TURNER – Full-day kindergarten is a hit in Greene, Leeds and Turner, according to the numbers and first-week experiences.

Recent reports from administrators of the three schools to the SAD 52 directors revealed there are 53 kindergartners in three classes in Greene, 30 in two classes in Leeds, and 80 in five classes in Turner.

The board decided to go to full-day kindergarten this school year, and administrators have been developing the plans and hiring the teachers for the change from half-day. All reported to the board that they have the teachers and applauded them for their efforts in effecting the change. The classes are at or just over the maximum size of 16 established as a goal by the board, the said.

Although given the option of half-time if parents felt it would be best for their child, Superintendent Thomas Hanson reported that choice was made for only about three students, and counselors were involved in those decisions.

Turner Primary School Principal Theresa Gillis reported that third-graders are mentoring kindergartners at recess in what is proving to be a successful attempt to have the new full-timers learn proper behavior in that setting.

Hanson reported that he is continuing his meetings with consultants and the committee formed to put together another alternative education program that can be successful. He said he has another meeting set for next Wednesday and hopes to be able to report more completely to the board in the future on some specifics that are being developed for the program.

Hanson and Leavitt Area High School Principal Patrick Hartnett said most of the students from the former alternative program are now enrolled in Adult Education Day School, and a few are successfully enrolled in LAHS.

Board members ratified a contract with AFSCME members who had previously accepted the package. The three-year contract, which is retroactive to July 1 and will run through June 30, 2009, calls for pay increases of 4.5, 4.2 and 4 percent for bus drivers, and 3, 3.25 and 3.25 percent for maintenance personnel.