Norwich - The city public school system is in line to receive $150,000 to expand its preschool offerings, adding one classroom of 15 students in the coming school year, most likely at the Bishop School Early Learning Center.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced grants Monday under the Smart Start program, with funding for capital improvements to add classrooms to be sent to the state Bond Commission in April. Operational funding to be available in July will come from the state's share of the Tobacco Settlement Fund.

School Superintendent Abby Dolliver said the school system applied for the funds to expand preschool and "we're very excited to be approved." Dolliver said Norwich has 243 students enrolled in preschool at the Bishop School and another 60 students at the Case Street School. Dolliver said more preschool-age children live in Norwich and are not enrolled and 27 children from age birth to 3 could qualify for services in the coming school year.

The funding for Norwich is part of $3.5 million for 14 cities and towns announced by Malloy. The funding is expected to expand the availability of preschool to 416 additional children.

The funding, the first year of a planned 10-year program, includes nearly $1.6 million for capital improvements to be considered by the Bond Commission in April and an additional $2 million for operational expenses from the Tobacco Settlement Fund.

"We must ensure that children are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in life regardless of income or ZIP code," Malloy said. "Expanding the availability of preschool options in our state will prepare them for college and careers in a global, 21st century economy."

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