THE OC REGISTER SPREADS THE WORD

Twittering parents hope to save preschool
Lakeview Learning Center has operated at Lake I in Lake Forest for 15 years.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
The Orange County Register
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LAKE FOREST –– Parents trying to save a nationally ranked preschool have gone to Twitter and blogging to raise awareness.

In just 24 hours supporters of the Lakeview Learning Center –– a pre-school run by the Lake I Homeowner's Association –– has drummed up electronic support from teachers, parents, community members and other education professionals.

"If we didn't have these tools, we'd just be passing out fliers," said Pete Deutschman, whose daughter attends the school. "We've had a tremendous outpouring of support. I set up my Twitter account and it got active. I've received letters and posted them immediately. We've been able to provide a platform for everyone to speak out."

Deutschman found out the pre-school was set to close when his daughter, Chloe,3, came home with a letter two days ago,

"The letter said that the board was closing the pre-school after 15 years," said Deutschman, 34, "There was no real understanding of why. They gave us 12 days to say goodbye and find another school."

The Lake I HOA made the decision the previous week but informed the parents on Wednesday. Their reason for the proposed closure is loss of money and that the building needs repairs.

Since this onslaught of support, the president of the board, Jim Gardner said in a letter to an association member "If all these issues can be resolved the board may reconsider its position. But you have to remember the board has to consider the interest of the entire association, not the just the interest of a few."

Deutschman said he is hopeful that the board will open it up for conversation.

"I hope that we can open lines of communications around what has become a very urgent issue to many parents and members as a way of resolving and salvaging an amazingly valuable program to our community," said Deutschman.

On Tuesday parents, teachers and children will gather at the school, located at 22921 Ridge Route Dr in Lake Forest, for a friendly show of support for Lakeview Learning Center. Participants will meet in front of the Lake I clubhouse starting at 5 p.m.

For more information regarding this visit http ://savelakeview.blogspot.com/. Twitter: @savemypreschool

Contact the writer: 949-454-7307 or eritchie@ocregister.com