Williamstown Preschool, a beloved early‑education program in Oswego County, announced it will close permanently on January 1, 2027, after town funding ends. The closure threatens families in Williamstown and surrounding areas, prompting a rapid community fundraising effort.
CNY Central reported that a GoFundMe campaign launched by parent Meghan Lewis raised $22,005 in less than 48 hours, exceeding the $20,000 target set to cover operating costs through May. A single donor, Douglas Francis, contributed $15,000, propelling the total past the goal.
The preschool’s annual cost to the town was listed in budget‑meeting minutes as $35,000, while town officials said the program operates at a loss of more than $30,000 each year. Town Supervisor Bob Oakes noted that the town had considered a tuition increase to $100 per month and a reduction to a single class, but no action was taken before the decision to end funding.
Parents say they received little advance notice of the funding shortfall. Meeting minutes show the town began discussing closure as early as September 23, and by October 27 officials confirmed funding would stop on Jan. 1. Preschool director Paige Zender and teacher’s aide Ciara Scott were told their jobs would end on that date.
In response, parents and teachers organized several additional fundraisers: on November 24, teachers will bartend at Buck’s Family Restaurant with tips going to the preschool; a raffle running through November 30 will sell $10 tickets, with a drawing at the December 17 Christmas concert; Buck’s will donate a portion of sales on December 2; and a bottle‑and‑can drive is underway at Bobbi’s Bottle and Cans, with JMFT Enterprises & Co. LLC contributing $19 per dryer‑vent cleaning.
Town Supervisor Oakes did not attend the November 9 private meeting with parents and teachers, and he declined to comment when CNY Central reached out. He later said the $22,000 raised should help keep the program operating through May, but he emphasized the need to protect the town’s roughly 1,400 taxpayers.
Parents remain focused on securing a longer‑term solution. They plan to address the issue at the November 18 Town Board meeting, where they hope the town will consider additional funding options or a revised tuition structure.
What’s next: A private meeting with the preschool, parents, and Supervisor Oakes is scheduled for Monday, November 9. The community will also present its case at the Town Board meeting on November 18. Fundraising events continue through early December, and organizers say the money raised will be used to keep the preschool open through the end of the school year in May.
Sources: cnycentral.com, cnycentral.com, cnycentral.com
