LISD warns pre‑K remains underfunded as district covers full‑day costs
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Summary
District staff told trustees LISD provides full‑day pre‑K while the state funds only half‑day, leaving an estimated nearly $3 million shortfall; enrollment is concentrated at several campuses and staffing models (co‑teach vs inclusive) are being reviewed.
Lewisville ISD staff told trustees that the district continues to deliver full‑day pre‑K programs while the state funds only a half‑day, leaving the district to cover the difference and creating an estimated shortfall of roughly $3.0 million.
District early‑childhood staff reported that pre‑K programming meets Texas statutory requirements for high‑quality pre‑K and serves a diverse population. In 2023–24, pre‑K peaked at just over 1,500 students in May; mid‑semester this year about 1,400 pre‑K and ECSE students were enrolled and the district had added roughly 270 new students since the start of the school year.
LISD uses a co‑teach model in many pre‑K classrooms (general education teacher plus special‑education teacher) to meet TEA's 11:1 ratio requirement and will consider staffing models (including inclusive classrooms) to respond to budget constraints and staffing availability. The district also noted that tuition‑based classes are offered through Discovery Academy and that about half of the 67 full‑day pre‑K classes are co‑teach.
Board members praised program outcomes and requested longitudinal tracking of pre‑K students into subsequent grades. Trustees also pressed for attendance data and asked about transportation and enrollment barriers that may prevent eligible families from enrolling. Staff said attendance tracking and longitudinal studies are under development and that transportation can be a barrier for some families.