News Summary
The Schalmont Central School District has reopened Woestina Elementary School to launch a new Pre-K program after 15 years of closure due to declining enrollment. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the school will host three classrooms for 54 students, with plans for expansion. An open house event showcased renovations and preparations, while community interest grows as families seek quality early education options. Funding from the state and the district aims for sustainability, ensuring the program meets community needs and offers essential services including meals.
Schalmont Reopens Woestina Elementary School to Launch New Pre-K Program
Schalmont, NY — The Schalmont Central School District has resumed operations at Woestina Elementary School for the first time in 15 years, marking a significant step toward expanding early childhood education options within the community. The school, which was closed at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining student enrollment, will now serve as the site for a new Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) program set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year.
Reopening Details and Preparations
The district hosted an open house event on August 18 to showcase recent renovations and preparations ahead of the student return scheduled for September 10. This event provided families and community members an opportunity to tour the revamped facilities and learn about the upcoming program offerings. The district emphasized careful planning to ensure the program’s long-term viability, with Superintendent Tom Reardon stating that the district is committed to maintaining operation despite potential federal funding changes.
Highlights of the New Pre-K Program
The new Pre-K program will feature three classrooms capable of accommodating a total of 54 students. In the future, the district hopes to expand capacity to six classrooms to serve more children. The program will run from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 2 PM, with support services including before-school care starting at 7:30 AM and after-school care until 5:30 PM. All participating students will have access to free breakfast and lunch.
Community Feedback and Enrollment Plans
More than 40 families have already expressed interest in enrolling their children, with application deadlines set for April 11. If applications exceed available seats, a lottery system will determine placement. To qualify, children must be at least 4 years old by December 1 and reside within the district boundaries. The district expects the program to significantly benefit families seeking local early education options, especially those who previously faced challenges finding nearby Pre-K programs.
Funding and Future Outlook
The state will contribute approximately $291,600 in aid, calculated at $5,400 per student. Additional funding will come from the district’s budget allocated for early childhood initiatives. Superintendent Reardon assured that the district has addressed financial sustainability and remains prepared to uphold the program even if federal funding is reduced.
Logistics and Additional Services
Transportation for Pre-K students will not be provided due to logistical challenges related to car seats and compliance with state laws. The district intends to promote community engagement and further after-school programming to complement academic activities. The reopening of Woestina Elementary is expected to bolster community ties and provide easier access to quality early childhood education, responding directly to local parent needs and demands.
Background Context
Woestina Elementary was shuttered in 2010 due to declining enrollment figures, a common issue faced by many school districts nationwide. The district’s decision to reopen the school building as a Pre-K site marks a significant investment in early education, aiming to prepare young learners for future academic success while supporting working families through extended care options.
The district’s initiative signals a broader commitment to community-centered education, aiming to create stable, accessible Pre-K programs that can adapt to future growth and demographic changes. This reopening not only restores a longtime community asset but also provides foundational early learning opportunities that are crucial for children’s development and long-term educational achievement.
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Additional Resources
- News10: Woestina School Reopening
- Wikipedia: Pre-kindergarten
- CBS6: Schalmont Central School District Reopens Woestina Elementary
- Google Search: Early Childhood Education
- Daily Gazette: Schalmont Rotterdam Pre-K
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pre-kindergarten
- Times Union: COVID-19 Case on Mohonasen’s First Day
- Google News: School Reopening
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