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UPK representatives ask district to study underserved families and consider rolling approvals
Summary
UPK representatives told the board the lottery cleared the initial wait list but some families declined seats; they requested a committee including district, parents and providers, asked the district to identify underserved groups (including families of multiples), and suggested allowing rolling approvals up to the 137 state-funded seats.
Representatives from UPK for Cornwall presented to the board during the meeting and asked the district to examine access and placement practices for the universal prekindergarten program.
Dr. Kate Esmezar, representing UPK for Cornwall, and Kristen Jataitis said the district was successful in clearing the program's initial wait list but noted some families declined seats. Jataitis asked whether the district could "think about serving those families who had to decline," study who is not being served (including families with twins and multiples), and consider adding another UPK provider next year. They also suggested the district examine whether seats (funded by the state up to 137) could be approved on a rolling basis so newly available spaces could be filled more quickly.
They offered to send the board five written points by email and asked for a follow-up response or discussion at a future meeting. District staff later answered questions during Oginio's report, confirming that program parameters are set collaboratively by the superintendent, assistant superintendents and UPK providers, and that services required for students (including special-education interventions) are provided at all provider locations.
Board members thanked the presenters and said staff would follow up by email to the presenters as requested.
