Budget Amendment ID: FY2016-S3-609-R1

Redraft EDU 609

Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative

Ms. Chang-Diaz, Ms. Gobi and Mr. Joyce moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, by inserting, after line item 3000-5075, the following new line item:-

“3000-XXXX. For grants in fiscal year 2016 to support planning activities in cities, towns, regional school districts or educational collaboratives currently providing pre-kindergarten or pre-school opportunities, to expand such opportunities on a voluntary basis to children ages 2.9 to 3.11 years-old; provided further that planning grants will be awarded through a competitive process established by the Department of Early Education and Care utilizing the Massachusetts Preschool Expansion Grant public-private partnership model; provided further that preference shall be given in awarding these funds to districts serving high percentages of high-needs students; and, provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, funds distributed from this item shall be deposited with the treasurer of that city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative and held in a separate account and shall be expended by the school committee of the city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative without further appropriation…………….$500,000”