Fate of Waiouru kindergartens on the agenda

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 678, 18 March 1997, Page 1

Fate of Waiouru kindergartens on the agenda

Options for future funding the two Waiouru kindergartens will be discussed at a public meeting will be held on Monday 24 March at the Waiouru Community Centre starting at 7:30pm. The future of the Weir Terrace and Kenningston kindergartens are in jeopardy because falling rolls has meant that they are no longer viable under the bulk funding system. "Lack of numbers of children attending each kindergarten has meant that there is not enough money to operate effectively," community services officer Ken Morton said. Discussions have been held with the committees of both kindergartens, and also with representatives of the Wanganui Free Kindergarten Association to consider alternatives for the future of both kindergartens. The three main options have been identified as: amalgamation of both kindergartens; reduced sessions at both centres; one remaining the same while the other reduces its sessions to five mornings per week. The public meeting is designed for interested persons to provide input into this decision. With representatives from both kindergartens and the Wanganui Free Kindergarten Association being available at the meeting, it will be an excellent opportunity for parents and others to learn more about the proposed changes. Costs for each of the alternatives should be available at the meeting so that any decision reached can take into account the need for extra fund-raising to cover any shortfall between bulk funding and the cost of running the kindergartens. While the final decision will ultimately rest with the Wanganui Free Kindergarten Association Management Board, meetings and discussions have been undertaken to, ensure that the community has some input.