At its meeting yesterday, the Board of Education considered a modified plan to push back the eligibility date for students entering kindergarten. If the plan is approved at the May 29 meeting, younger children could enroll this fall at schools with enough space to accommodate them, but some schools could hold off a year if there isn’t enough space.

Currently, children must turn five years old on or before Sept. 15 to enter kindergarten. The new policy would let children enroll in kindergarten if they turn five on or before Nov. 15.

Denver Public Schools would roll out the new policy over two years to allow for school-by-school flexibility, creating three groups of schools. The first group includes schools that could readily accommodate more children this fall.

The second group includes schools that would start a waiting list for students turning five between Sept. 16 and Nov. 15. These schools would decide in August, based on demand, whether they could accommodate more children this year.

A third group of schools would implement the policy a year from now - for the 2004-2005 school year - because space simply wouldn’t be available this fall.

Parallel adjustments would be made for first-graders and early childhood education students turning six and four respectively on or before Nov. 15.

There would be no change in status for Choice students who already have been accepted to a school this fall.

Under the revised proposal, each school principal will work with the Area Superintendent to determine by Thursday, May 29 which option works best.

Public comment by letter to the Board of Education and by email to cheryl_caldwell@dpsk12.org is being sought on the revised proposal. The main DPS web page, www.dpsk12.org, will provide ongoing information, channels for providing public comment, and (if the plan is approved) details about implementation.

If the Board approves the change, a list of the schools in each of the three groups will be available Friday, May 30.

For information, contact Cheryl Caldwell, Director, Early Childhood Education, 303-405-8207.