Continuing updates will be emailed and posted to this blog
August 27th Informational Meeting Notes – PARENTS
Kathy Hawkins welcomed parents in attendance and introduced Pastor Shane from Christian City Church.
Pastor Shane gave an overview of some history of the building and the necessary repair needed on the structural beams. The church building was built in 1968 and the beams are now in need of repair due to dry rot and carpenter ants. The building has not been red tagged but we are “not to occupy the building until it is fixed.” He explained that we hope to fix it quickly and have begun the process by arranging financing and contacting contractors. There are 2 possible contractors at this point, and drawings from the structural engineer should arrive on Friday (today).
Based on the timing of these findings and the permit and the construction process we will not be opening school on September 8th. We are looking at a 2 week to 2 month delay depending on what happens next – temporarily relocating to a new site(s) or late start at BCP.
We have researched many area churches, schools, and warehouses as temporary relocation sites. If we relocate to a site that does not have a Conditional Use Permit, it takes 45-90 days to get one. We are currently negotiating with a site that already has this permit as a possible relocation site.
We have researched the idea of modulars and have learned we can rent one at $1000 monthly per unit, but securing and placing each one is an additional $10,000. We would need about 5. We have also learned that any modular put on property longer than 15 days in considered a permanent structure and needs a permit which takes up to 90 days.
Pastor Shane expressed his gratefulness for finding out about this need at this time. The repair will be expensive, but very thorough and complete. He expressed the commitment to making this investment because we believe in what we do as a preschool and a church.
He continued by expressing the value we place on community with our school families and this information is being shared so that informed choices and decisions can be made. The Scripture reference was made to Nahum 1:13
Questions and Input were asked for and were as follows:
A parent suggested that we have school at The Stafford Retirement Center. This has actually been researched and is not possible.
The question was raised regarding the possibility of adding dates to the school calendar if we delay. Kathy explained how we can “buy back” some days by reconfiguring the school calendar (moving teacher training days to September, holding classes with substitutes while teachers run Parent Teacher conferences, etc.) Days that we cannot add back will be prorated and refunded.
Pastor Shane explained the option to have the repairs done in phases. Phase 1 would be to have the work done on the preschool side of the building first. Once complete, we could occupy the building during phase 2. Phase 2 would be to have the work done on the opposite side of the building after phase 1 was complete. That work would be ongoing while BCP is in operation.
If this phasing option is not available, we would not be able to occupy the building until both sides were complete.
The comment was made by a parent that estimated timelines by contractors are often not accurate, although they do the best they can.
The question was raised if full refunds will be given if parents choose to find other arrangements. BCP will fully refund any fees that have been collected in this situation. The choice to find other arrangements is understandable, but the hope is to retain as many families as possible and keep BCP the wonderful, committed school that it is.
Kathy shared more information regarding the current negotiation of a possible relocation site. A proposal to use this site was sent today (Thursday). The decision-making committee will discuss the proposal this weekend and give us a decision by Tuesday. The site may not be large enough to operate the Infant/Toddler program. This program would reopen upon returning to BCP. We may look into the option of finding a space for some Infant/Toddlers who are returning students to relocate with Teacher Margaret.
The question was raised concerning the definition of a toddler. It was clarified that this includes children enrolled in the Infant/Toddler program. We would plan to house the classes for 2 ½’s and older at this relocation site if approved.
The idea was offered by a parent to get the permit for modulars and stay in the building as long as possible, and then move to modulars when necessary. Christian City Church and BCP have already made the decision to not use the building with children. The commitment to doing the repair and keeping our students safe has been made. We believe it is an issue of credibility and integrity.
The question was raised about projecting a more specific start time. Pastor Shane, “leaning on optimism” is planning for early November start date. He also reminded parents that during this delay time, there is a good possibility that 42 very qualified nannies (preschool teachers) might be available to assist families who need it.
The question was raised regarding how many children attend BCP on any given day. Kathy answered that 102 children attend on our biggest day. A parent mentioned about looking into space at Clubsport, where she is employed.
The question was raised regarding when we will know if phasing the project is an option. Pastor Shane says we should know a week from now.
The suggestion was made to check with Church of the Ressurection. Kathy explained the need for a Conditional Use Permit and zoning requirements. Another parent offered that they have a nursery there.
The suggestion was made to check with the West End building. BCP will research this on Friday. (This we did today and were told that there is not enough room in the building for our preschool.)
The suggestion was made to check with Lake Grove Presbyterian. This church already has a preschool on site.
The suggestion was made to check with Southlake Foursquare Church. We have done this already and they were not interested.
The suggestion was made to check with Christ Church Episcopal. BCP will research this on Friday.
The suggestion was made to check with West Linn Lutheran Church. Kathy commented that we have talked with them.
The question was asked if any letters had been drafted/sent to Commissioners or planners yet describing our plight and if emails could be sent to key people? A parent offer was made to help draft a form letter that could be used to help get the word out.
The offer was made to make phone calls, send letters, contact local newspapers.
The question was asked regarding what specifications would need to be asked for if parents were to find places to inquire about relocating. Kathy explained to run a program more than 4 hours we fall under CCD licensing requirements. These requirements include a need for 35 square feet per child in each classroom for 102 children which equals approximately 3500 square feet total. If we run just morning preschool and keep it under 4 hours we can step out of our licensing until October 29th at which time we are due for renewal. We would also need 5-6 classroom spaces.
The question was raised regarding how long it would take to get BCP up and running if a site was found in 2 weeks. Kathy explained we would need 2 days to move and a day for Open House – possibly 2 to 4 days total.
The question was asked regarding the mood of the staff in light of the information that was shared. Pastor Shane explained that there is a vested interest in keeping staff. Retaining staff is an incentive. He feels staff seems to be committed to working through this and emphasized the longevity there is with many staff members. Kathy shared that there was a mix of reactions at the staff meeting to include some shock, disappointment, but as information was shared there seemed to be less of that.
The question was raised regarding the time line if we are approved to use the site we are negotiating with. Kathy explained a work party of staff and parents (time and talent) would be necessary to paint and clean mid September and that the building would be available September 21. We should know on Tuesday regarding the decision.
The question was raised regarding the safety of choosing the phasing option described. Pastor Shane explained it would not be done unless it is certified safe. It is possible to do this because of the unique design of the building, involving symmetry and corner points allowing for this.
The question was raised regarding where BCP staff is currently working. Current BCP staff members have been working in the building. We are not gathered as a group. When staff is working all together, they will be located off site.
The idea was raised to secure modulars for 15 days and renew them every 15 days to negate the “permanent” nature of the structures. Pastor Shane explained the great expense of doing this – approximately $11,000 per unit.
The suggestion was made to get this human interest story out in the community, that there is money to be used from the community to possibly get donations for what our needs are.
One parent offered the commitment to stay with BCP regardless of the plan.
One parent offered thanks for being so upfront and informative with the situation at hand.
The question was raised on what to tell the children about starting school. Kathy explained the importance of NOT telling them “we can’t go to school yet because the roof might fall on your heads” so that when we are able to re-enter the children won’t be afraid to be in the building.
The question was raised if there might be play dates or field trips arranged so kids can begin to make connections with their classmates during the delay time. Kathy answered that this was something in the plans and will be up for discussion with the staff on the 31st. A parent suggested that the West End building might be able to help with that.
One parent expressed to help with staff costs, they would not need a refund. They just want their kids at BCP with their teachers.
Pastor Shane closed asking parents to send anymore ideas our way. Email and blog updates will be made as new information becomes available.
The meeting ended with prayer.
August 27th Informational Meeting Notes – PARENTS
Kathy Hawkins welcomed parents in attendance and introduced Pastor Shane from Christian City Church.
Pastor Shane gave an overview of some history of the building and the necessary repair needed on the structural beams. The church building was built in 1968 and the beams are now in need of repair due to dry rot and carpenter ants. The building has not been red tagged but we are “not to occupy the building until it is fixed.” He explained that we hope to fix it quickly and have begun the process by arranging financing and contacting contractors. There are 2 possible contractors at this point, and drawings from the structural engineer should arrive on Friday (today).
Based on the timing of these findings and the permit and the construction process we will not be opening school on September 8th. We are looking at a 2 week to 2 month delay depending on what happens next – temporarily relocating to a new site(s) or late start at BCP.
We have researched many area churches, schools, and warehouses as temporary relocation sites. If we relocate to a site that does not have a Conditional Use Permit, it takes 45-90 days to get one. We are currently negotiating with a site that already has this permit as a possible relocation site.
We have researched the idea of modulars and have learned we can rent one at $1000 monthly per unit, but securing and placing each one is an additional $10,000. We would need about 5. We have also learned that any modular put on property longer than 15 days in considered a permanent structure and needs a permit which takes up to 90 days.
Pastor Shane expressed his gratefulness for finding out about this need at this time. The repair will be expensive, but very thorough and complete. He expressed the commitment to making this investment because we believe in what we do as a preschool and a church.
He continued by expressing the value we place on community with our school families and this information is being shared so that informed choices and decisions can be made. The Scripture reference was made to Nahum 1:13
Questions and Input were asked for and were as follows:
A parent suggested that we have school at The Stafford Retirement Center. This has actually been researched and is not possible.
The question was raised regarding the possibility of adding dates to the school calendar if we delay. Kathy explained how we can “buy back” some days by reconfiguring the school calendar (moving teacher training days to September, holding classes with substitutes while teachers run Parent Teacher conferences, etc.) Days that we cannot add back will be prorated and refunded.
Pastor Shane explained the option to have the repairs done in phases. Phase 1 would be to have the work done on the preschool side of the building first. Once complete, we could occupy the building during phase 2. Phase 2 would be to have the work done on the opposite side of the building after phase 1 was complete. That work would be ongoing while BCP is in operation.
If this phasing option is not available, we would not be able to occupy the building until both sides were complete.
The comment was made by a parent that estimated timelines by contractors are often not accurate, although they do the best they can.
The question was raised if full refunds will be given if parents choose to find other arrangements. BCP will fully refund any fees that have been collected in this situation. The choice to find other arrangements is understandable, but the hope is to retain as many families as possible and keep BCP the wonderful, committed school that it is.
Kathy shared more information regarding the current negotiation of a possible relocation site. A proposal to use this site was sent today (Thursday). The decision-making committee will discuss the proposal this weekend and give us a decision by Tuesday. The site may not be large enough to operate the Infant/Toddler program. This program would reopen upon returning to BCP. We may look into the option of finding a space for some Infant/Toddlers who are returning students to relocate with Teacher Margaret.
The question was raised concerning the definition of a toddler. It was clarified that this includes children enrolled in the Infant/Toddler program. We would plan to house the classes for 2 ½’s and older at this relocation site if approved.
The idea was offered by a parent to get the permit for modulars and stay in the building as long as possible, and then move to modulars when necessary. Christian City Church and BCP have already made the decision to not use the building with children. The commitment to doing the repair and keeping our students safe has been made. We believe it is an issue of credibility and integrity.
The question was raised about projecting a more specific start time. Pastor Shane, “leaning on optimism” is planning for early November start date. He also reminded parents that during this delay time, there is a good possibility that 42 very qualified nannies (preschool teachers) might be available to assist families who need it.
The question was raised regarding how many children attend BCP on any given day. Kathy answered that 102 children attend on our biggest day. A parent mentioned about looking into space at Clubsport, where she is employed.
The question was raised regarding when we will know if phasing the project is an option. Pastor Shane says we should know a week from now.
The suggestion was made to check with Church of the Ressurection. Kathy explained the need for a Conditional Use Permit and zoning requirements. Another parent offered that they have a nursery there.
The suggestion was made to check with the West End building. BCP will research this on Friday. (This we did today and were told that there is not enough room in the building for our preschool.)
The suggestion was made to check with Lake Grove Presbyterian. This church already has a preschool on site.
The suggestion was made to check with Southlake Foursquare Church. We have done this already and they were not interested.
The suggestion was made to check with Christ Church Episcopal. BCP will research this on Friday.
The suggestion was made to check with West Linn Lutheran Church. Kathy commented that we have talked with them.
The question was asked if any letters had been drafted/sent to Commissioners or planners yet describing our plight and if emails could be sent to key people? A parent offer was made to help draft a form letter that could be used to help get the word out.
The offer was made to make phone calls, send letters, contact local newspapers.
The question was asked regarding what specifications would need to be asked for if parents were to find places to inquire about relocating. Kathy explained to run a program more than 4 hours we fall under CCD licensing requirements. These requirements include a need for 35 square feet per child in each classroom for 102 children which equals approximately 3500 square feet total. If we run just morning preschool and keep it under 4 hours we can step out of our licensing until October 29th at which time we are due for renewal. We would also need 5-6 classroom spaces.
The question was raised regarding how long it would take to get BCP up and running if a site was found in 2 weeks. Kathy explained we would need 2 days to move and a day for Open House – possibly 2 to 4 days total.
The question was asked regarding the mood of the staff in light of the information that was shared. Pastor Shane explained that there is a vested interest in keeping staff. Retaining staff is an incentive. He feels staff seems to be committed to working through this and emphasized the longevity there is with many staff members. Kathy shared that there was a mix of reactions at the staff meeting to include some shock, disappointment, but as information was shared there seemed to be less of that.
The question was raised regarding the time line if we are approved to use the site we are negotiating with. Kathy explained a work party of staff and parents (time and talent) would be necessary to paint and clean mid September and that the building would be available September 21. We should know on Tuesday regarding the decision.
The question was raised regarding the safety of choosing the phasing option described. Pastor Shane explained it would not be done unless it is certified safe. It is possible to do this because of the unique design of the building, involving symmetry and corner points allowing for this.
The question was raised regarding where BCP staff is currently working. Current BCP staff members have been working in the building. We are not gathered as a group. When staff is working all together, they will be located off site.
The idea was raised to secure modulars for 15 days and renew them every 15 days to negate the “permanent” nature of the structures. Pastor Shane explained the great expense of doing this – approximately $11,000 per unit.
The suggestion was made to get this human interest story out in the community, that there is money to be used from the community to possibly get donations for what our needs are.
One parent offered the commitment to stay with BCP regardless of the plan.
One parent offered thanks for being so upfront and informative with the situation at hand.
The question was raised on what to tell the children about starting school. Kathy explained the importance of NOT telling them “we can’t go to school yet because the roof might fall on your heads” so that when we are able to re-enter the children won’t be afraid to be in the building.
The question was raised if there might be play dates or field trips arranged so kids can begin to make connections with their classmates during the delay time. Kathy answered that this was something in the plans and will be up for discussion with the staff on the 31st. A parent suggested that the West End building might be able to help with that.
One parent expressed to help with staff costs, they would not need a refund. They just want their kids at BCP with their teachers.
Pastor Shane closed asking parents to send anymore ideas our way. Email and blog updates will be made as new information becomes available.
The meeting ended with prayer.
posted by Bethlehem Christian Preschool at 2:15 PM
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