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Byram Hills lays groundwork for Universal Pre‑K; district weighing in‑house classes versus subcontracting
Summary
District staff outlined options and costs for implementing the state’s Universal Pre‑K mandate (expected 2028 start). Planning scenarios include 11 classrooms for an estimated 196 four‑year‑olds in 2027, an in‑house cost estimate of about $2.6 million and state aid projected at $1.9 million (at $10,000 per child), with important operational questions about facilities, staffing and screening.
School leaders at the March 24 board meeting described early plans to implement the state’s Universal Pre‑K mandate, including a possible district pilot in 2027 to prepare for the statewide 2028 requirement.
Dr. Jen Lamia and staff said a district estimate of 196 eligible four‑year‑olds would require approximately 11 classrooms and 22 adults if the program is run in‑house: “That is if we were doing it in‑house… it would be 11 faculty, 11 staff; this is 22 adults,” the superintendent explained. Staff calculated an in‑house staffing cost of roughly $2.6 million; at the newly adjusted state grant level of $10,000 per child, the district would expect about $1.9 million in state aid, leaving district net staffing costs before food and other expenses.
Officials noted operational barriers to an in‑house model: available classroom space, play areas, appropriate toilets and restroom heights, and wraparound care for families who need before‑ or after‑school services. The superintendent emphasized screening and progress measurement requirements for preschoolers under UPK rules and said the district’s special‑services team must coordinate with county preschool providers to ensure mandated services are delivered.
District staff described a multi‑track approach: pursue community conversations with local preschool providers and consider an RFP so community‑based organizations could deliver UPK under district oversight. A legal and program requirement discussed at the meeting requires that at least 10% of grant funds be set aside for collaboration with local daycare or preschool providers.
“We will be sending out surveys and we will be doing an RFP for 27–28,” staff said, noting timelines for parent engagement and a possible board decision about whether to host in‑house classes or subcontract. Board members asked staff to continue outreach to local preschools and to prepare detailed cost comparisons, including the district’s obligations for benefits and retirement if staff are district employees.
