubs have between 8-20 students. She also said the media center and computer lab have been very popular.

Kirsch said the program has provided an extra option for students and parents and has been positive for many students.

“Some of the kids who look like they’d be out the door at 3:05 come every day,” Kirsch said. “It shows in their studies, report cards and attitudes.”

The after school activities are paid for with the federally allocated 21st century grant. The district has had the grant for two years. Judy Knudtson, director of curriculum, hopes it will last for two more years.