Prior to sine die in late May, Texas legislators agreed to fund all-day pre-kindergarten for qualifying children, all part of an effort to improve the education and availability of childcare across the state.
House Bill (HB) 3, authored by Dan Huberty (R-Humble), also known as the school finance reform bill, includes $6.5 billion in public education improvements and teacher pay, along with $5.1 billion aimed at lowering school taxes, according to a Texas Tribune report. Part of HB3 also allows funding for all-day Pre-K for 4-year-olds who qualify. The bill was sent to Gov. Greg Abbott May 29.
Hays CISD will be able to offer qualifying families all-day Pre-K education and care starting in August. HCISD Superintendent Eric Wright supported the bill from its conception and said he is ready and willing to hire more teachers and staff to accommodate the program.
