By Chris Post / Editor-in-Chief

Birth rates in the United States have generally declined for more than a decade, but demand for preschool in Marshall has exceeded the public school district’s available classroom space.

Marshall Public Schools currently serves 164 preschool students, with eight more children waiting for half-day openings, Early Childhood Director Jamie Dillon said. Both of the district’s full-day classrooms are full.

Enrollment has grown from approximately 150 students before this school year. Before implementing full-day classrooms, the district served about 136 children through its half-day program.

Superintendent Caleb Petet said each new full-day classroom has filled within two weeks of being offered.

The district now operates two full-day, tuition-based classrooms and five half-day classrooms at Tom Butterfield Early Childhood Center. Further expansion would require more room.

“At this time, our program is full and we do not have additional openings,” Dillon said. “To increase enrollment, we would need to add additional classroom space.”

There is no specific expansion proposal or timeline. Dillon said another classroom would most likely need to charge tuition to help cover operating costs.

The existing full-day classrooms serve children ages 3 and 4. Weekly tuition is $110 for children of nonstaff families and $70 for children of district employees.

Half-day preschool is free to eligible families. All students must complete a DIAL screening, with placement based on screening scores and program eligibility.

Full-day classes meet from 7:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Monday through Friday. Half-day sessions run from 7:30 to 10:50 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:50 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase, with free and reduced-price meals for qualifying families.

Before- and after-school care is available only through childcare provided for district staff members. Dillon said the district may need to explore additional care as it considers how to serve more families.

Petet raised preschool growth during the Board of Education’s Oct. 13 discussion of future facilities needs.

“We do believe there is potential for continued growth and hope to expand our program in the future,” Dillon said.