Editorial: Fresno Unified wisely manages its finances

In this tough economic environment for government agencies, the Fresno Unified School District has managed its finances to the point where it can avoid layoffs next school year, and is even going to expand its transitional kindergarten program to all elementary schools.

The district has not been spending its reserves, knowing that the state may make additional education funding reductions as Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature attempt to balance the state budget. Not all California school systems have managed their budgets as wisely.

Superintendent Michael Hanson and Trustee Janet Ryan made the budget announcement Wednesday, saying they are optimistic about the district’s finances because of its cash reserve.

We support transitional kindergarten because it will better prepare youngsters for their elementary school years. Laying a strong educational foundation is a key to student success and ultimately will help improve the dropout rate.

A change in state law leaves some children who would have gone into kindergarten in limbo. The 2010 Kindergarten Readiness Act changed the date by which children must turn 5 to enter kindergarten — from Dec. 2 to Sept. 1. The change will be phased in one month yearly over three years starting this fall.

Hanson said he will ask the school board next month to approve his proposed expansion of transitional kindergarten to all elementary schools within the next two years.

Transitional kindergarten was created when then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation that raised the starting age for kindergarten. But Gov. Brown has said he will cut the program to help close the state budget gap. But Fresno Unified thinks it is important enough to fund the program locally.

The district is able to improve this program because the superintendent and the board have done a good job managing the district budget. That will translate into a better education for district students.