I can't help but think that the big bond initiative relative to Education ($10 Billion in bonds in 2006 and another $9 Billion in 2008) doesn't have something to do with preschool. I saw in the text of the law that upon new construction, existing portable classrooms to be removed could be used for childcare and PRESCHOOL.
Ostensibly the deal was struck to placate Nunez, whose school district is way over budget, broke and has a reputation for mega waste. But, there is always the possibility that the gang was also anticipating the approval of Prop 82 and didn't know quite how to approach, by then, a livid, electoral minority, seeking funding for all the new, state operated preschools to house the new batch of state educated and salaried teachers.
So maybe, yes, the gang had Reiner's dreams in mind when they fronted for the education lobby.