Parents raise concern after pre‑K specials reduced; district says additional class and scheduling caused temporary changes

Parents at Thursday’s Locust Valley Board of Education meeting complained that the district’s expanded pre‑K program is not providing the same “specials” — library, gym and music — that families expected, and district leaders said schedule changes tied to adding a pre‑K section temporarily affected availability.

Parent Vanessa Hammer said she learned by email that the preschool library trip, gym and music had been removed and that her child now leaves the classroom only once a week for art. “If you compare … what pre‑K should be, it clearly states gross motor skills and gym, library, arts, music,” she said, asking the board how the services could be restored during the current school year.

Superintendent Doctor Turnow and other administrators responded that the district added an additional pre‑K class at Bayville and that the expanded schedule, combined with teachers’ prep times and the timing of other classes, had affected when specials could be scheduled. Turnow said principals have worked to provide opportunities — including outdoor play and in‑class activities — and that the district will follow up with building principals to ensure preschool students have access to gym and library when the spaces are available.

Trustee Lauren Dimas said she had previously asked whether adding sections would allow the same level of service and had been told it would; she called the current gap “unacceptable” and asked administration to resolve it. The board directed administrators to coordinate with principals and to report back, and Turnow said he would reach out to building principals the next day.

Administrators said the program’s expansion includes a new five‑hour free pre‑K section on the Bayville side and that some adjustments were expected as the program grows. No formal policy change or vote was recorded on the matter during Thursday’s meeting.