Future of Pre-K 4 SA in voters’ hands as November election approaches

For more than a decade, Pre-K 4 SA has helped thousands of San Antonio children get a head start on their education. Now, voters will decide whether to extend funding for another 20 years.

Proposition A on the Nov. 3 ballot would reauthorize the existing one-eighth-cent sales tax funding the program without increasing the tax rate.

Dr. Sarah Baray, Pre-K 4 SA’s CEO for 10 years, says thousands of families could be affected.

“We serve 2,000 children directly. We serve another almost 5,000 for our partner providers,” Baray said.

Voters first approved Pre-K 4 SA in 2012 under then-Mayor Julián Castro and renewed funding in 2020.

Castro still considers the program an important investment in San Antonio’s future.

“Whether it’s 2026 or 2036 or beyond that, San Antonio is going to need to make sure that it has as strong an educated workforce as possible. And that’s what Pre-K for SA in a big way is helping to deliver,” Castro said.

Beyond its four education centers, Pre-K 4 SA provides professional development for thousands of early childhood educators and partners with nearly 100 childcare providers.

“I think what people know even less about is the fact that in addition to our schools, we work with thousands of early childhood educators every year,” Baray said.

If approved, the extension would support plans to expand infant and toddler care, strengthen partnerships and increase childcare options for families working nights and weekends.

If rejected, current funding would continue until March 2029. Baray said City Council could place the issue before voters again in 2027 or 2028.

Some parents are concerned about the program’s future.

“The parents asking, ‘What’s going to happen and what will this mean?’” Baray said.

Despite the uncertainty, Baray remains hopeful.

“I’m cautiously optimistic, because I’m an optimist by nature, but I also, you know, I worry, because you don’t know how elections are going to go,” she said.

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