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Rochester proposes two pre‑K centers but officials say openings depend on state funding
Summary
The district proposed opening two pre‑K centers and relocating a site for safety and access; administrators said the plan depends on governor’s proposed pre‑K funding (not yet enacted) and warned only one site can be opened without that revenue, with transportation aid still unresolved.
District administrators told the Board on April 14 that the preliminary budget includes plans to expand pre‑kindergarten access by opening two sites and relocating one North Clinton site to School 39 for safety reasons. The proposal aims to increase access for three‑ and four‑year‑olds who are not currently connected to pre‑K programming.
Commissioners raised practical concerns: Commissioner Griffin asked what would happen if the governor’s executive run is altered in the final enacted budget and whether the district would be left with an unfunded expansion. Administration responded that the $8 million referenced in the governor’s executive run (as discussed) has not been enacted; as a result, the district plans to relocate one pre‑K site (to School 39) even without full run approval and would proceed cautiously on a second site if the legislative budget provides the funds.
Officials also said the district currently does not provide pre‑K transportation (parents transport children; the district may provide passes) but is advocating for statewide UPK transportation aid that would allow contracted transportation for UPK centers. Commissioners asked for cost estimates for running center sites; administration agreed to provide those figures in subsequent deliberations.
Administration stressed that state‑earmarked pre‑K funds are restricted to UPK uses and cannot be reallocated to CTE or athletics, and said the district intends to work with community‑based organizations rather than displace them, noting there are many local three‑ and four‑year‑olds who are not enrolled in any program.
Ending: The board asked for a budget breakdown for the proposed pre‑K centers and an estimate of operating costs and transportation implications before the next deliberation.
