By DAVID CRUZ 

Several buzzwords abound to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s lofty plan in expanding the city’s universal pre-K program.  Terms such as“progressive”and “equity” appear on most news reports, suggesting de Blasio’s genuine belief the program can help raise a child’s future success.

But another word still trails behind—“space.”

Indeed, should de Blasio get state permission to tax the wealthy to fund the program, finding classrooms for the 13,845 new UPK full day students by September arguably presents a potential roadblock to his plan.  Logistical details remain somewhat vague, though the School Construction Authority’s newly-released FY2015-2019 Capital Budget plan concluded the authority intends to fit “pre-kindergarten seats into existing buildings with the greatest amount of ease and swiftness.”

De Blasio echoed the report when testifying in Albany over the merits of increasing pre-K space, telling legislators his administration is “confident that we’ll have the space to accommodate those children across public school and community-based organization settings.”

Finding Space
But the School Construction Authority, tasked to find and build space, may have to scout beyond the overcrowded school buildings that pepper School District 10.  Encompassing Norwood, Kingsbridge, Riverdale, Fordham, Tremont and Bedford Park, District 10 stands as one of the most squeezed school districts in the city, according to Inside Schools.

“As soon as I heard they were going to expand UPK, I said ‘where?’” recalled Marvin Shelton, president of the Community Education Council for District 10.

An analysis by the Norwood News found that school building utilization rates, which tallies the current capacity of structures, average 99 percent in District 10.  Of the 66 total number of recorded school buildings within District 10, 18 elementary school buildings are apportioned to house UPK classes, holding a student body of at least 18 pre-K seats per classroom.  Because of a major age gap, the city Department of Education places students in elementary school buildings, offering fewer options for the agency to find extra space.

Turning to CBOs and City Space
The bulk of part-time or full day students attend UPK at one of 39 community-based organizations (CBO) such as Ready Set Learn or Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, which are scattered throughout District 10.  The DOE imposes strict guidelines with questions that run from classroom space and licensing, to teaching staff.  

The DOE and the Administration for Children’s Services have already released Request for Proposals for pre-K classes to established CBOs.  The RFP contract is open to all, though a portion of the RFP states that much of their target audience is in the southwest Bronx, mainly Tremont, Highbridge and Morrisania.  Shelton cautions that a new policy could usher in new CBOs that could take advantage of this new revenue stream, totaling a yearly cost of $10,239 per child.  “Thank goodness there’s high guidelines and rigorous foresight of these programs,” said Shelton.  “But I can see a flood of people saying, ‘Hey, you know, we can open up a UPK program, get x amount of dollars, and not be high quality.’”

A report by the city Office of Management and Budget states the city will review space in other “city-owned property with the Economic Development Corporation, space in branches of the New York Public Library, and others to secure additional space as needed.”   The results are pending.  The report dismissed space as the main crux of de Blasio’s plan, but rather “sufficient, sustainable funding,” a point that’s inspired the mayor to travel to Albany.

Making the Case to Albany
The mayor recently traveled to Albany to pitch his plan, contingent on a city tax he would impose on high-earning families to cover the $340 million cost.  Because the city cannot unilaterally raise taxes, de Blasio needs state permission, setting up a contentious political battle with Governor Andrew Cuomo, who’s vowed not to raise taxes this year.  Cuomo’s  instead crafted a five-year, $1.5 billion plan that would expand pre-K statewide. 

State Assembly Democrats have supported the plan, including Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, whose district would have residents impacted by de Blasio’s plan, though he admits scouring for space in a short amount of time is a tall order.

“At least in September it’s going to involve finding space that already exist in one form or another,” said Dinowtiz, who represents the area.  “There are already institutions that already have pre-K programs, and so this might involve expanding their capacity.  But I think because we don’t have a bunch of empty buildings waiting for four year olds, I think finding the space, at least in our school district, is going to be an important issue.”

But while de Blasio’s cause is championed by Democrats, Senate Republicans have vowed to reject the plan once it has the chance to review it.

As of press time, the Assembly’s Ways and Means analysts are still reviewing whether it’s financially feasible.  A poll by Quinnipiac University showed New Yorkers favor Cuomo’s plan over de Blasio’s.