The Natrona County School Board Monday will consider submiting a resolution to the Wyoming School Boards Association in favor of state funding for high-quality pre-kindergarten programs.

Superintendent Jim Lowham is behind the proposal to the school board trustees. Lowham noted in his proposal that the provisions of No Child Left Behind are making it more difficult for Natrona County to keep finding funds for preschools.

Wyoming is one of 10 states that do not offer state funding for preschool programs. Of the 18 preschool programs in Natrona County, 16 are accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Preschool funding largely comes from competitive grants, said Chris Frude, coordinator for the district's preschool programs and principal at Paradise Valley Elementary School.

Money also comes from Title 1 funds, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds or federal prevention and special education funds.

"It could be a big help" to have state funding, Frude said.

Frude noted that research shows investing money in pre-kindergarten programs creates long-term economic and education benefits.

"Research shows that kids in these programs need less remediation services," she said. "If you can spend $3,000 now, you can save $7,000 later."

Students that attended preschool programs have also been found to have lower teen pregnancy and drop-out rates, Frude added.

Frude also noted that Wyoming Association of Elementary School Principals has been highly supportive of having state funds specifically for preschool programs.

Also on the school board's agenda are an update from the Parent and Community Advisory Committee and updates about ongoing school construction projects,

The meeting's regular session begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Natrona County School District's central office, located at 970 N. Glenn Rd.

Reach Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@casperstartribune.net.