Timing, reimbursement process scuttle upstate pre-K programs
Jessica Bakeman
ALBANY—Few upstate school districts plan to launch full-day pre-kindergarten programs in September, even though Governor Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers provided $40 million in the state budget for that purpose.
A survey last week by the New York State School Boards Association of 282 districts showed that only 14, or less than 5 percent, plan to add or expand a pre-K program in 2014-15.
Most districts have already crafted their budgets and must present the proposals to voters for approval later this month.
The timing of the state budget in relation to schools' fiscal calendars makes it nearly impossible for them to launch new pre-K programs. Districts won't know whether they'll get funding from the state or how much money they'll get until they apply and receive approval, and the state education department hasn't yet released a request for proposals. Further complicating the planning process is that the pre-K money will be doled out as reimbursements, so districts would have to front the money.
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/05/8545144/timing-reimbursement-process-scuttle-upstate-pre-k-programs