Dear RCS Families and Community Members,
I want to share a proposal that I believe could make our Pre-K program stronger. Beginning with the 2027–28 school year, we are proposing to bring all district Pre-K classrooms together at A. W. Becker Elementary School as one early learning hub. I want to be clear that no final decision has been made, and I anticipate the district making a decision by the end of November 2026.
Pre-K is a child’s first introduction to RCS. Right now, our classrooms are spread across both of our elementary schools. Teachers doing the same work are separated from one another, and materials and services must be organized in multiple places. Bringing the program together would allow teachers and support staff to plan as a team, share materials, and coordinate specialized services more easily. It would help us give all of our children a consistent start.
A single location would also let us shape the space and daily routines around four-year-olds, from classrooms and play areas to family support and arrival procedures. With the whole program together, we could see more clearly what is working, where children need additional help, and how to respond. And by using our staff time, space, and materials more effectively, we can put more of our resources into the program itself.
Our new strategic priorities give us a useful way to evaluate this proposal. Future Ready Learning begins with a strong early foundation. Belonging and Safety mean that our youngest children and their families should feel known and supported from the start. Fiscal Responsibility means asking whether we are making the best use of our buildings, staff, and resources. I believe a unified Pre-K program can advance all three.
I know this would change some families’ routines. Bus rides, drop-off and pickup, siblings attending different schools, school schedules, and the move to kindergarten are real concerns. We also need to make sure A. W. Becker is ready for our youngest students, including its classrooms, restrooms, play space, and arrival and dismissal procedures. We are working through these questions, and I want to hear what families think we may be missing.
Please join us at either of these open forums to ask questions and share concerns:
Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026, 5:45–6:45 p.m., A.W. Becker Elementary School
Thursday, Oct 8, 2026, 5:45–6:45 p.m., Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School
We will use what we hear, along with our review of transportation, facilities, and staffing, to help make a final decision.
I believe this change could give our youngest students a stronger start. I appreciate your taking the time to share what it would mean for your family.
Craig P. Chandler
Superintendent of Schools