The Menands School will offer PreK on its own next year instead of contracting with an outside entity to provide the program.
The school board decided earlier this spring to take over operation of the classroom in the wake of the Colonie Youth Center’s decision to cease overseeing the program.
The change will take effect for the 2025-26 school year.
“Our commitment is to ensure that a full-day program is continued to be offered in Menands and to ensure it meets the educational and social needs of our students and community,” said Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo.
The program will be centered in one classroom and serve 18 students. If more students are enrolled, a lottery system will be used to select families. Children must be 4 years old by December 1, 2025, and reside in Menands.
While the state provides PreK funding, it will not cover the full cost of the program. Those costs, including the need to hire a teacher and aides, are factored into the proposed 2025-26 school year budget.
Cannavo said operating the program internally gives the district great autonomy and will allow students who attend the program to easily transition into Menands kindergarten and older grades.
“The board feels strongly that providing the education in house is the best way to meet the needs of our youngest learners while providing the most cost effective and efficient program,” Cannavo said.
Click here for more information about the PreK program.