(KNZA)--After reconsideration, the Prairie Hills USD 113 Board of Education has approved the addition of a pre-school program at the Wetmore Academic Center, beginning this school year.

Superintendent Todd Evans says the Board revisited the issue when they met Monday evening, and following discussion approved on a 6-1 vote the addition of a state pre-school program at the school for 4-year-olds.  

A motion at last month’s Board meeting to add the pre-school program failed on a 3-3 tie vote.

To qualify for the program, students must have turned 4-years-old by August 31st and meet at least one of eight criteria set by the state.

The program will be integrated with the kindergarten class Monday through Thursday mornings.

The district will be required to include special education students in the program.  

Currently, the other district schools at Sabetha and Axtell have a pre-school program.

In other action, Evans says Ed Reznicek was re-elected board president and Kathy Lippert vice-president for the 2017-18 school year.

Monday marked the first meeting of the new school year.