CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Implementing full-day kindergarten is a priority for Democrats in the Nevada Legislature, but the ambitious proposal comes with an as yet undetermined price tag or funding.
On Monday, the Senate and Assembly education committees hold a joint hearing on SB182, a measure that would require full-day kindergarten statewide. The bill would also lower to 5 from 7 the age at which a child must attend school.
Some early estimates put the cost at around $60 million.
Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval's $6.5 billion general fund budget proposal includes $20 million to expand full-day kindergarten to more at-risk schools. But Democrats argue the effort doesn't go far enough.
Besides the cost, some critics argue school districts lack classrooms and other resources to accommodate an influx of kindergarteners.
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