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Most candidates support universal pre‑K if financially feasible
Summary
Candidates widely endorsed universal pre‑K as beneficial for early intervention and reducing later special‑education costs, while noting significant fiscal and capacity questions.
Candidates at the Scotia‑Glenville forum described universal pre‑kindergarten as a priority for early intervention and equity but said the district must evaluate costs and capacity.
Candidate Angela Piazza, a speech‑language pathologist, said early intervention reduces later referrals and supports long‑term success: “If caught early, it is proven… we can work, you know, work things out sooner. And I think it would be great for our community to have the opportunity to send their children to one of our schools,” she said.
Candidate Mike Trolley said universal pre‑K would be “fantastic” if it made financial sense for families and the district, noting private child care costs were high for his family. Candidate Kimberly Talbot said she has advocated for pre‑K on the board for years and pointed to pandemic‑era learning loss that preschool could help address.
Candidates agreed the district should study whether universal pre‑K would be cost‑effective, whether grants or state funding could offset costs, and how to avoid adding a new tax burden. No specific financing plan was proposed at the forum.
