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1st State Memphis lays out pre‑K expansion plan, asks Shelby County for $13.7M
Summary
1st State Memphis presented FY24 pre‑K results and proposed a phased 'pre‑K for All' expansion, seeking roughly $13.7 million from the county next year to increase seats and raise per‑pupil funding to improve quality and reach more 3‑ and 4‑year‑olds.
Dr. Candace Thomas, chief executive of 1st State Memphis, presented the nonprofit’s FY24 pre‑K report and a multi‑year expansion plan to commissioners on Oct. 23. She said FY24 actuals closed at $16.0 million and FY25 projected costs are $16.5 million; current investment per child is about $8,700.
Thomas said the program ended FY24 at roughly 94% enrolled capacity and an 87% attendance rate, while Early Head Start seats were 96% filled. The organization proposed an incremental expansion aimed at serving 65% of four‑year‑olds and 35% of three‑year‑olds in five years, and asked the county to consider a preliminary FY26 county request of $13.7 million (the county contribution in the current year was $9.5M).
Commissioners and 1st State staff discussed provider capacity, the role of private childcare providers, and how the county could align voluntary pre‑K, Head Start and local investments. Alicia Norman of NextMemphis said the reported 82% utilization rate of partners understates unmet need, because many families cannot afford care and many providers lack resources to raise quality.
What’s next: 1st State Memphis said it will bring a draft ordinance for 'universal needs‑based pre‑K' early next year. Commissioners asked the administration and 1st State to return with more detailed budget breakdowns and seat‑growth timelines.
