The Orthodox Union – Teach NYS released the following statements following the de Blasio administration’s announcement on half-day pre-K seats for the 2016-2017 school year:

“We commend Mayor de Blasio’s commitment to working with the city’s faith communities as partners to achieve his vision for high-quality universal pre-K,” said Allen Fagin, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union. “Fighting for the inclusion of thousands of diverse students in Mayor de Blasio’s UPK program has been a key priority of OU – Teach NYS, and we’re proud that the Mayor heard our voices. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Mayor’s office and realizing a shared goal of having a pre-K seat for every eligible child.”

“We’re proud that the administration engaged with our Jewish day schools and yeshivas across the city to ensure that children will continue to have access to quality pre-K next year,” said Maury Litwack, Director of State Political Affairs for the Orthodox Union. “OU – Teach NYS is especially grateful to the Mayor for making this announcement a month earlier than last year, giving schools and families from religious communities adequate time to participate.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)