Using administrative and qualitative data, we investigate how decentralization affects the supply of optional educational services using the example of school-based prekindergarten (pre-K) in New Orleans during the transition to a majority-charter system. Although charter school leaders are motivated by student- and school-level benefits of pre-K, they face unique obstacles to funding classrooms. We find that the number of pre-K seats fell substantially as decision making and budgeting were decentralized. Charter schools that did offer pre-K experienced few internal benefits, on average, in terms of future enrollment or test performance, as pre-K graduates are highly mobile. This study provides initial evidence that decentralization without offsetting financial incentives can lead to reduced investments in programs that advance the social goals of education. (author abstract)