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Local providers and a board member urge district to issue RFP for comprehensive UPK planning amid placement concerns
Summary
Community organizations and board member Millie Smith urged the Watertown board to issue a request for proposals to develop a community-driven universal pre-K (UPK) strategic plan, citing gaps in access and recent placement problems; the number of unplaced children was not specified in the meeting record.
Several community speakers and at least one board member pressed the Watertown City School District on universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) planning and district transparency during public comment at the Oct. 17 board meeting, urging the district to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive UPK strategic plan.
Craig Cashman, who identified himself as a leader of local community-based organizations that run early-childhood programs, told the board the CBOs want a transparent community-driven planning process and urged the board to “authorize the release of an RFP for a comprehensive UPK plan.” He told the board the study should assess current UPK availability, quality and capacity, identify gaps in access and alignment, build trust by engaging families and partners, and propose…
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