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Parents and residents urge board to restore Pre‑K3 as budget cuts proposed
Summary
Community members and a student urged the Shelter Island Board to retain its Pre‑K3 program after administrators included it among suggested cuts to meet budget targets; President Lynch said community leaders will explore funding options.
During the public comment portion of the June 9 meeting, community members directly addressed the board about the proposed elimination of the Pre‑K3 program in the revised 2025–26 budget. "Cutting an early education program from the budget hurts the community," said community member Elizabeth Galle, who urged the Board to reconsider the recommendation to remove the Pre‑K3 class.
President Kathleen Lynch acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and said she personally supported creation of the Pre‑K3 program in the past. Lynch said a group of community leaders will meet to consider whether they can fund a program either at the school or through the Presbyterian Church program, though the first meeting will be committee-only. Student Lily Potter also raised concern about further program cuts, asking if sports beyond winter track would be affected if the revote again fails.
