State aid opens new pre-k slots

State Sen. James Skoufis (D-District 42) joined Greenwood Lake Union Free School District leadership and local officials last week to announce the creation of 20 pre-kindergarten seats for district students due to the level of school aid funded in this year’s state budget.

Passed in May, the $229 billion state budget is the first in many years to fully fund the state’s share of school foundation aid, boosting education aid to more than $34 billion. According to Skoufis, the boost is 25% – or $102 million – above last year’s state-funded aid for District 42, which encompasses parts of Orange, Ulster and Delaware counties and all of Sullivan counties.

“As the product of a great public school education here in Orange County, I’m committed to doing all I can to support our students, teachers, administrators, and families,” Skoufis said. “By giving each of our students access to a phenomenal education, we’re leveling the playing field for kids and encouraging smart stewardship of taxpayer dollars. I applaud all the work Greenwood Lake UFSD has done to ensure the strongest possible early childhood experiences while eliminating a huge financial burden for our young working families.”

Greenwood Lake is also among a large number of Orange County school districts that’s expected to benefit from a forthcoming change in federal policy, and $134 million from New York State’s enacted budget, regarding the provision of free and reduced student meals. The modification will grant universal free school meals to all students within a given district where at least 25% of pupils are eligible for support, and the new funding will allow the state to reimburse CEP-participating schools, eliminating the local share of costs.

“Opening our Pre-Kindergarten classroom is a landmark moment for Greenwood Lake. We are incredibly grateful to Senator Skoufis for his hands-on guidance and assistance as we were exploring the option of offering this program to our youngest Lakers,” Greenwood Lake Union Free School District superintendent Sarah Hadden said. “We believe adding Pre-Kindergarten will directly affect the long-term success of our students for years to come.”

School districts that do not choose to create pre-kindergarten programs will be forced to return the aid to Albany. Skoufis is urging every district to recognize the lasting value these funds will provide, and encourages local parents to speak out about the need for UPK.