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Pre‑K report shows high enrollment; county staff ask commissioners for $11.5M next year
Summary
Dr. Candice Thomas reported 94% enrollment in the Pre‑K program last year, 58% kindergarten readiness, and requested $11.5 million for next year (up from $9.5M). She warned federal funding shifts could affect local early‑childhood services and estimated universal pre‑K would cost about $50 million to fully fund locally.
Dr. Candice Thomas presented the Pre‑K 2023–24 annual report and the 2024–25 quarter‑two (Q2) report to the committee and highlighted improved enrollment and attendance. She said the program served 15 Pre‑K operators last year, achieved 94% enrollment, and had 87% intended attendance; 62% of participating children outperformed peers on the assessment the program uses and 58% met kindergarten‑ready thresholds.
"We had 94% enrollment last year," Thomas said, summarizing last year’s participation and outcomes. She also explained the county’s FY25 investments (currently $9.5 million) and the administration’s FY26 request of $11.5 million to expand classrooms and participation. A $2 million budget amendment was described as the immediate ask to move toward the FY26 request.
Commissioners asked logistical and procurement questions about Head Start recompetition and vendor selection; Thomas said four applicants (two local, two national) applied for the Head Start recompetition and that an award decision could come 'any day.' She warned that changes in federal policy — including potential Medicaid reductions — could reduce available resources and create a large local childcare need if Head Start or Early Head Start funding declines.
Thomas and commissioners also discussed long‑term costs to provide universal pre‑K locally: staff estimated an 'upwards of $50,000,000' to fully fund a universal program but said a five‑year rollout plan could phase funding in and reach roughly $25,000,000 over five years. Thomas said additional investments would be needed to improve program quality and to expand coaching and wraparound services.
