Press release:
On Monday, August 18, 2014, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, announced the Newburgh Enlarged City School District as a recipient of approximately $2.8 million in funding for a full day pre-kindergarten program. In total, $340 million was awarded to 81 school districts and Community Based Organizations statewide. The NECSD is the largest recipient of funding outside of New York City.
The funding will allow the NECSD to convert the Universal Pre-K program into a full day program, as well as expand the program, by providing additional seats for students and the establishment of the NECSD Early Learning Center. The NECSD UPK program will expand half-day seats and create new seats to serve 542 students on a full time basis for the 2014-15 school year.
The funding will allow for a total of 22 Universal Pre-K classrooms in NECSD buildings as well as the creation of 11 teaching positions and 11 teaching assistant positions. The Newburgh Enlarged City School District plans to execute student placement for the 2014-2015 school year beginning in September.
“By New York State investing in the Universal Pre-K program, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District is in a better position to properly educate our students. We know an investment in the earliest learning experiences can have powerful long-term effects on young children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development. Today, NECSD takes a step closer to improving the life outcomes for our pre-kindergartners,” explained Newburgh Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberto Padilla.
The awards are preliminary, pending the review and approval of the New York State Comptroller.
Photo by Faerie Barista