State change affects kindergarten enrollment

PERKINS TWP. — State officials changed the age requirement for students going into school. Districts across the state are preparing for the 2026-27 school year by opening kindergarten registrations. This year's youngest class of students might look different from previous years due to House Bill 114, which changed the age requirements for incoming kindergarten students. Starting next school year, students must be 5 years old on the date of their enrolled district's first day of school. Before the bill's approval, districts could use either Aug. 1 or Sept. 30 as the 5-year-old age cutoff. "The change ensures that all students statewide have the opportunity to enroll in kindergarten at 5 years old," Furry Elementary School principal Eric Kaman said. "Previously, districts that used Aug. 1 as the cutoff date could have students who turned 5 before the start of the school year but were unable to enroll due to the cutoff date." The exact number of students affected by this change is unknown until registration is complete, according to Kaman. Perkins Schools' enrollment opens on April 1. "It makes sense for all students who are 5 years old to have the opportunity to enroll in kindergarten," Kaman said. "The change provides that opportunity based on the students' home district's start date." Parents still ultimately decide when a child is ready for enrollment, according to Huron School superintendent James Tatman. "While the law provides eligibility, families should consider whether waiting an additional year might benefit their child's growth and development," Tatman said. "Every child's readiness is unique, and we encourage parents to make the choice that's right for their family." Huron Schools' kindergarten registration and open-enrollment windows are now open. Huron and Perkins Schools' first day is scheduled for Aug. 24, meaning the districts have the same age cutoff. Other local school districts' first days of school • Bellevue, Aug. 24 • Benton-Carroll-Salem, Aug. 19-20 staggered start • Clyde-Green Springs, Sept. 1 • Danbury, Sept. 1 • Edison, Aug. 19 • Margaretta, Sept. 1-2 staggered start • Monroeville, Aug. 26-27 staggered start • Norwalk, Aug. 26, according to a draft calendar • Port Clinton, Aug. 24 • Sandusky, Aug. 25 • Western Reserve, Aug. 26 • Willard, Aug. 24