MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City Council Members are set to discuss the proposed “Pre-K for All initiative,” on Tuesday.

Although one resolution looked at utilizing excess revenue from xAI to foot the bill, that option is no longer on the table.

The Pre-K for All program is the result of a joint city and county project. It would allow access to free preschool education for three and four-year-olds in Shelby County, regardless of income.

First 8 Memphis has been coordinating Pre-K services in our area for five years. At the city council meeting, they outlined the successes.

“Increased enrollment in pre-K and early learning centers across Memphis and Shelby County. We’ve seen babies going to school with increase in attendance,” said Kandace Thomas, First 8 Memphis Executive Director. 

Councilwoan Michaelyn Easter-Thomas wants to find funding to make sure Pre-K can get to more children.   She initially proposed getting $1.5 million dollars from extra money generated by xAI property taxes.

But in a presentation to the Council Budget Committee Tuesday morning, she backed off that.

She says they were able to find money already in the budget to cover the $1.5 million.

She says putting that with $2 million from the County Commission will add an additional $3.5 million to make Pre-K available to all kids.

it would add about 200 more seats. So we have 200 more, three and four year olds that are going to be kindergarten ready to go through any school in the city of Memphis and be able to be great Memphians and adding to the greatness of our society. So I am excited for that,” Easter-Thomas said.

Now it’s just a matter of the full council vote, which could come Tuesday night.