Some Hudson Valley school districts are starting the new school year with expanded pre-K programs.

At a time when many school districts have had to cut pre-K and other programs due to budget cutbacks, a $340 million windfall to 81 school districts across the state, including some in the Hudson Valley, comes as a welcome gift.

The grants, announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office Tuesday, will reimburse schools as they implement or expand their pre-K programs.

Ossining schools will receive $2.1 million. The money will also allow the Ossining School District to increase its pre-K teaching roster from seven to 14.

Newburgh City schools will receive nearly $3 million in grant money, while the Catholic School Region of Central Westchester will get a little over $2 million.

White Plains Public Schools will also receive more than $1 million.