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Board disputes media framing of UPK funding; officials provide enrollment and waiting-list numbers
Summary
Board members disputed a News 12 report about unused UPK funding, saying Monroe-Woodbury enrolled 112 children with 56 on a waiting list (168 families expressing interest), and explained the state's UPK allocation formula and local funding share.
Board member Mr. Cato responded to a recent News 12 story that, he said, could give the wrong impression about the district's UPK funding and participation. Citing the UPK funding formula, Cato said the district's maximum allocation is calculated by multiplying an enrollment figure (148 children in the cited formula) by a per-pupil amount of $6,004.05, but that maximum assumes all eligible families enroll.
"So a total of 168 children or families, that wish to participate, not the 848 insinuated by the story," Cato said, adding that 112 children were enrolled last year with 56 on the waiting list and that those waiting figures better represent unmet demand. He also noted that operating the program requires a significant local financial commitment; historically the program was funded about 65% by New York State and 35% locally, and the district's local share last year totaled $380.
Dr. Morales provided additional enrollment context, saying the district grew UPK capacity from 110 seats in 2025 to an anticipated 133 seats for 2026-27 and that the number of lottery applications decreased from 199 in 2024-25 to 155 for the coming year. Morales said the district reduced its wait list from 62 unserved families two years ago to 25 unserved families last year through ongoing placement efforts.
District leaders said recent increases in state aid under the 2026-27 New York state budget should enable the district to expand UPK seats by reducing the local financial burden on taxpayers.
