Ysleta ISD considers shutting down Pre-K center as the program grows more popular

The Ysleta School District is considering shutting down the Robert F. Kennedy Pre-Kindergarten Center. The center in the Lower Valley is currently operating at half-capacity. But that doesn’t mean YISD’s universal Pre-K isn’t popular.

Mother Jennifer Cano enrolled her four-year-old son in the RFK Pre-Kindergarten Center last fall.

“I love the school,” Cano said. “He’s learning how to be more social with kids, because before he started school he was very anti-social since he’s autistic.”

According to the Pew Research Center, high-quality Pre-K increases a child’s chances of succeeding in school and in life. Children who attend are less likely to be held back, to need special education, to become dependent on welfare, or involved in crime and more likely to graduate from high school, have higher earnings as adults.

“They actually will be prepared for Kindergarten,” Cano said.

YISD offers half-day Pre-K at 13 sites. The district is considering closing RFK because the building is underutilized, but enrollment is steady.
Just under 2, 000 students are enrolled in Pre-K, 738 at elementary school site, 305 at Parkland Pre-K Center, 396 at RFK Pre-K Center, and 551 at Ysleta Pre-K Center, according to a Jan.15 attendance report.

Recently El Paso ISD has opened slots for non-qualifying students at eight campuses. Both school districts are fighting declining enrollment. Offering pre-K helps combat that, but its also a part of a larger goal President Barack Obama has championed, as well as Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott, who saw his Pre-K bill become law last year. HB-40 provides grant funding to existing Pre-K programs with the goal to make them higher quality.

Students who attend RFK will move to the Ysleta Pre-K center. Transportation will be provided. This move means RFK teachers may have to move locations, but no one will be laid off. YISD said combining the two schools will save YISD about $1.2 million.