BY SARAH LEBRUN

After sending special eduation children to preschool in New Boston for 12 years, school officials are looking to bring preschool back to Dunbarton.

“It’s hard to argue with the fact that a preschool program should be on campus,” said Dunbarton Elementary School Principal Brent Rogers. “It makes the most sense. The 35-minute bus ride to New Boston is a long time for preschoolers.”

“Right now, we have kids in preschool in New Boston and Goffstown,” said SAU 19 Superintendent Darrell Lockwood.

And according to School Board Chairman John Herlihy, it costs nearly $17,000 per student for a half day of preschool in New Boston.

Currently, only 3- and 4-year-old special education students are sent out of district and integreated with other students in their age group.

At a School Board meeting on Monday, May 14, Rogers said he has begun looking into possible options, such as using space in a couple of local churches or a private home and even combining grades to make room for a new classroom.

“I think multi-age classrooms is something we should continue to talk about,” said Rogers.

At this point, however, no decisions have been made on how to integrate preschool into the Dunbarton curriculum, and students will continue being sent out of district.

To better explore options for bringing preschool into town, Rogers suggests forming a committee of parents, teachers and administration.

“We’re looking at all the options and what makes sense,” said Rogers.

“We need to do this 100 percent right the first time and not put the cart before the horse,” said Dunbarton resident and parent Kim Vaillancourt.

Anyone interested in joining this committee should call Rogers at 774-3181.