News Summary
The Schalmont Central School District has reopened Woestina Elementary School, closed for 15 years, to launch a new Pre-K program in response to community demand for early childhood education. The school will host three classrooms accommodating 54 students initially, with a plan for future expansion. An open house showcased renovations and encouraged community engagement. With ongoing interest from local families, enrollment will include free meals and before-and-after school care. The initiative aims to offer a high-quality educational experience for young children in the district.
Schalmont Reopens Woestina Elementary School After 15 Years for New Pre-K Program
Schalmont, NY — The Schalmont Central School District has officially reopened Woestina Elementary School after being closed for 15 years, setting the stage for a new early childhood education initiative beginning in the 2025 school year. The reopened school will serve as the district’s dedicated location for Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) classes, addressing local demand for accessible early education options.
Background and Closure of Woestina Elementary
Originally, Woestina Elementary was closed at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining student enrollment. The district’s decision was driven by a need to optimize resources amid shifting population trends. For years, the building remained vacant, with efforts focused on maintaining other district schools and facilities.
Renovations and Community Engagement
The district undertook extensive renovation and maintenance work to prepare Woestina for its new role. To showcase these updates, an open house was held on August 18, allowing parents, staff, and community members to view the improvements and learn about the upcoming program. The event signaled a renewed focus on community engagement and early education opportunities in the area.
Academic and Program Details
The Pre-K program planned for Woestina Elementary will initially feature three classrooms, with capacity for a total of 54 students. The district aims to expand this capacity to six classrooms in the future, contingent upon enrollment trends. The program will operate Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Enrollment is open to children who will be four years old on or before December 1 and reside within the district boundaries. Already, more than 40 families have expressed interest, with applications accepted until April 11. If applications exceed available spots, a lottery system will determine enrollment priority in order to ensure fairness and manage capacity constraints.
Additional Services and Support
Parents and guardians can take advantage of before and after school care; before-care starts at 7:30 AM and after-care continues until 5:30 PM. The program will include free meals—breakfast and lunch—aiming to support student health and nutrition. Transportation services will not be provided due to logistical challenges related to car seats and compliance with state law.
Funding and Sustainability
The state government will allocate approximately $5,400 in aid per student, totaling around $291,600 for the program’s initial year. Additional funding will come from the district’s dedicated budget for early childhood programs. Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized that the district has carefully planned the program’s launch to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Future Outlook and Community Benefits
The reopening of Woestina Elementary is expected to enhance community engagement, strengthen the district’s early education offerings, and expand after-school programming. The initiative aims to provide a convenient, high-quality Pre-K experience for local families, addressing the prior scarcity of nearby Pre-K programs and fostering early readiness for school success.
Post-COVID Preparations and District Strategy
The district has also completed necessary post-COVID maintenance and preparations to ensure safe operations. The lease agreement with Capital Region BOCES that previously housed district programs expired in 2020, leading to the decision to reactivate Woestina and support district-wide educational goals. The district maintains confidence in the program’s future, with Superintendent Reardon affirming the school’s continued operation despite uncertainties related to federal funding threats.
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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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