Cornwall school board hears calls for expanded universal pre-k program during public meeting

The Cornwall Central School District Board of Education meeting on April 7, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding the Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program, with parents and advocates urging for an increase in available slots to better serve local children.

During the public comment section, several speakers, including advocates from the UPK for Cornwall group, emphasized the importance of expanding the program from the current 10 seats to at least 20, with aspirations for 40. Cynthia Fasillo, a representative of the group, noted that the existing number of seats has not kept pace with the growing demand and stressed the correlation between early education and improved literacy outcomes. She urged the board to prioritize funding for additional slots in the upcoming budget.

Another parent, Suzanne Kirschner, raised concerns about the current lottery system that separates twins in the UPK program. She argued that keeping twins together can provide emotional support and ease the transition into school, advocating for a policy change that would allow parents to decide on their children's placements.

The meeting also featured comments from local educators and business owners, including Amy McGovern, who suggested that a flat rate fee for UPK providers could help manage costs and increase the number of students served. McGovern highlighted the financial burden on taxpayers and called for a reevaluation of funding strategies to ensure more children can access early education.

The board listened attentively to the concerns raised, indicating a commitment to consider these issues as they move forward with budget discussions. The discussions reflect a broader community goal of enhancing educational opportunities for young children, which many believe is essential for fostering a strong foundation for future learning.

As the board prepares to address these pressing concerns, the community remains hopeful that their voices will lead to actionable changes that prioritize the educational needs of Cornwall's youngest residents.