AP graphic of school classroom desks
DETROIT (AP) -- Updated state rules mean that public schools in Michigan must offer all-day kindergarten to receive full funding for each kindergarten pupil starting in September.
The Detroit News reports Monday that the rules were approved last year by the Legislature. The state this month updated school districts about the half- and full-day options as well as the financial consequences.
The newspaper says districts still may offer half-day programs but will lose half of their per-pupil funding for each student. Most districts get an average of $7,810 in state aid for each child and are struggling to make up for other cuts.
Many districts changed to full-day kindergarten in recent years in anticipation of the change. But others are grappling with the financial challenges of the switch.
From the Associated Press