Parents press board on UPK and Westbrook lease; board says district‑run pre‑K infeasible now

A public commenter urged the board to convert the Westbrook building into a district‑run universal pre‑K program and raised concerns about capacity and long leases; board members responded that the district moved its pre‑K program to the South Shore Children's Center at Westbrook to address space issues but that opening and staffing a district‑run facility would currently be fiscally infeasible.

The commenter recited recent enrollment numbers and lease timing and urged the board to plan for longer‑term district options; in response the Board President said the district has received roughly 100 emails and letters about social media posts suggesting a fifth‑grade move and that "there is no immediate plans to make a decision like this." The board repeated that any change would be communicated well in advance and noted that an enrollment study in the budget will inform future decisions.

Board members acknowledged concerns about capacity and the community's interest in UPK access but pointed to the cost of opening and operating a district facility and said the district would advocate with state legislators for increased support rather than immediately converting lease space. Administrators also said the district has tried measures to make enrollment and lottery procedures more transparent (including live streaming this year’s lottery) and will continue reviewing options.

The public discussion included questions about lease terms for Westbrook and the role of private providers; the board did not adopt any directive to convert leased space during the meeting.