New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Assemblywoman Sarah Clark announced $1 million in funding today to help renovate the West Irondequoit CSD’s Pinegrove facility, which will boost the district’s growing Pre-Kindergarten/Universal Pre-K program.

“Assemblywoman Clark has fought hard to ensure the West Irondequoit Central School District has the support they need to expand their Universal Pre-K program and provide additional resources to families across their community,” said Speaker Heastie, who toured Pinegrove today with Clark, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Aaron Johnson, and Town of Irondequoit Supervisor, Andrae Evans. “The Assembly Majority remains committed to supporting New York’s families and ensuring that every public school district has the resources it needs to provide our children a world-class education.”

The funding is part of a proposed $6 million project that will add three classrooms in a 70-year-old building that was once an elementary school and then a town-owned Community Center. The district bought it from the town in 2022. Funding also will help refresh classrooms currently used by the district’s Helmer Nature Center, located on site and including 45 acres, and for another STEAM learning.

“I’m grateful to be able to announce this state investment today as we work to provide our schools the ability to ensure every child can grow and thrive,” Clark said. “Repurposing the Pinegrove building to better meet the needs of families today is so very critical. This proposed project will both revitalize it and allow our school district the ability to properly expand its services to more children."

She added, “In West Irondequoit, one of the barriers was actual, physical space.”

The district has one Pre-K/UPK class at Briarwood elementary this school year and partners with two private centers, Forever Friends and Sunshine Daycare, for two more. There is a waiting list for more students. The goal is to have the renovated Pinegrove facility, located at 154 Pinegrove Ave., ready by 2027.

"We are very thankful for Assemblywoman Clark and Speaker Heastie's essential investment in our children," Johnson said. "The support allows us to confidently create more spots for future 4-year-olds in our blossoming Pre-K program, enabling students to establish crucial foundational skills and reach their highest potential as learners."

“Expanding access to UPK is one of the best investments we can make in our children’s education,” Evans said. “The learned skills during these formative years prepare them for success throughout their entire education. I want to thank Assemblywoman Sarah Clark, Speaker Heastie and our partners here at the West Irondequoit School District for their continued support of our children.”