Superintendent of Yonkers Public Schools Bernard P. Pierorazio announced that half-day Pre-Kindergarten will be a reality for September 2011, but limited funding will restrict program enrollment to 1,581 students – nearly 500 children less than those registered.
“The positive results generated by the District’s nationally-recognized Pre-Kindergarten program have included stronger tests scores and higher graduation rates,” said Superintendent Pierorazio. “I am not ready to dismantle all that we have worked so hard to put in place, but limited funds force us to reduce both the program and the number of children served.”
The District’s current budget gap is over $30 million, created by cuts in federal and state aid and a $40.5 million increase in expenses. The District was hoping to generate $4.9 million from proposed TRS amortization legislation to cover Pre-Kindergarten expenses. Yesterday, the Governor vetoed the Bill.
Furthermore, although the District has 2,068 four-year-olds registered for Pre-Kindergarten, the State will reimburse the District for just 1,581 pupils. This is because New York State’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) aid, which allocates funding to districts that provide pre-kindergarten programs, remains frozen at 2006 per-pupil levels. “The State’s funding formulas cripple our schools year after year,” said Superintendent Pierorazio. “In the past, we have been able to supplement the funds needed, but this year, we have no way to cover the excess expense.”
The half-day Pre-Kindergarten program will be offered at the District’s elementary schools, divided into morning and afternoon sessions. School assignment will be based on families’ School Choice applications. The District hopes to mail assignment letters to families by the end of July, and wait-listed students will be offered an assignment as seats become available.
Superintendent Pierorazio will provide more information regarding the half-day Pre-Kindergarten program during his Address to Parents, scheduled for Wednesday, July 20. The presentation, which outlines District changes for September 2011, begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Yonkers Riverfront Library.
