Current VPI classrooms would be eliminated in the FY15-16 budget after lifting a hold harmless provision. We would lose ground if we eliminated used VPI slots. We ask that the budget be amended to extend the hold harmless for one more year and revisit the VPI formula allocation next year.

The Problem: Two years ago, in order to avoid higher costs associated with the increase in the number of children living in poverty, Virginia changed the formula for estimating the number of at-risk four-year-olds eligible for the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI).  For the last two years, localities that would have lost VPI slots under this change to the formula were “held harmless” and continued to receive the same number of slots that they had used for at-risk 4 year old students since FY12.

The FY 15-16 budget eliminates the hold harmless provision, eliminating 892 VPI slots that are currently filled by  at-risk 4-year-olds in 31 communities. Two years ago, this arbitrary formula was defended by reassurances that the hold-harmless prevented a reduction in the number of preschoolers served.  Removing the hold-harmless will penalize communities using their full VPI allocation and could result in cutting classrooms and jobs.

The Impact: These 13 communities will lose a VPI classroom or more under the new formula allocation.

FY14 Actual Used VPI Slots

FY15 Proposed VPI Slots

Difference Btw Used & Proposed Slots

Arlington

537

486

-51

Bedford Co

139

93

-46

Charles City

27

7

-20

Lynchburg

323

261

-62

Montgomery

180

159

-21

Newport News

1157

1090

-67

Norfolk

1827

1576

-251

Petersburg

196

174

-22

Portsmouth

619

522

-97

Prince Edward

118

90

-28

Pulaski

87

69

-18

Scott

53

25

-28

Suffolk

402

347

-55

Other divisions

 

 

-126

 Total

-892

The estimated cost to continue to fund these currently filled VPI slots is $2.1 million. That could be absorbed in the $3.5 million proposed increase for VPI as long as there is enough funding for the hold harmless and for other localities that plan to expand services and serve more VPI students next year.

The Fix: 

• Include the Senate budget language Item 136 #6s in the budget conference report. This language ensures that: 1) localities can have no fewer slots than they used in FY14; 2) increases the per pupil rate in FY16 by $98, along with inflation; 3) factors in more updated information on Head Start participation and; 4) allows for expansion grants with unspent balances.

 

We can’t afford to lose ground on early childhood education. The CNU poll released on Feb. 3rd showed that 70% of voters across VA support investments in early childhood to improve academic outcomes and prepare our future workforce. These VPI slots should continue to be allocated to at-risk 4-year-olds for the 14-15 school year.

 

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