[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6561329,"mediaKeyId","3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96","parentId",3291383,"title","Parent raises concerns about UPK lottery, district explains state rules and funding limits","audioSeconds",251,"startMs",3436000,"endMs",3687000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96&start=3436&end=3687","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96/thumbnail_3436000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6561329/New-York/Parent-raises-concerns-about-UPK-lottery-district-explains-state-rules-and-funding-limits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561329-b465f99cd90113cf1874b4ea39f89121/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163109&Signature=Oxo1rMnsHcfjEQZD5VZfD7u5B0b3rA-1OlD6Q1EzF8ppvXCqwmmeEwP6z5nn-X~vRZzkoHjP~J7lXPjIIFe658xwv5c22zhQxnMd11IKNOFH2ctZhQFhpt1b7M2ogvPoZzNbL2bJhnmU13TJ3BVFbkO~WvKdYJcz9rNg5n30e~6x8jENvSSlwJGNowfZsKPXJv1XtrJ2N8Znfb3iYhiUnzY1IYEXE6MNW-qakPdLqy~ksW1uZVBhdrEdHgLm3AHyDy3PbDu9KZO5H49f22jXf7o4Dn78k35-ISUuS2Iqrt0knMPkTGLuuZiKRYU1ffnV9xXJvYHB4qLepZI0bU0Ngg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","MOUNT SINAI UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-05-13T23:30:58Z","article","A Mount Sinai parent, John Cardino, addressed the board during public comment to ask why his twin sons were treated differently by the district’s Universal Pre‑K (UPK) lottery and where unspent state funds go when seats are not filled.

Cardino said he was “advocating for my son” after one twin was accepted to the UPK program and the other was not. He told the board he was concerned that the district’s website labels the program “universal” while the district also runs a lottery when demand exceeds seats, and he asked where the “extra money” went when historically not all allotted seats were filled.

A district speaker (not fully identified in the transcript) responded: “So the UPK is a very unique program, and it's called universal pre k, not because we call it that. That's what the state calls it.” The speaker said state rules set a maximum of 18 students per UPK classroom and explained that when demand exceeds seats the district must use a lottery to allocate openings \"because that's the only way that it's fair to give seats to students.\" The speaker added that the state pays $5,400 per student and that the district does not receive the unspent portion for seats that are not filled: “Every dollar goes back to the state. So they say they're giving us that money, but we're not spending that money.”

A separate board/administration speaker acknowledged the problem and said district leaders and other Long Island boards are “advocating” for changes at the state level to make UPK funding and seat allocation more flexible. The speaker described the current structure as “one of those, it sounds great, universal pre k, but when you, the way they instituted the program, it puts so many restraints on the individual districts.”

Cardino also raised tuition cost concerns for families who cannot obtain a seat; the board response did not propose an immediate remedy for his family but said the district recognizes the policy limits and is part of broader advocacy efforts to change state practice.

PERSONS

- John Cardino, Resident/Parent (citizen)
- District official (not specified), (government)
- Board representative (not specified), (government)

AUTHORITIES

- type:policy; name/description: New York State UPK program rules as described in meeting (class-size limit, per‑pupil allocation); referenced_by:[\"universal-pre-k-lottery-and-state-funding-constraints\"]

CLARIFYING_DETAILS

- {\"category\":\"class_size_limit\",\"detail\":\"UPK classroom maximum as stated by district\",\"value\":18,\"units\":\"students\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"state_per_pupil_payment\",\"detail\":\"State per‑student amount cited for UPK\",\"value\":5400,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"seats_filled_last_year\",\"detail\":\"Seats reportedly budgeted vs. filled (parent cited)\",\"value\":\"budgeted 87, filled 53\",\"units\":\"seats\",\"approximate\":false}

COMMUNITY_RELEVANCE

- geographies:[\"Mount Sinai Union Free School District\",\"Suffolk County, NY\"],
- funding_sources:[\"state UPK allocation\"],
- impact_groups:[\"preschool families\",\"twins or siblings seeking placement\"]

MEETING_CONTEXT

- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":3,\"duration_minutes\":8,\"items_count\":1},
- implementation_risk: \"low\",
- history:[{\"date\":\"not specified\",\"note\":\"Parent cited last year's seat allotment and fill rates; district says the issue is statewide policy.\"}]

SEARCHABLE_TAGS:[\"UPK\",\"pre-k lottery\",\"state aid\",\"preschool\"]

PROVENANCE

- {\"block_id\":\"block_111\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"My name is John Cardino... I'm here advocating for my son, Giovanni... I noticed on the site it says universal lottery pre k... I don't think universal and lottery should be put together...\",\"global_start\":3436000,\"global_end\":3546100,\"tc_start\":\"00:57:16\",\"tc_end\":\"00:59:26\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- {\"block_id\":\"block_116\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":260,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So the UPK is a very unique program... there's a maximum of 18 students per class... We only get it for those number of students. Every dollar goes back to the state...\",\"global_start\":3607000,\"global_end\":3687925,\"tc_start\":\"01:00:07\",\"tc_end\":\"01:01:27\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Mt. Sinai BOE Meeting May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Mount Sinai parent told the school board his twin sons were treated differently by the district’s Universal Pre‑K lottery and asked where unspent state UPK funds go; district officials replied that state program rules cap UPK classes at 18 students, require lotteries when demand exceeds seats, and that unfilled seats do not translate into district‑accessible funds.","taxTitle","MOUNT SINAI UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts, New York","taxId",46658,"location","New York","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6561333,"Mount Sinai district presents $70.7 million proposed budget; three propositions set for May 20 vote",394,2402000,2796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96&start=2402&end=2796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96/thumbnail_2402000.jpg","/articles/6561333/New-York/Mount-Sinai-district-presents-707-million-proposed-budget-three-propositions-set-for-May-20-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561333-d950f5565cca40a0f089242c6864473e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163109&Signature=HAO8NSuAxq-pYkCz7O8ZxXnOrhVtESZ0lwSORyoASby6gx5pIByHOqWRwZhrxcIeQRZ8djDQNPEnOzi2frMzngjrdF6m~jHu6UsXnsgXhUy0x~wHQ4hgb24s97wXOfsy5ZWpmjoRZg6F4ACPI6Gc5fuGVk6~Ao4qh0kLDCE8D15a9yBwEBBA9pGGywF5YSuxa6C~oW9wAJbAKild0XYLN6KqI1uALVS0bmMLg9brawCxcYysX9-~F-~vHNfjfBB9fzMA9uwuWWwDKI3PCP~Q-osxJI5z8IiRXfD3mbtm6mcUnM3-vYmSyuWj7ebfysxJV3JDRdkSpjzegUnJk4POzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Education heard the district’s proposed 2025–26 budget: $70,732,128, an increase over last year’s $68,805,007.78 and presented as a 2.8% budget‑to‑budget change. The district staff said the proposed tax‑levy increase is 3.95.

Superintendent (presentation) summarized the revenue and spending overview presented to the board: the district anticipates roughly $20 million in state aid and other revenue, will use $2.3 million from the appropriated fund balance, and plans a tax levy of about $48 million within the tax cap. The superintendent listed major spending lines (rounded as presented): salaries rising from about $36 million to just over $37 million; employee benefits around $15 million to $15.4 million; debt service increasing from $1.17 million to $1.385 million; and several categorical changes in central services, curriculum, pupil services and transportation. The superintendent said the district did not receive an increase in foundation/state aid in the most recent state numbers used for planning.

Officials noted the district’s contingency if voters reject the budget: the tax levy would be set at the prior year’s amount under a contingent budget, and the overall contingency total cited was approximately $1.8 million in cuts. The superintendent listed services that could be reduced under a contingent budget, including non‑mandated high‑school electives (home and career, business), staff development, equipment purchases, classroom supplies, extracurricular support and the pre‑K program.

Capital and library propositions: the board was told there will be three propositions on the May 20 ballot:

- Proposition 1: the proposed budget, $70,732,128 (vote May 20).
- Proposition 2: a library proposition, $1,900,000.
- Proposition 3: a $2,000,000 elementary capital project proposed to be funded from the district’s existing capital reserve; presenters said that use of the capital reserve will not raise property taxes. The capital work was described as interior and exterior improvements to a rear wing of the elementary school including walls, windows, roofing, mechanical and electrical systems, plus HVAC and gym upgrades.

Voting logistics: district officials said the budget vote will be held Tuesday, May 20, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the location was stated as the high school gym. Absentee ballots are available through the district clerk.

Budget context and state aid: the superintendent explained that state aid numbers have been updated periodically and the final state aid calculation will not be available until May; the district used conservative assumptions in planning. The presentation referenced student‑placement and out‑of‑district special‑education transportation savings that reduced transportation costs because fewer students required out‑of‑district placements.

Votes at a glance: during the meeting the board approved routine items by motion. Recorded motions and formal board approvals during this session included acceptance of minutes and approval of personnel and action items (motions listed as “resolved upon the recommendation of the superintendent”); the transcript records seconds and an affirmative voice vote without a roll‑call tally for each motion.

Votes recorded in the transcript (as presented to the board):

- Accept minutes of the 04/23/2025 regular meeting as submitted. Mover: not specified; Second: Chuck; Outcome: approved. (Motion text read by the superintendent.)

- Approve personnel items a–c. Mover: not specified; Second: Anthony; Outcome: approved. (Motion resolved upon the recommendation of the superintendent.)

- Approve educational action items (item a). Mover: not specified; Second: Nick; Outcome: approved.

- Approve business action items a–j. Mover: not specified; Second: Chuck; Outcome: approved.

The transcript does not include recorded roll‑call tallies or dissenting votes for these motions; the board chair asked “All in favor?” and the clerk recorded “Motion passes.” The motions were presented “upon the recommendation of the superintendent,” and full lists of the a–j items were referenced but not read aloud in full during the excerpt.

PERSONS

- Dr. Christiani, Superintendent (government)
- Nick (Board member, not fully identified in transcript) (government)
- Chuck (Board member, not fully identified) (government)
- Anthony (Board member, not fully identified) (government)

AUTHORITIES

- type: policy; name/description: State school funding and Universal Pre‑K program rules (referenced); referenced_by: [\"proposed-2025-26-budget-capital-and-library-propositions-vote-info\"]

CLARIFYING_DETAILS

- {\"category\":\"proposed_budget_total\",\"detail\":\"Proposed budget total presented to board\",\"value\":70732128,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"previous_budget_total\",\"detail\":\"Prior year budget cited\",\"value\":68805007.78,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"budget_increase\",\"detail\":\"Dollar increase reported\",\"value\":1900000,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true}
- {\"category\":\"tax_levy_increase\",\"detail\":\"Proposed tax levy increase\",\"value\":3.95,\"units\":\"percent\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"state_aid\",\"detail\":\"State aid projection used in planning\",\"value\":20000000,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":true}
- {\"category\":\"appropriated_fund_balance\",\"detail\":\"Planned appropriation from fund balance\",\"value\":2300000,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"capital_proposition\",\"detail\":\"Elementary capital project from capital reserve; stated not to raise taxes\",\"value\":2000000,\"units\":\"USD\",\"approximate\":false}

COMMUNITY_RELEVANCE

- geographies:[\"Mount Sinai Union Free School District\"],
- funding_sources:[\"state aid\",\"appropriated fund balance\",\"tax levy\"],
- impact_groups:[\"property taxpayers\",\"K-12 students\",\"special education students\"]

MEETING_CONTEXT

- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":4,\"duration_minutes\":45,\"items_count\":3},
- implementation_risk: \"medium\",
- history: [{\"date\":\"not specified\",\"note\":\"Budget hearing and vote are part of annual budget cycle; board discussed contingency implications if budget fails.\"}]

SEARCHABLE_TAGS:[\"budget\",\"tax levy\",\"capital project\",\"library proposition\",\"budget vote\",\"May 20\"]

PROVENANCE

- {\"block_id\":\"block_79\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":240,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So as a reminder, our proposed budget is $70,732,128... The percentage budget to budget is 2.8%, and our tax levy increase is proposed at 3.95%...\",\"global_start\":2402000,\"global_end\":2451529,\"tc_start\":\"00:40:02\",\"tc_end\":\"00:40:50\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- {\"block_id\":\"block_98\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":220,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So that that is just what would have to be done. Capital projects that we are proposing for the budget vote are for the elementary school... This proposal will not cause any increase in property tax. So we will have 3 propositions next week, the budget... the capital project...\",\"global_start\":2712000,\"global_end\":2796210,\"tc_start\":\"00:45:12\",\"tc_end\":\"00:46:36\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","Superintendent presented a $70,732,128 proposed budget for 2025–26 — a 2.8% increase and a proposed 3.95% levy increase — and described three propositions on the May 20 ballot: the budget, a $1.9 million library proposition and a $2.0 million elementary capital project funded from the district’s capital reserve.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6561337,"Mount Sinai middle school unveils new master-schedule, electives wheel and floor-plan changes",1669,338000,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96&start=338&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3291383-cb0b394700ca83ec660d8198dd1ddb96/thumbnail_338000.jpg","/articles/6561337/New-York/Mount-Sinai-middle-school-unveils-new-master-schedule-electives-wheel-and-floor-plan-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6561337-268c30ce32927363f922f8362a0090cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163109&Signature=iZ8eg0Y2tazTv-dqsEktdOBY74f7HH1ut2xxOLEmSJt0tA-WtSG94GOJVEe4q5fTdvz6EV7R-~BPimFQw8tbp09esQBCTiuPJWOfg04korwyJwcSM7SfbBV4tc6908t-ccwyY2EowiCl1oGt28PUbvGH0O2~KK2LNkdlxjx-2lZ~4gItvUO3MVnaho6SqIDuTayUi6zwplHI2I7qTN7dRxjfGFV8mtKP7yuQQ7ADRkfq3HD-hm7h74kJQ-Okk1unbTlWjkE5NwEx4spkTeTkCzvFurf1WqduXt4P2fG-7sYS8gQLx7UaCOlxmKyxPw30FF1mym2OmkRP9L0l3oyLcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chris Elsesser, the middle school principal, told the Board of Education the district will start a multi-year overhaul of the grades 5–8 master schedule in 2025–26 intended to increase course variety, deepen math supports and create more predictable student travel through the building.

The plan centers on three near-term changes: a two-period-a-day electives “wheel” for grades 5 and 6 that rotates students through short, quarterly elective sprints; a math lab that gives some students two periods of math every other day for targeted small‑group instruction; and shifting parts of the required health curriculum so younger students begin health instruction earlier.

The district said the electives wheel will give every grade‑5 and grade‑6 student exposure to multiple subjects across a 10‑week sprint. Elsesser described grade‑5 wheel content as art, family and consumer science, a digital literacy/computer science course, and a to‑be‑determined study‑skills elective. Grade 6 will include Spanish, a 10‑week block of health and a second study‑skills rotation. Performing‑group students (band, orchestra, chorus) will continue to meet daily; when they do not have music, they will join the wheel.

On math, Elsesser said the district will pilot a math lab model designed to allow “smaller group instruction” so students who need extra help or additional challenge can be taught at different levels. He also announced the return of a full‑time math AIS (Academic Intervention Services) position for the coming year.

Elsesser outlined changes to 7th‑ and 8th‑grade science sequence: accelerated Earth Science will move to the high school as an 8th‑grade accelerated offering while the regents Living Environment (biology) will be taught to current 8th graders next year; the state is rolling out a new Regents exam that the district expects will better align with middle‑school curricula.

The principal described a reconfigured floor plan to reduce student travel and cluster grades by wing: a grade‑6 wing on the north/downstairs section, a grade‑5 “elementary” wing in the front half, and a south side for grades 7–8 that groups math/science and humanities. Elsesser said the change responds to staffing and enrollment shifts — the district is moving from seven sections of sixth grade to five — and aims to ease transitions, increase inclusion for special‑education classes and make collaborative planning easier for teachers.

Elsesser also said the school will provide lockers for every student to reduce classroom clutter and improve safety during evacuations; he told the board the building already has enough lockers but some need maintenance. He added the district is planning “lock and learn” summer sessions for families so students and parents know locker routines before school starts. Elsesser said he expects roughly 618 students in the middle school building and emphasized staff interest in preserving strong performing‑music offerings while expanding electives.

Board members asked procedural questions: one asked whether physical‑education staff were certified to teach health when the health requirement shifts into grade 6; Elsesser replied the district can maintain the existing full‑time equivalent (FTE) footprint for phys ed and health and will use existing staff and contracted time to deliver the curriculum. Another board member asked the principal to emphasize teacher involvement in Mustang Matters, the building’s character‑education program; Elsesser said teachers had “internalized Mustang matters.”

Implementation timing: Elsesser described the first rollout for grades 5 and 6 in 2025–26, with phased changes for grades 7 and 8 over the next two years. He said the district will monitor capacity, staffing and student access as the schedule evolves and make adjustments as needed.

The presentation closed with Elsesser taking board questions and thanking members for their support.PERSONS

- Chris Elsesser, Middle School Principal (government)
- Dr. Christiani, Superintendent (government)
- Mr. DeVito, Board member (government)
- Mr. Amato, Assistant Principal (government)

AUTHORITIES

- type: policy; name/description: New York State Universal/required curricular standards and Regents exam changes; referenced_by: [\"middle-school-master-schedule-and-floorplan-changes\"]

CLARIFYING_DETAILS

- {\"category\":\"enrollment_sections\",\"detail\":\"Sixth grade sections shifting from 7 sections to 5 sections due to enrollment changes\",\"value\":\"7->5\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"student_count\",\"detail\":\"Middle school enrollment cited\",\"value\":618,\"units\":\"students\",\"approximate\":false}
- {\"category\":\"math_lab\",\"detail\":\"Math lab will provide two periods of math every other day; intended for small-group differentiated instruction\"}
- {\"category\":\"electives_wheel\",\"detail\":\"Grades 5–6 will rotate through 10-week elective sprints; performing groups meet daily; wheel uses 2 periods\"}
- {\"category\":\"health_curriculum\",\"detail\":\"10 weeks of health moved into grade 6; remaining 10 weeks phased into grade 7 for a two‑year transition\"}
- {\"category\":\"lockers\",\"detail\":\"District reports enough lockers for all students; will run summer locker orientation sessions\"}

COMMUNITY_RELEVANCE

- geographies: [\"Mount Sinai Union Free School District\"]
- impact_groups: [\"grades 5-8 students\",\"special education students\",\"music program students\"]

MEETING_CONTEXT

- engagement_level: {\"speakers_count\":6,\"duration_minutes\":95,\"items_count\":1}
- implementation_risk: \"medium\"
- history: [{\"date\":\"not specified\",\"note\":\"Master schedule planning described as multi-year; some items phased in over two years\"}]

SEARCHABLE_TAGS:[\"middle school\",\"master schedule\",\"electives\",\"math lab\",\"health curriculum\",\"lockers\",\"Mount Sinai\"]

PROVENANCE

- {\"block_id\":\"block_12\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"So a lot of stuff going on in the middle school... our updated middle school vision, our character education program, Mustang matters...\",\"reason_code\":\"topicintro\"}
- {\"block_id\":\"block_88\",\"local_start\":0,\"local_end\":200,\"evidence_excerpt\":\"But in all seriousness, I would love to answer any questions that the board has, concerns. But just, you know, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support the whole year.\",\"reason_code\":\"topicfinish\"}","Middle school Principal Chris Elsesser told the Board of Education the school will roll out a multi-year master-schedule starting 2025–26 that adds a rotating electives “wheel,” a math lab, health instruction moved into earlier grades and a plan to give all students lockers; some grade configurations change as enrollment shifts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parent raises concerns about UPK lottery, district explains state rules and funding limits

Mount Sinai district presents $70.7 million proposed budget; three propositions set for May 20 vote

Mount Sinai middle school unveils new master-schedule, electives wheel and floor-plan changes