City Leaders Advocate Early Renewal of Pre-K 4 SA Program
San Antonio council members urged earlier voter action on the city-funded Pre-K 4 SA program. Pre-K 4 SA presented its fiscal plan at a Wednesday City Council meeting.
Budget and staffing
The nonprofit proposed $62.3 million for fiscal 2027. That fiscal year runs July 2026 through June 2027.
The proposal keeps services and staffing at current levels. Staff numbers will remain at 502 employees.
Vote schedule
The board plans to vote on the budget on April 28. City Council will consider final approval on May 7.
Projected spending is higher than last year’s $58.7 million. Officials say sales tax revenues exceeded expectations. The budget aligns with a multi-year spending plan through 2029.
Renewal push
Several council members want voters to decide sooner than 2029. Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez proposed placing a renewal on this year’s ballot.
Councilmembers Edward Mungia, Teri Castillo and Ric Galvan voiced support for that approach. City Leaders Advocate Early Renewal of Pre-K 4 SA Program, arguing earlier voter approval would help budget and planning.
The program began after a blue-ribbon task force under then-Mayor Julian Castro. Voters first approved the sales tax funding in 2012. A 2021 reauthorization extended the program and added children under three, funded by a one-eighth cent sales tax.
New facilities and services
Pre-K 4 SA is partnering on Educare San Antonio at Texas A&M-San Antonio. That center will serve about 200 children and open in August.
A South Education Center opened in October 2025 and exceeded expectations. Officials report high baseline instructional quality scores at that site.
The nonprofit will roll out an online family search tool next year to help families find providers. It will assist providers extending care to weekends and non-traditional hours for military families and shift workers.
Business partnerships and workforce needs
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones highlighted child care as a barrier in her State of the City address. She said child care affects economic participation.
Her office commissioned a report showing a need for tens of thousands more subsidized seats. Jones stressed that capacity, access and wages all affect families’ ability to use care.
Pre-K 4 SA CEO Sarah Baray said staff have met with employers, including Toyota and USAA. She said employer collaboration is needed to expand care for non-traditional schedules.
The council debate over timing could shape program funding and operations. Officials will continue work on budgets, facilities and employer partnerships.
