Staten Island Excluded from Mayor's Free 2-K Pilot Program

Parents and officials criticize decision to leave out the 'forgotten borough'

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Staten Island parents and local officials are outraged that Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new free 2-K pilot program will not include any slots for the borough. Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the five city school districts that will be eligible for the 2,000 program spots, but Staten Island was left out despite having many low-income families who could benefit.

Why it matters

The exclusion of Staten Island from the free 2-K program has reignited long-standing feelings that the borough is the 'forgotten' part of New York City, with parents and officials arguing that local families who are struggling financially deserve the same access to early childhood education as other communities.

The details

Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul revealed the five eligible school districts for the 2,000 free 2-K spots, which will launch in the fall. However, Staten Island was not included, despite having many low-income families who could utilize the program. Local parents expressed frustration at being left out, with one mother saying 'What's the matter, too many registered Republicans here?' Borough President Vito Fossella and City Councilman Frank Morano, both Republicans, criticized Mamdani for the decision, arguing that young, hardworking Staten Island families deserve the same access to free early childhood education as other parts of the city.

  • On March 3, 2026, Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announced the five school districts that will be part of the free 2-K pilot program.
  • The 2,000 free 2-K program spots will launch in the fall of 2026.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the free 2-K pilot program, excluding Staten Island.

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who joined Mayor Mamdani in announcing the free 2-K pilot program.

Vito Fossella

The borough president of Staten Island who criticized Mayor Mamdani's decision to exclude Staten Island from the free 2-K program.

Frank Morano

A New York City councilman representing Staten Island who criticized Mayor Mamdani's decision to exclude Staten Island from the free 2-K program.

Frosina Agushi

The owner of Hylan Daycare in Staten Island who was not surprised by the borough's exclusion from the free 2-K program, saying 'We are the forgotten borough again.'

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What they’re saying

“I know it's like the lottery but to get shut out? Not even a chance? What's the matter, too many registered Republicans here?”

— Diane, Mother of three (New York Post)

“We have young, hardworking families here, just like any other borough. If help is going to be offered for free, these families sure could use it, as they work to make their kids' future the best it can be.”

— Vito Fossella, Borough President (New York Post)

“We are the forgotten borough again.”

— Frosina Agushi, Hylan Daycare owner (New York Post)

What’s next

The mayor's office has not indicated if or when Staten Island may be included in the free 2-K pilot program in the future.

The takeaway

This decision to exclude Staten Island from the free 2-K program has reignited long-standing feelings of neglect and marginalization in the borough, with local families and officials arguing that they deserve the same access to early childhood education resources as other parts of the city.