Around the Region

CHESTERTON, Ind. -- A chapter of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union wants the Duneland School Board to change its plan to charge parents $2,000 to send children to an all-day kindergarten program.\nRichard Busse, an attorney and president of the ICLU's Calumet chapter, said his organization plans to contact Duneland Superintendent H. Stephen Hewlett before its next school board meeting June 4. The group needs plaintiffs or kindergarten students whose parents object to paying the fee.\nThe ICLU's interest was spurred by parent Marjory Crawford, whose children are not affected by the program. She contends the Indiana Constitution calls for the state to provide a free public education.\n"I don't think they can turn them away if they can't pay $2,000," Crawford said. "Everyone who wants it should turn up in fall and make schools find room for them. It's almost like they're creating two caste levels at first grade. I feel it's illegal."\nAlthough children are not required by law to attend school until first grade, the state requires districts to offer kindergarten and provides financial support for half-day sessions.\n"It's an unresolved issue," said Kevin McDowell, legal counsel for the Indiana Department of Education. "Indiana code has never defined tuition; the key question is: What is it"