Locust Valley adds fourth UPK classroom after state doubles per‑pupil funding

The Locust Valley Central School District board voted unanimously to add a fourth Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK) classroom for the 2026–27 school year after administrators said the New York State Education Department increased UPK funding from $5,400 to $10,000 per pupil.

Superintendent Dr. Tranel said the change in state funding "increased it to $10,000 per pupil," calling the increase "very exciting" because it helps cover per‑pupil costs and makes opening an additional classroom financially feasible. Administrators reported the district ran a lottery with 84 total applications (53 from the Locust Valley side and 31 from Bayville Primary). Each UPK classroom is staffed per state ratio guidelines (one teacher and one teaching assistant for 18 children). The administration recommended opening a fourth section to serve children on the waitlist; they reported 12 children remained on the waitlist and estimated about $12,000 in one‑time classroom set‑up costs had been budgeted.

Trustees asked whether the state attached additional curriculum or reporting requirements to the increased funding; administrators said data reporting is a routine practice and no unique additional curriculum mandates were described in the presentation. The board approved the recommendation to add a fourth classroom by unanimous voice vote; administrators said they would run an additional lottery for the new seats and that current registration and staffing arrangements make the expansion operationally feasible.

The addition is expected to increase UPK seats on both the Locust Valley and Bayville sides, with the administration noting strong retention of UPK students into the district’s kindergarten program.