For funds to support planning and implementation activities in cities, towns, regional school districts or educational collaboratives to expand pre-kindergarten or preschool opportunities on a voluntary basis to children who will be eligible for kindergarten within two school years, utilizing the Massachusetts Preschool Expansion Grant public-private partnership model; provided, that preference shall be given to districts in Gateway Cities or serving high percentages of high-needs students; provided further, that additional preference shall be given to districts that have completed strategic planning efforts that support expanding access to high-quality preschool; provided further, that notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, funds distributed from this item shall be deposited with the treasurer of the city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative and held in a separate account and shall be expended by the school committee of such city, town, regional school district or educational collaborative without further appropriation; provided further, that funds may be expended for programs or activities during the summer months; provided further, that funds may be expended for Summer Step Up to support children entering kindergarten and elementary school with academic and enrichment activities during the summer months; provided further, that funds from this item may be used to provide administrative support to grantees, including technical assistance and program evaluation; and provided further, that funds from this item shall be expended in coordination with funds from item
3000-6025| | Education and Transportation Fund | ............... | 100% |
