District outlines UPK program, demand and plan to meet New York's 2028–29 mandate

Maggie (S10) described the district's existing UPK program, run in partnership with Country Children's Center and funded through a state grant, and explained why the district is expanding planning ahead of a New York State mandate requiring universal pre-K by the 2028–29 school year.

The presentation emphasized a play-based, developmentally appropriate model that integrates Creative Curriculum, Heggerty phonemic-awareness programming and Handwriting Without Tears. "We currently have a full day state funded program that's tuition free for families," Maggie said, noting the program runs roughly 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Latest enrollment figures cited in the meeting: program started with 16 students (2024–25), graduated 44 students in the most recent year, and the district expects about 50 seats for 2026–27; staff also reported roughly 120 annual applicants and persistent wait lists.

District staff (S5) outlined an RFI process: four local groups expressed interest in partnering to deliver UPK services and the district will meet them and aim to issue an RFP roughly a year before 2028–29 enrollments. "We will be ready for the '28, '29 enrollment... we would anticipate an official RFP roughly this time next year," S5 said. Trustees discussed capacity, transition supports for students and how the district's UPK classrooms include toilet facilities and warming-kitchen plans to support food service.

Staff noted that while the district cannot cover every eligible child alone, the LES renovation plus partnerships with community providers could expand access and reduce lottery reliance.