A report released Tuesday from Fight Crime: Invest In Kids California said San Diego County spent $83 million on preschool this past school year. But it said San Diego should invest $335 million. The report stresses the investment could eventually save county schools $160 million a year.
The organization is comprised of law enforcement officials and survivors of violent crime. San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne said the report’s message is an important one.
“Success is found through education and that giving children the opportunity to be successful is critical,” he said. “And we have a responsibility to look at that, address it and correct it.”
Lansdowne said the money would come from shifting funds around, not adding additional spending. He said kids who attend high quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate high school and less likely to commit crimes. According to the report every dollar invested in early childhood education saves $16 in the long run.
