SAISD Board of Trustees supports city’s Pre-K initiative

SAISD Board of Trustees supports city’s Pre-K initiative

SAN ANTONIO, July 27, 2012 – The SAISD Board of Trustees on Thursday adopted a resolution in support of the city’s Pre-K 4 SA initiative, which falls in line with the District’s commitment to provide high-quality, full-day pre-kindergarten.

The proposed Pre-K 4 SA, formerly known as the Brainpower Initiative, calls for creating model early childhood learning centers and partnerships with existing Pre-K programs throughout the city to provide high-quality, full-day Pre-K to thousands of eligible children, according to state guidelines. The centers would share best practices in early childhood education through professional development to early childhood educators from throughout the city.The City Council is expected to consider next month calling a November election for voter approval to implement a 1/8-cent increase to the city sales tax to fund the initiative.

The city will develop a memorandum of understanding with the District in regards to SAISD’s potential participation in the initiative.“This certainly is a bold step, using the sales tax for education,” SAISD board President Ed Garza said. “I look forward to seeing this implemented, tracked and expanded where needed because the data show that we either invest now or we invest much more down the road. This kind of investment does make a difference.”

Rigorous studies demonstrate that a community will receive at least a $3 return for every $1 investment in pre-kindergarten.

Pre-K 4 SA aims to dramatically and sustainably raise local student achievement through strategic investment in early childhood education. Research has found that when students enter kindergarten ready to learn, they are more likely to read successfully by the third grade and succeed in school.

The program will serve 4-year-olds who are eligible for state funding because of their parents’ military status, their involvement in foster care, homeless status, their family income or their home language or 4-year-olds whose families pay a portion of the cost under a sliding scale arrangement.

SAISD currently offers full-day pre-kindergarten and Head Start, a federally funded program, for 3- and 4-year-olds.

 

 

--SAISD--

Mission

To transform SAISD into a national model urban school district where every child graduates and is educated so that he or she is prepared to be a contributing member of the community.

Vision

Our primary purpose of improving lives through a quality education is driven by an unrelenting determination to graduate all of our students and prepare them for success in higher education. Our ideology is reflected in our fundamental beliefs, commitments and core values that guide us in our daily practices.

Core Values

  • Student Centered
  • High Expectations
  • Commitment
  • Passion
  • Integrity
  • Respect
  • Teamwork

Core Beliefs

  • Every student can learn and achieve at high levels.
  • We are responsible for the education and safety of every student.
  • We are responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the school system.
  • Everyone should be treated with respect.
  • People support what they help create.