The Administration and the Pre-K Policy Advisory Board of the Island Trees School District worked very hard, from March through May to study all aspects of the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Grant. After holding a district-wide public hearing on May 22, 2001, the committee unanimously recommended to the board of education to offer the program for Island Trees Preschoolers starting September 2001 pending funding from New York State in the 2001-2002 education budget.

Unfortunately on Aug. 6 Superintendent Richard N. Segerdahl received word that the "bare bones" budget passed in Albany on Aug. 3, 2001 did not include money for school districts that were finally eligible for universal pre-kindergarten aid in the 2001-2002 school year.

Therefore the Island Trees School District will not be able to offer a universal pre-school program for all 4-year-old youngsters during the 2001-2002 school year.

Fortunately the Island Trees School District will be able to continue to offer the SCOPE Pre-School Program during the upcoming school year for the 200 preschoolers who have enrolled in the program.

Superintendent Segerdahl stated "while we are disappointed that the governor did not include UPK funding in his 2001-2002 budget we will continue to apply for UPK funding for future school years in our continued effort to offer the children of Island Trees the best educational opportunities possible."