Jake Day Runs for Croton-Harmon School Board – UPK Advocate Enters Race

Jake Day Enters Croton-Harmon School Board Race, Championing Universal Pre-K

Jake Day, a Croton-on-Hudson resident and advocate for Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK), has announced his candidacy for the Croton-Harmon School Board. The election is scheduled for May 19th.

Day gained prominence in December 2023 when he, along with other UPK supporters, addressed the Board of Education regarding the potential loss of Pre-K services due to insufficient state funding. Providers expressed concerns that the per-child subsidy from New York State was inadequate, potentially leading to program closures. Parents and providers requested district funding to bridge the gap while the state legislature considered Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to increase aid.

While district officials did not commit to providing funds, they later engaged in efforts to persuade legislators to approve the governor’s proposal—a measure currently under consideration in the April state budget process. However, many parents remain dissatisfied with the district’s response to the UPK funding challenges.

On his campaign website, jakeforcroton.com, Day highlights his commitment to the community and his family’s reasons for moving to Croton-on-Hudson, citing the quality of the local schools. He notes that one of his sons will be attending Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School (CET) this fall, with another child to follow.

Day brings a professional background in community development and housing finance, with 15 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, focusing on directing public investment towards neighborhood revitalization and homeownership.

Platform Focused on Board Accountability and Investment

Day’s platform centers on four key commitments:

1. A school board that actively manages the budget, rather than simply approving it.
2. A board that prioritizes community input and accountability.
3. A commitment to academic excellence that aligns with financial investment.
4. Evidence-based educational investments, avoiding technology purchases solely for the sake of using technology.

Day’s candidacy marks the first challenge to incumbents in this election cycle. Anamika Bhatnagar, Sarah Carrier, and Neal Haber have all announced their intention to seek re-election.