Senator Mannion Announces $6.1 Million Funding Increase for 766 New Pre-K Slots in the 50th Senate District

Senator Mannion reads a book to a kindergarten classroom in Volney, NY.

Senator Mannion reads to students at Volney Elementary School during a visit to announce new funding for pre-K programs . Credit NYS Senate

Mannion secures nearly $18,000,000 in the state budget to fund a total of 3,072 pre-K slots in his district

SYRACUSE, NY – Senator John W. Mannion today announced $6,100,000 in new state funding for an additional 766 pre-K slots in the 50th Senate District. Senator Mannion has secured nearly $18,000,000 in the 2023-24 state budget to fund a total of 3,072 pre-K slots in his district. 

Senator John W. Mannion said, “As a public school teacher for nearly three decades I know how important early childhood development is for future success. With a $6,100,000 year-over-year increase for pre-K, and $18,000,000 total, Central New York school districts now have the resources they need to accommodate more than three thousand of our youngest learners. I made a commitment in my first year in office to fully fund foundation aid and deliver universal pre-K for Central New York children and families – these goals are being accomplished. 

Senator Mannion made the announcement during a visit to First Step Universal Pre-K located at Volney Elementary in the Fulton City School District. Fulton currently receives $950,000 from the state for 157 pre-K slots. 

Francine Latino of First Step Universal Pre-K said, “We are incredibly grateful to have Senator Mannion, a former teacher who understands the costs and life-changing benefits of pre-K, advocating for education policy and delivering real resources for our children. Our program is a resource for our community that provides a quality education in a safe and welcoming place, and we are honored the Senator is highlighting our success.” 

Districts highlights from the new pre-K funding include: 

School Districts in SD-50

Total State Funded UPK Seats 

Baldwinsville Central - 320

Central Square Central - 184

East Syracuse-Minoa Central - 171

Fayetteville-Manlius Central - 246

Fulton City - 157

Hannibal Central - 61

Jamesville-DeWitt Central - 184

Liverpool Central - 370

Lyncourt Union Free - 30

Marcellus Central - 76

Mexico Central - 101

North Syracuse - 414

Oswego City - 232

Phoenix Central - 87

Solvay Union Free - 66

West Genesee Central - 269

Westhill Central - 104

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