Deputy Wright told the board that October BEDS enrollment for early childhood was 2,412 (down about 6.4% from last year); staff reported 98% of teachers completed curriculum training, bilingual classrooms expanded, and district plans include targeted coaching and quality reviews to strengthen year-one implementation.

Superintendent summarized recent New York State register amendments proposing universal full‑day UPK for eligible 4‑year‑olds, possible eligibility expansion to 3‑year‑olds, curriculum alignment to the science of reading, and required nutrition supports; the district will monitor Board of Regents action and prepare for a possible July 1, 2027 effective date.

Trustees reviewed multiple models to satisfy the state UPK mandate — keep classes in‑house, contract to community providers, lease or buy nearby space, or reconfigure grades — and asked staff for cost estimates and next steps to offer UPK next year as a hybrid model.

Administrators told the board Pelham will pilot UPK seats through community partners and a lottery next year; state aid is described as $10,000 per full-day student but staff said that likely will not cover administrative and operational costs and that space is a major constraint.

Administrators said the district will pilot universal prekindergarten next year using community-based providers selected via RFP and a lottery; New York State provides about $10,000 per enrolled full-day student, but staff said that amount is unlikely to cover full program costs.

Officials said New York’s mandate to provide seats for every eligible 4‑year‑old by 2028, combined with demonstrated demand and RFI responses, make renovating LES the least disruptive way to meet the requirement.

Governor Hochul visited Tuckahoe to announce a major expansion of universal pre-K, saying the state is committing a large new investment and that the program will reach hundreds of districts; local officials highlighted district-specific gains.

A South Huntington parent said the district's new full‑day pre‑K replaced paid daycare and saved her family thousands, allowing her to remain in the workforce and pointing to the program's social and academic benefits for children.

South Huntington leaders said the Silas Wood pre‑K center expanded capacity from 126 students two years ago to more than 300 now, and district officials and the governor said there will be no lottery or wait list for eligible 4‑year‑olds in the district.

Board members discussed a possible expansion of full‑day pre‑K after state proposals would raise per‑student aid from $5,900 to $10,000; the district has 26 pre‑K signups so far and officials stressed space, staffing and transportation constraints.