Most Texans would rather sell a favorite horse than vote for a tax hike that promises bigger government. Yet San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro has not only persuaded his constituents to spend $248 million to pay for an unusual and ambitious preschool program for poor 4-year-olds, but he is also going to open doors in August--a mere nine months after people asked for it. The city partnered with seven of the 15 local school districts within its borders to launch the "Pre-K 4 SA" program since the November election that authorized a tax increase for preschool programs. Mr. Castro aims to deliver what he deems are gold-standard academics to 22,400 children over eight years, in addition to intensive professional development for staff members and extensive parental supports. The action will take place in four new or retrofitted 50,000-square-foot state-of-the-art school buildings located at the corners of San Antonio's highways for easy access.