Pre K for SA outlines FY27 budget, flags 2028 reauthorization deadline

Sarah Bridal, speaking on behalf of Pre K for SA, told the San Antonio City Council at the April 15 B session that the program’s FY27 operating budget proposal is $62,289,638 and would hold staffing steady while sustaining its network of providers and direct services.

Bridal reviewed more than a decade of program work, saying Pre K for SA has created thousands of full‑day Pre‑K seats and expanded services into birth‑to‑3 care, launched a South Education Center, expanded a shared‑services alliance to 90 providers and credentialed more than 300 early‑learning staff. She said external evaluations show better third‑grade outcomes for alumni and cited an earlier study presented to council that reported a $57 million return on investment over eight years for certain program elements.

Why it matters: the local sales‑tax revenue that funds Pre K for SA is scheduled to end in March 2029 and the program must be reauthorized by statute no later than Nov. 28, 2028, Bridal said. That timetable, she told council, means the next two to three years will determine whether and how the program continues.

Budget details: Bridal presented a multi‑year forecast that anticipates modest revenue growth and a planned drawdown of fund balance through the end of the authorization. For FY27 Pre K for SA projects $58.9 million in revenues, $62.3 million in expenditures and a year‑end fund balance of about $3.6 million. Personnel costs are the largest single line (more than $39 million), with contractual services, commodities and other operating lines comprising the remainder. Bridal said the proposed personnel complement for FY27 remains unchanged from FY26 at 502 positions.

Council follow‑ups and questions: council members asked for more granular information on cost‑per‑child and what the operating budget covers beyond direct classroom instruction — specifically family support services, professional learning for partner providers and the shared‑services work that supports 90 partner sites. Bridal said much of the per‑child cost reflects comprehensive services, coaching, family specialists and extended hours (programs operate roughly 7:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Council requested an apples‑to‑apples breakdown comparing Pre K for SA costs to school‑district expenditures and asked for the long‑term outcomes report that external evaluators are preparing later in the year.

Military‑affiliated families: councilmembers pressed how enrollment policies prioritize families with the greatest need while also serving military‑affiliated children. Bridal said the program’s definition of “military affiliated” includes active duty, veterans and reservists and that partnerships with Joint Base San Antonio are intended to expand access for military families while ensuring the program continues to prioritize low‑income families most likely to remain in the community.

Contingency planning: Bridal acknowledged that without reauthorization the program could not continue in its present form and that some services might be retained at lower capacity. She also described efforts to diversify revenue (grants and foundation support) but said a stable local sales‑tax base is the primary sustainable funding source.

What’s next: council members and staff committed to follow‑up materials, including a clearer cost breakdown (dual‑enrollment share, family‑services spending and professional learning costs) and the long‑term outcomes report. Bridal said the Pre K for SA board will act on its sections on April 28 and the full council will see related items on May 7.

Ending: The council did not vote on the budget at the B session; staff said they will return with additional details during the budget adoption process and with materials to support any discussion about placing reauthorization on an earlier ballot.