Some districts decide against state pre-K program
Jessica Bakeman
ALBANY—At least 11 school districts that originally planned to apply for state pre-kindergarten grants won't seek the funding, and it's likely more will decide against participating as local administrators struggle with the timing and reimbursement structure of the program.
Last month, 123 districts outside New York City submitted letters of intent to the State Education Department indicating that they would apply for $40 million available under a competitive grant program in this year's state budget. There are roughly 700 school districts in New York State. Although they were not required to do so, 11 districts, including Binghamton and Utica, notified the department that they wouldn't apply after all. Hoping to boost applications, the department extended the application deadline, which was July 7, to July 11.
Bob Lowry, deputy director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, said some district leaders submitted the letter of intent as a precaution but didn't expect they would apply.
Lowry said the primary reason some districts decided not to apply is that they lacked the funds to launch or expand full-day pre-kindergarten programs. Under the program, schools would have to wait nearly a year for reimbursement.
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/07/8548661/some-districts-decide-against-state-pre-k-program?top-featured-2
