Dayton Takes Preschool Pitch To Minnesota's Tiniest Students
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is taking his push for statewide preschool directly to Minnesota's 4-year-olds.
The Democratic governor visited Westview Elementary School in Apple Valley on Friday to help students in a preschool program learn to count and socialize. It's one of several stops Dayton has planned as lawmakers gear up for a special session to solve a dispute over education funding.
Dayton vetoed the Legislature's public school budget because he wants funding for a half-day preschool program.
Dayton says programs like the one at Westview would better prepare students for school and help tackle an achievement gap. House Republicans argue Minnesota school districts should be able to make their own spending choices with additional funding.
Westview Elementary Principal Tami Staloch-Schultz she wants both more money and a state-funded preschool program.
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