Proposed Texas budget cuts may eliminate Pre-K programs

EL PASO — Finger paintings hang alongside the wall, number lines run along the perimeter of the pre-kindergarten classroom, and the alphabet is displayed for the children’s eager eyes. The Ysleta Pre-Kindergarten Center located at 7940 Craddock Ave El Paso, Texas 79915 is just one of the many Pre-K establishments for children to begin their education. “In our campus we have a total 725 students and about 100 employees,” said Principal Sandra Perez-Ibarra. Pre-kindergarten programs, however, may soon be the victims of cuts in the Texas state budget.  This session, lawmakers will approve a budget for fiscal years 2012 and 2013 (Sept.