Dickinson Public Schools will be adding two more kindergarten teachers to begin next fall, the DPS Budget Committee decided Wednesday afternoon.
The additions are expected to cost about $100,000 for salary and benefits, said Vince Reep, DPS assistant superintendent.
DPS experienced a sudden influx of students last fall and is expecting large numbers to enroll again this year.
"That's a good problem to have -- the growth in our schools," Reep said.
There are 191 students enrolled for kindergarten next year, said DPS Superintendent Doug Sullivan. School officials expect the number to increase to between 230 to 240 enrolled kindergarteners by next fall, he added.
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"Historically, we do gain students through the summer," said Mitzi Swenson, budget committee member.
DPS had originally planned for 10 sections of kindergarten next fall and Reep recommended adding an 11th. He suggested waiting to add the 12th section when it was closer to the next school year.
However, the board decided to go ahead and add both positions in preparation.
"By the numbers, it almost looks like we'll be at 12, unless oil just turns over fast," said Leslie Ross, a budget committee member.
Less-than-expected numbers of kindergarteners in the fall would mean smaller class sizes.
"The smaller numbers in kindergarten pay off down the road," Swenson said. "That is money well spent."
Adding the position early will also give DPS more time to select quality applicants, Swenson added.
"We luck out sometimes and grab a really good teacher, but you can't depend on that," Swenson said.
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The positions open today, Reep said, adding they will begin taking applications.
