NEW BOSTON — A long-running preschool program that has served generations of local families is coming to an end.
New Boston Local Schools announced it will discontinue its Early Childhood Education (ECE) Preschool Program at the close of the 2025–2026 school year. The final day of classes is set for May 6, with the program officially shutting down July 1.
District leaders say the decision didn’t come easy.
In a letter to parents, Superintendent PJ Fitch said the district values early childhood education and understands how important the program has been to families and the community. But after months of review, officials concluded the program is no longer financially sustainable.
Why the program is closing
According to the district, several factors led to the shutdown:
- Fewer students enrolling who qualify for the income-based preschool program
- Cuts and uncertainty in state grant funding
- Rising costs and administrative demands tied to new state oversight
One of the biggest changes involves who regulates preschool programs in Ohio. Oversight recently shifted from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to the Ohio Department of Children and Youth — a move districts say comes with added requirements but not enough funding to cover them.
School officials say financial projections show the program would continue operating at a loss if it stayed open.
Part of a larger trend
New Boston isn’t alone.
Just last month, Green Local Schools announced it would shut down its own district-run preschool program, also pointing to funding concerns, new state requirements, and the loss of pandemic-era federal support that had helped keep programs afloat.
Like New Boston, Green’s program served families with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level — meaning closures like these hit some of the most vulnerable families the hardest.
Community reaction
The announcement has already sparked concern, especially among those with deep ties to the program.
One commenter said they helped start the preschool more than five decades ago when it first launched as a pilot program at Stanton Primary.
“I have such vivid memories of that time and the teachers,” the commenter wrote. “Hopefully, the state will step up and support preschool funding. God help us all in education.”
District responds to concerns
After the announcement was posted online, some parents initially couldn’t comment — something the superintendent later addressed.
Fitch said comments were turned off by mistake and have since been restored. He also emphasized that district leaders are open to talking with families.
“Anyone that would like to discuss the factors that led to this terribly difficult decision… we welcome dialogue,” Fitch said, inviting parents to reach out or meet in person for a transparent discussion.
What happens next
The district says staff will help families explore other preschool options and answer questions during the transition. Parents can contact Stanton Primary School for assistance.
For now, the focus is on finishing out the school year — and saying goodbye to a program that’s been part of New Boston for more than half a century.