First State Memphis reports strong Pre-K enrollment and seeks increased county funding

Dr. Candace Thomas presented an annual report for the 2023–24 school year and a quarter-2 update for the current school year on the county-supported Pre-K program. The presentation highlighted enrollment, attendance, instructional coaching for teachers and family engagement outcomes.

For 2023–24, the report listed 15 Pre-K operators (including Memphis Shelby County Schools and Bartlett City Schools) and a 94% enrollment rate for the year. The report said 87% of students met an attendance threshold (students attending 80% or more days), that 100% of teachers received monthly one-on-one instructional coaching, and that 62% of students outperformed peers on a seven-domain assessment. The presentation reported that 58% of participating children scored as "kindergarten ready" on the Brigance assessment.

For the current school year (quarter 2, covering Oct. 14–Dec. 20), staff said enrollment was about 93% and that 92% of students met the quarter's attendance goal. Dr. Thomas described that 91% of early-head-start classrooms were at capacity in quarter 2 and that 95% of those children were up to date on preventive and primary care.

County investments and budget requests were included: the county commission provided $9.5 million for the current fiscal school year and First State Memphis is asking for $11.5 million for the next school year to expand classrooms and the number of children served. Dr. Thomas described other county early-childhood investments—the county's early-head-start match ($500,000) and NextMemphis ($500,000)—and said Early Head Start's total federal allocation for the area is about $7.2 million. She added that First State Memphis did not apply to be a Head Start operator in a current recompetition and said the Head Start award decision is expected near-term.

Commissioners praised enrollment gains and discussed next steps. Commissioner Sugarman urged collaboration with the city council so municipal budget action will align with the county's investments. Commissioner Wright asked about the Head Start recompetition; Dr. Thomas said four applicants had applied locally and the federal Department of Health and Human Services will select the awardee. Commissioner Mills requested copies of state certification letters related to the tax rate later in the meeting; Dr. Thomas's presentation did not address that administrative item.

Ending: The committee accepted the presentation; staff said they will continue quarterly reporting and that additional budget details for the county's $11.5 million request will be provided in the fall as fiscal numbers are finalized.