SAN ANTONIO-
City leaders, educators and dozens of taxpayers turned out to learn more about the city's proposed "Pre-K 4 SA: program this week. It would raise taxes by an eighth of a cent and provide more then 22,000 four-year-olds an opportunity to attend full day Pre-Kindergarten at new education centers around the city over the next eight years.News 4 WOAI's Delaine Mathieu listened to both sides and breaks down what's next in the push for the Pre-K program.
The panel was packed at with some of the most influential leaders in education and business in the city at the Town Hall Meeting Tuesday night at the Pearl Full Goods Studio.
Each had three minutes to explain their view about the Pre-K program.
Jeff Judson, a public policy consultant in San Antonio, says the program isn't necessary because of the programs already in place.
"This Pre-K plan is more about politics than it is about children," said Judson, "It is more about building four mega centers which will no doubt be adorned with the names of local politicians or their mothers who are still living."
John Folks, former superintendent for Northside ISD, says the Pre-K program is absolutely vital for children in San Antonio.
"We have to have our kids prepared and ready to start school at a Pre-K level because, let me tell you, their academic career begins at the Pre-K and kinder level," Dr. Folks told us.
If the Pre-K 4 SA program passes on November 6, the sales tax could go into effect April 1st.
