Old Rochester Regional District administrators have urged legislators to override a budget cut Gov. Charlie Baker made that slashes funding for full-day kindergarten programs.

On July 17, Baker approved a $38.1 billion state budget that vetoed $162.8 million in spending, including removing $17.6 million from kindergarten grants. The decision leaves $1 million in the program.

Superintendent Doug White said Mattapoisett and Rochester have received funds from the Full Day Quality Kindergarten Grant for more than seven years.

“The loss of the Quality Full Day Kindergarten Grant will erode our ability to deliver a quality kindergarten experience to over 150 children.” White wrote in a letter sent to state Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “Early learners need to adjust to the leaning and social activities which are a part of the first year of a quality kindergarten experience.”

Last year marked the first time that all three district elementary schools provided tuition free full-day kindergarten classes for students. White said full-day kindergarten classes will continue to be offered at no cost to parents if the legislature doesn’t repeal the governor’s decision.

“This grant allowed us to provide children with the support they needed when we went from a 3 hour morning program to full day where they get the school readiness skills, the literacy and numeracy skills and the inquiry based early science they need to make sure they can someday be viable members of the Massachusetts economy,” White wrote.

While some funding for supplies and teacher’s aides would be lost, White said kindergarten classes would be “minimally impacted” for the most part.

Lawmakers have until the end of the year to override Baker’s cuts.