Bill > S01491

This bill modifies the existing education law to allow school districts more flexibility in allocating prekindergarten seats when demand exceeds available spots. Specifically, the bill authorizes school districts to implement a weighted selection process that prioritizes children who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch and/or emergent multilingual learners (students who are learning English as a second language). If a school district chooses to use this prioritization method and still has more eligible children in these categories than available seats, they must then use a random selection process to determine final enrollment. The bill maintains the existing option for districts that previously operated a targeted prekindergarten program to continue using their established selection process. This change aims to provide additional support for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those who are developing English language skills by giving them preferential consideration in prekindergarten program admissions.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1491