News Summary
Woestina Elementary School in the Schalmont Central School District will reopen after 15 years, introducing a Pre-K program for 54 students. The initiative aims to provide local educational options, with plans for future expansion based on demand. An open house showcased renovations, and families expressed interest ahead of the application deadline. The program includes before and after-care, meals, and operates Monday to Friday, fostering a nurturing environment for early learners. The reopening marks a significant step in enhancing educational resources within the community.
Schalmont Central School District is set to reopen the doors of Woestina Elementary School for the first time in 15 years, introducing a new Pre-K program scheduled to launch in the 2025 academic year. The school was closed at the commencement of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining enrollment, leaving the community without local educational options for early learners.
The district hosted an open house on August 18 to showcase recent renovations, inviting families to view the updates and prepare for the return of students on September 10. As part of this initiative, Woestina Elementary will feature three classrooms capable of accommodating a total of 54 Pre-K students. There are plans to expand to six classrooms in the future, depending on enrollment needs.
To support working parents, the Pre-K program will offer before and after-school care, with before care commencing at 7:30 AM and after care extending until 5:30 PM. Meals will be provided to students, including complimentary breakfast and lunch. This program is being introduced as part of the district’s efforts to enhance local Pre-K options, which many families previously found difficult to locate.
Superintendent Tom Reardon stated that the reopening has been strategically planned to ensure the long-term viability of the Pre-K program, which he believes will strengthen community engagement and lead to increased after-school programming opportunities alongside academic offerings. More than 40 families have already expressed interest in enrolling their children, ahead of an application deadline of April 11.
To enroll, children must be at least 4 years old by December 1 and reside within the school district. In the event that applications exceed the 54 available spots, a lottery system will be utilized to fairly allocate spaces. Financial backing for the Pre-K program will come from state aid, which is estimated at $5,400 per student, totaling approximately $291,600. Additionally, funds have been earmarked from the district’s budget specifically designated for such educational initiatives.
While the reopening of Woestina Elementary underscores a significant shift in the availability of educational resources for families in the Schalmont Central School District, it is also occurring against a backdrop of previous operational challenges. The building remained unoccupied following its closure, with significant maintenance and preparations undertaken to meet post-COVID operational standards. A lease with Capital Region BOCES had expired in 2020, leaving the future of the facility uncertain until now.
Despite potential federal funding cuts, the district is confident in the sustainability of the program, with Reardon affirming that Woestina Elementary “is here to stay.” It is important to note that the district has opted not to provide transportation for Pre-K students due to logistical challenges related to car seat requirements and state laws. The Pre-K program will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, facilitating a structured yet nurturing environment for early learners.
The reopening of Woestina Elementary marks a pivotal moment for educational resources in the Schalmont Central School District, offering families renewed hope for local Pre-K options and promising an expansion of community-centered initiatives as students embark on their educational journeys.
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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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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
