Please Help Support the Future of the North Syracuse Early Education Program (NSEEP)
Dear Parents, Former Parents, Families, and Supporters of The North Syracuse Early Education Program, or as many may have fondly remember it called, “Main Street”,
I am reaching out because there are growing concerns about the future of the North Syracuse School District’s inclusive preschool program and the possibility of significant changes to the way these important services are provided to our youngest students.
As many of you know, our current preschool building is aging, and there has long been an understanding that maintaining or repairing the building may no longer be practical. The concern is not about preserving the current building—it is about preserving the preschool program and the inclusive, centralized model that has made it so successful.
NSEEP currently brings together special education and typically developing preschool students in an inclusive environment, with special education teachers, teaching assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other staff working together in one location. Having everyone under one roof allows for collaboration among professionals, consistency for children and families, and access to spaces and equipment specifically designed for preschool-aged children.
The program also has access to age-appropriate therapy and gross-motor equipment, a preschool playground, gym space, and other resources that support the developmental needs of young children. These are not simply conveniences—they are important parts of providing appropriate, high-quality programming for preschoolers with a wide range of abilities and needs.
There have recently been rumors and concerns that when the current building closes, the preschool program could potentially be eliminated or divided among the district’s elementary schools. At this time, we do not know what final decisions will be made. However, because these possibilities are being discussed in the community, now is the time for families and community members to make their voices heard about what they value in the current program.
This is especially important because the district previously went through a community input process regarding the future of its buildings and programs. Following several opportunities for community feedback, the plan that received strong support was to close the current preschool building and relocate the inclusive preschool program to one of the district’s elementary schools (Allen Road Elementary had been mentioned), with the current Allen Road elementary students being redistributed among the district’s other elementary schools.
For those of us who know this preschool program, the issue is much bigger than which building it occupies. The goal is to keep the program together.
TIME IS IMPORTANT, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW.
Decisions regarding the future of the program may be approaching, which makes it especially important for families and community members to speak up before decisions are finalized. Once plans are approved or changes are put into motion, it may be much more difficult to preserve NSEEP as one centralized inclusive preschool program. We are asking those who value NSEEP to act now rather than wait until a final decision has been announced.
We are asking current and former preschool families, as well as community members who are familiar with the program, to consider speaking at upcoming Board of Education meetings. Public comments are limited to approximately three minutes, but three minutes is enough time to share a meaningful story.
Parents can be especially powerful voices. You can speak about your child’s experience, the progress you saw, the importance of having teachers and therapists working together, the benefits of inclusion, and what having a preschool program specifically designed for young children meant to your family.
We would also greatly appreciate help reaching out to local elected officials, community leaders, former families, and other respected members of the community who know this program and understand its value. Their voices can help demonstrate that maintaining a centralized inclusive preschool is not simply a staff concern—it is something that matters to families and to the larger community.
If you know someone who would be willing to attend a Board meeting and speak for three minutes in support of keeping the inclusive North Syracuse Early Education Program together in one centralized, appropriately equipped location, please encourage them to do so.
You do not need to be an expert or prepare a formal speech. You can simply share your personal connection to NSEEP, what the program has meant to a child or family you know, and why you believe keeping this inclusive preschool community together in one appropriately equipped location is important.
Most importantly, we want the Board of Education and district leadership to hear directly from the people who know children who have benefited from this program.
The building can change. The program does not have to be lost.
Our hope is that the district will honor the community-supported plan and preserve what makes this NSEEP special: inclusive classrooms, specialized preschool staff, related-service professionals working collaboratively, developmentally appropriate facilities and equipment, and one central preschool community where children of all abilities can learn, communicate, play, and grow together. Beyond supporting the children it serves, NSEEP provides guidance, resources, and a strong network of support for families during a critical period in their child’s development.
If this program has made a difference for your child or your family, please consider sharing your experience and encouraging others to do the same. A strong turnout and many individual voices can help demonstrate how deeply this program is valued.
Please do not wait until a final decision has been made. Now is the time for our community to speak up for NSEEP and for the children and families who will need this program in the years to come.
Thank you for supporting our preschool children, families, and the future of inclusive early childhood education in our community.
Warmly,
Friends of the North Syracuse Early Education Program
HOW TO SPEAK AT A BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
You must pre-register to speak, and registration is required by 3:00 p.m. on the Friday before the Monday Board meeting. Board meetings typically take place every other Monday. Most begin at 5:30 p.m., although some may begin at 5:00 p.m during July and August. Please check the district website for the date and starting time of the upcoming meeting.
To register, email jherrera@nscsd.org and indicate that you would like to register to speak during Comments from the Audience at the upcoming Board of Education meeting.
To find Board meeting information:
nscsd.org → District → Board of Education → Board Home
If you are using a phone, first select Menu, and then select District.
Scroll down to “Board of Education Members/Board Meetings” for meeting dates and information.
August 19, 2026
