Williamstown, N.Y. – A grassroots fundraiser for Williamstown Preschool has already surpassed its $20,000 goal, collecting $22,005 in just two days. The surge was driven by a generous $15,000 donation and a flurry of community contributions.
Community effort to sustain early education
Parents, teachers and local volunteers gathered Monday night to celebrate the milestone and to plan additional fundraising events. The preschool, which serves children from infancy through pre‑kindergarten, faces a funding deadline when the town is set to end its financial support on Jan. 1, 2027.
Meghan Lewis, whose 4‑year‑old son attends the school, launched a GoFundMe campaign after learning of the impending closure on Nov. 4. “His confidence has exploded, his personality has exploded and we’ve just noticed a huge change in him over the past couple weeks,” Lewis said. She hopes the donations will cover the shortfall that would otherwise force the children to miss nine months of schooling before kindergarten.
Town budget and the funding gap
Town budget meeting minutes reveal that officials first considered closing the preschool as early as Sept. 23. By Oct. 27, the minutes confirmed the decision to stop funding the program on Jan. 1. The town estimated the annual cost of the preschool at $35,000, while the program generated roughly $4,500 in revenue each year.
Preschool director Paige Zender and teacher’s aide Ciara Scott said two town officials informed them after the children’s Oct. 28 Halloween party that their positions would end on Jan. 1. “And the love we get back from them, that’s what means the most to me,” Zender said, her voice catching as she reflected on the children’s impact.
Upcoming fundraisers
The community has scheduled several events to keep the momentum going:
- Nov. 24, 4–6 p.m.: Teachers will guest‑bartend at Buck’s Family Restaurant, with tips going to the preschool.
- Through Nov. 30: Families are collecting raffle prize donations; tickets will cost $10 and go on sale after Dec. 1. The drawing is set for Dec. 17 at the children’s Christmas concert.
- Dec. 2, noon–9 p.m.: Buck’s will donate a portion of its sales to the preschool.
- Ongoing: A bottle‑and‑can drive is underway at Bobbi’s Bottle and Cans. JMFT Enterprises & Co. LLC is contributing $19 for each dryer‑vent cleaning.
Town Supervisor Bob Oakes did not attend the Monday meeting and has not responded to requests for comment. The teachers plan to address the issue at the Nov. 18 Town Board meeting.
Why the preschool matters
For families like the Lewises, the preschool provides more than early academic instruction; it offers a stable environment where children develop confidence, social skills and a love of learning. If the school closes, many families will face a long gap before their children can enroll in kindergarten, potentially setting back early development.
The outpouring of support demonstrates the community’s commitment to preserving local education options and protecting the well‑being of its youngest members. As the fundraising calendar fills out, organizers remain hopeful that the combined efforts of parents, teachers and local businesses will keep Williamstown Preschool open through May.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
