TOLEDO, Ohio — Free, universal pre-kindergarten is something Toledo has heard about for years.
After many previous proposals fell short Toledo City Council heard a new pitch Tuesday night from Rev. John C. Jones, president of HOPE Toledo for a program to deliver free, universal pre-K to all the city's 4-year-olds.
Jones asked council to spend more than $1 million from the city's share of federal American Rescue Plan relief money.
"I think this is the biggest thing we should be concerned about right now," Jones said.
It's not a new idea, but it's something he says we need to make sure young people have the foundation for success.
"Education is crucial for us to ensure our children are getting off to a strong start," Jones said.
He proposes the city use $1.25 million of its American Rescue Plan money to pay for it.
"So that we ensure all of our children get access, families know that they are prepared," Jones said.
His presentation showed there are about 4,000 4-year-old kids in Toledo. As many as 1,000 of these children do not having access to early education, because of financial or transportation barriers, among other issues.
Councilman John Hobbs III said he's on board with the idea after seeing those less fortunate left behind.
"The violence that we are seeing in our city. The violence that we are seeing across the nation. Look at where it's occurring. And it is in areas of poverty and lack of education," Hobbs said.
Some council members questioned how Toledo would continue to fund a universal pre-kindergarten program after the initial American Rescue Plan funding runs out.
"My concerns aren't for the needs for this, it's demonstrated it's needed. My concerns are the sustainability of it," said Councilwoman Katie Moline.
Jones pointed out that both ProMedica and the Lucas County commissioners support the universal pre-K plan. He said he also plans to pitch the proposal to state and federal lawmakers and hopes to craft a long-term funding plan.
"On a long-term basis, we would want to continue building these types of partnerships so we can increase the funding, we don't have the answer for the long term," Jones said.
Hobbs said he believes Toledo's generations to come deserve a fair fight in their future.
"Don't wait until it runs out, let's start planning now. Community leaders, pastors, organizations, non-profits, let's carry on this work," Hobbs said.
The council's education committee will discuss the 38-page proposal at its May meeting, after which it may return to the full council for a vote.