Schalmont Central School District, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Schalmont Central School District is reopening Woestina Elementary School for the first time in 15 years, launching a new Pre-K program to serve local families. The school, originally closed due to declining enrollment, is now set to accommodate 54 Pre-K students across three classrooms with plans for future expansion. The program will provide free meals and after-school care, though transportation will not be offered. The initiative aims to enhance educational options for families in the area while ensuring long-term sustainability despite funding challenges.
Schalmont Central School District is making a significant educational shift by reopening the Woestina Elementary School for the first time in 15 years, with a new Pre-K program set to launch in the 2025 school year. This move comes as part of the district’s commitment to providing local educational options for families, particularly in light of previous challenges in finding pre-kindergarten programs nearby.
Woestina Elementary was closed at the start of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining enrollment numbers. The school has undergone renovations in preparation for its new role, and an open house was held on August 18 to showcase the improvements made ahead of students returning for the new school year on September 10.
The district plans to optimize the learning environment by establishing three classrooms capable of accommodating a total of 54 Pre-K students. With a vision for future growth, there are hopes to expand to six classrooms if demand allows. Before and after school programs will also be accessible to Pre-K students, with before care starting at 7:30 AM and after care available until 5:30 PM. Additionally, students will be offered free breakfast and lunch as part of the program.
Superintendent Tom Reardon has emphasized that the reopening has been meticulously planned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Pre-K program. The district is prepared for potential challenges, including federal funding cuts, with assurances that Woestina is “here to stay.” The reopening comes after maintenance and preparations aligned with post-COVID operations following a lease with Capital Region BOCES that expired in 2020.
Transportation is not provided for the program due to the logistics involved with car seats and state law requirements, which is affecting some parents. However, interest in the program is robust, with more than 40 families already expressing a desire to enroll their children before the application deadline on April 11. Should demand exceed the available slots, a lottery system will be implemented to allocate spots fairly. To enroll, children must be 4 years old by December 1 and reside within the district.
The state is set to provide approximately $5,400 in aid per student, cumulatively contributing about $291,600 for the Pre-K program. Additional funding will be sourced from the district’s budget earmarked for educational initiatives. The reopening of Woestina Elementary is anticipated to enhance community engagement and enrich after-school programming opportunities, along with academic offerings for the community.
Key Features of the Pre-K Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Woestina Elementary |
| Reopening Duration | 15 years |
| Program Start Date | 2025 school year |
| Number of Classrooms | 3 (potential expansion to 6) |
| Student Capacity | 54 students |
| Application Deadline | April 11 |
| Funding per Student | $5,400 |
| Free Meals Included | Yes |
FAQ
What is the reopening date of Woestina Elementary?
Woestina Elementary will reopen for the new Pre-K program in the 2025 school year.
How many students will be accommodated in the Pre-K program?
The program will initially accommodate 54 students, with plans to expand to 6 classrooms in the future.
Will transportation be provided for the Pre-K students?
No, the district will not provide transportation due to logistical constraints related to car seats and state law requirements.
When is the application deadline for the Pre-K program?
The application deadline is April 11.
What age must children be to enroll in the Pre-K program?
Children must be 4 years old by December 1 to be eligible for enrollment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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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