A resolution expressing the Metropolitan Council's desire that state pre-k funds be distributed across the city through various agencies and programs.

WHEREAS, in May 2005, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted legislation proposed by Governor Bredesen, known as the Voluntary Pre-K for Tennessee Act of 2005, to allow the use of $25 million in lottery surplus proceeds to establish pre-k programming through a competitive grant process; and

WHEREAS, the Pre-K in Tennessee program is to be accessible to all four-year-olds, with an emphasis on children who are at-risk and not served by an existing program; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to this new state law, Metro Nashville Public Schools will serve as the applicant for the state pre-k funds in this district and must provide matching funds based on the BEP formula; and

WHEREAS, a Pre-K Advisory Council has been formed through Alignment Nashville to provide input into the application and the plan for the use funds; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council asserts that it is in the best interest of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County for state pre-k funds to be disbursed to various non-profit and for-profit child care providers and Head Start programs throughout Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record to assert that state pre-k funds be distributed to non-profit and for-profit child care providers and Head Start programs throughout the city, and that the distribution of the funds not be limited to one agency or program.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education, to Dr. Pedro Garcia, the Director of Schools, and to the executive director of Alliance Nashville.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Lynn Williams, Diane Neighbors