Ballard Signs Preschool Program Into Law

Mayor Greg Ballard Thursday signed the ordinance to create a $40 million, five-year preschool scholarship program to provided free, early education to more than 1,000 of the city’s low-income children.

The public-private partnership initially faced stiff opposition by some members of the City County Council.

But after months of negotiations and pressure from business leaders it passed with strong support earlier this month. The plan has resonated with business leaders, community groups and the public because they believe it will lead to reduced crime, higher graduation rates and a better city overall.

“People want this in the city because Indianapolis recognizes the need to make sure every kid gets a strong start in education," Ballard said before signing the ordinance at the Warren Early Childhood Center. "And I’ve said so many times before: Kids who receive quality pre-education -- that higher level of pre-K -- have less risk of dropping out of school. It’s these social skills that really stick with these kids -- the persistence, the patience, the conflict resolution. All of that is what sticks with them throughout their entire life so they are better able to graduate from high school and move on and do better.”

Now the council must vote on how to fund half of the $40 million program which would likely start sometime in 2015. The remaining cost would be covered by donations from local companies.

John Barth, council vice president, believes the council can agree on a way to fund the preschool program.

“The funding approach we put together is very solid. All it does is really take advantage of savings and efficiencies that we’ve found," Barth said. "And so I really don’t think there will be significant opposition.”

A date for when the council will vote on funding has not been set.

Call WFYI reporter Eric Weddle at (317) 614-0470. Follow on Twitter: @ericweddle.