Schalmont, NY, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The Schalmont Central School District is reopening Woestina Elementary School to launch a new Pre-K program after 15 years of closure. Set to begin in the upcoming school year, this initiative aims to enhance educational options for local families. An open house showcased renovations, while Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized the program’s sustainability. With space for 54 students, the Pre-K program will offer free meals and before/after care, addressing community needs and increasing engagement. Enrollment is open, with a lottery system in place if applications exceed capacity.
Schalmont, NY – The Schalmont Central School District is set to reopen Woestina Elementary School for the first time in 15 years, marking a significant milestone in local education. The school, which was closed at the beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year due to declining enrollment, will now serve as the site for a new Pre-K program slated to begin in the 2025 school year.
An open house was held on August 18 to showcase the renovations completed at Woestina Elementary, with students scheduled to return to school on September 10. This reopening is part of a broader initiative to provide local Pre-K options for families residing in the Schalmont Central School District.
The Pre-K program is expected to accommodate 54 students across three classrooms, with hopes of expansion to six classrooms in the future. Before and after school care will also be available, with morning sessions starting at 7:30 AM and after care extending until 5:30 PM. In addition, students will receive free breakfast and lunch as part of the program.
Superintendent Tom Reardon emphasized that the district has meticulously planned the reopening to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Pre-K program. Notably, the school is prepared to maintain operations despite potential threats of federal funding cuts, with Reardon asserting that Woestina Elementary is “here to stay.”
Families attending the open house expressed their appreciation for having local Pre-K options available, highlighting previous challenges in finding nearby programs. More than 40 families have already shown interest in enrolling their children in the new Pre-K offering, with application deadlines set for April 11. Enrollment is open to children who are 4 years old by December 1 and who reside within the school district. In the event that applications exceed the program’s capacity, a lottery system will be employed to allocate spots.
While the state will contribute $5,400 in aid per student, amounting to approximately $291,600 for the program, additional funding will derive from the district’s budget dedicated to educational initiatives. Despite the reopening, the district has chosen not to provide transportation services for Pre-K students due to logistical challenges and state law requirements surrounding car seats.
The reopening of Woestina Elementary comes after two critical factors: maintenance and preparations necessary for post-COVID operations, as well as the expiration of a lease with Capital Region BOCES in 2020. The district anticipates that Woestina Elementary’s reopening will not only enhance educational offerings but also increase community engagement and after-school programming opportunities.
The Pre-K program will operate from Monday through Friday, with school hours set from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. This initiative represents a pivotal step forward for the Schalmont Central School District and its commitment to the educational development of its youngest learners.
Key Features of the Woestina Elementary Pre-K Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Reopening Date | September 10, 2025 |
| Classrooms | 3 classrooms for 54 students |
| Future Expansion | Potential expansion to 6 classrooms |
| Before & After Care | Available from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Meals | Free breakfast and lunch provided |
| Funding Aid | $5,400 per student from state, totaling $291,600 |
| Enrollment Requirements | 4 years old by December 1 and district residency |
FAQ
What is the purpose of reopening Woestina Elementary School?
The reopening is aimed at launching a new Pre-K program to provide local educational options for families in the Schalmont Central School District.
When will the Pre-K program start?
The Pre-K program is set to begin in the 2025 school year.
Will there be transportation provided for Pre-K students?
No, transportation will not be provided due to logistics related to car seats and state law requirements.
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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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