Save Lakeview Learning Center

First 10 Days Report to BOD

2009-08-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

The first 10 days have come and gone and as promised, the newly formed Lakeview Preschool Committee delivered the "First 10 days" report to the Board of Directors as requested and promised.

We received a very nice note back from Dr. Gardner (who is on vacation and still found time to review our email) complimenting us on our "great work".

CLICK ON THE LOGO TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF

Pete

OC Register Article - Commitment and Twitter save preschool

2009-08-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Commitment and Twitter save preschool

Parents rally at HOA board meeting and convince board to let the Lakeview Learning Center live.

By ERIKA I. RITCHIE

The Orange County Register

Comments 0 | Recommend 1

Read the article online HERE

LAKE FOREST – The commitment and passion of parents and teachers of one of South County's oldest preschools convinced a local homeowners association board to let the school live.

On Wednesday night, the five-member Lake I Homeowners Association Board voted to allow the Lakeview Learning Center to stay open despite earlier plans to shutter the nationally accredited, private preschool.

"The preschool faces many challenges in the coming weeks and months, but the board was swayed by the outpouring of public support and the commitment of our homeowners to solving the problems confronting us," said Jim Gardner, board president. "People are our most important asset. Our members promised to work hard and help solve the many problems confronting us. We had to listen to them and give them the chance."

The parents agreed to form a parent committee to develop a long-term plan that protects the viability of the preschool. The committee will coordinate fundraising activities to eliminate the financial impact of the school on the association in 2009 and 2010. They will support the LFCA staff in their efforts to manage the preschool and they will submit a long-term business plan for review and approval by the board in their January 2010 meeting.

"It was amazing," said Pete Deutschman, a parent who launched a massive online Twitter and blog campaign last week. "It was like a scene out of a movie. It was standing room only. I was really proud of the parents. Everyone took the high road and spoke from the heart. Everyone from the board listened and realized how important the preschool is to the community."

Deutschman first learned of the school's planned closure last week when his daughter, Chloe, 3, brought home a letter saying the school would be close on Aug. 28.

Within 24 hours Deutschman launched an online campaign spreading the word to other educators, community members and South County residents. The parents also held a rally Tuesday night raising awareness along Ridge Route and Muirlands Boulevard.

The board notified the preschool director of the closure on Aug. 7 but parents only received letters with refunds last week. The association sent a second letter to parents and school staff on Monday citing reasons for the closure. They included lack of use, financial loss, a building that needs repair and insurance risk, which threatens the renewal of the HOA's entire policy.

"I actually thanked the board for closing the preschool," said Deutschman. "They have put a spotlight on this little gem. The teachers have never felt so appreciated."

The preschool, which also draws children from neighboring cities, is open to potty-trained children aged 3 -5. Information: 949-837-6100, ext. 134.

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

A BIG Thanks from Cindy Cienfuegos - Lakeview Learning Center Director!

2009-08-20T11:49:00.001-07:00

Words alone cannot possibly express our appreciation for all that you, the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, children and community have done for our preschool. Last evening we were overwhelmed by emotion as we watched a community pull together. The only thing I can do is thank each and every one of you who worked tirelessly to organize this effort. You are awesome!

Thank you to Cynthia and the board of directors for listening to the parent concerns, keeping an open mind, and making the decision to give the preschool another chance. We will work hard together with the parent committee to prove the preschool is a viable operation. The Lakeview Learning Center staff.

Cindy Cienfuegos

Preschool/Director

22921 Ridge Route Drive

Lake Forest, CA 92630

949-837-6100 x 134

We Did It! WE SAVED LAKEVIEW LEARNING CENTER!

2009-08-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Allow me to start with how my night ended. One cannot express how it feels to walk into your daughter's room as she is being tucked into bed and tell her, with 100% confidence, that her pre-school is NOT closing.

"Daddy, I saved the pre-school?" she said. "Yes, Chloe...you saved the pre-school."

But I don't think it is fair to let Chloe take all the credit. Tonight's decision to rescind the Board's previous decision to close the pre-school was a group effort.

Thank you to the Board who dutifully listened to the association members passionately speak from the heart about what the pre-school means to the community as an asset and as an educational institution and for courageously making the motion required to keep the pre-school open. I hope the standing ovation of nearly 100 demonstrated the appreciation.

Thank you to the parents, family, friends and association members who spent the last week writing letters, tweeting, clarifying points about not needing city permits to run the pre-school, commenting on blogs, speaking with neighbors and gathering hundreds of names on petitions showing support for the pre-school as a viable and important amenity to our community.

Thank you to the OC Register (see today's story and photos about the rally), OC Metro, Twitter friends @OCParent, HeatherCinOC, @OCWeekly, @OCRegie, @Lagunaini, @TitanIceHocky, @Rebecca_Rose and more who re-tweeted our posts. Your coverage brought local and national awareness to our pre-school and we thank you.

And of course to the teachers of Lakeview Learning Center. While you were not permitted into the board meeting (because of the association members only rule) your waiting in the Clubhouse lobby in support of the kids and families you service is a testament to the commitment you have to the long-term success of this pre-school. Nothing was more rewarding then seeing you all celebrate the decision to keep the pre-school open! (except for my daughter's reaction of course).

Also, as the minutes will show, the Board approved a motion to appoint a parent committee. This committee will work in the immediate and near term to confirm and present a longer term plan to the Board. A plan that should focus on self-sufficiency if not profitability. As an Association member I can say it will be nice to boast having a revenue generating amenity cloaked as a Nationally accredited pre-school.

Now to the issue of registration.

WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS and ACCEPTING STUDENTS.

please, please, please REGISTER for FALL AND STAY FOR WINTER TERMS.

TELL A FRIEND.

TELL A STRANGER.

WE HOPE TO CAPITALIZE ON THE EXPOSURE.

WITH ONLY 42 OPENINGS ALLOWED BY THE STATE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO ACT QUICKLY...ESPECIALLY YOU CURRENT OR PREVIOUS TERM FAMILIES!!!!!

We did it!

Way to go!

Pete

OC Register Article - Rally for preschool

2009-08-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Lake Forest parents, teachers, lobby to keep school open

The Lakeview Learning Center was told to close its doors.

BY ERIKA I. RITCHIE

The Orange County Register

Comments 9 | Recommend 6

Read the article online HERE

LAKE FOREST – Parents, teachers and students from one of the city's oldest preschools rallied passersby's and motorists on Tuesday night for support to keep the school open.

About 100 held signs and solicited honks along Ridge Route in front of Lake 1's homeowner association's Beach & Tennis Club.

The Lakeview Learning Center – in the Lake 1 community for 30 years – last week was told to close its doors by the community's homeowner association. The association sent a second letter to parents and school staff on Monday citing reasons for the closure. They include lack of use, financial loss, a building that needs repair and insurance risk, which threatens the renewal of the HOA's entire policy.

Parents and teachers say they were informed of the closure just about two weeks before school starts. Last week they went online to Twitter and blogging for help.

Tonight at the board meeting, parents will make their last ditch attempt to save the school.

"A lot of what they say in the letter is not true," said Cindy Cienfuegos, the preschool's director. "It has made money in some years. They never gave parents a chance to help out. Yes, the building is in need of repair but the parents would have helped with this."

Since being informed of the school's closure last week, Pete Deutschman, whose three-year-old daughter, Chloe, attends the school launched an online campaign. He also tweeted during Tuesday night's rally.

"If we didn't have these tools, we'd just be passing out fliers," he said. "We've had a tremendous outpouring of support. We've been able to provide a platform for everyone to speak out."

Deutschman is hopeful about the Wednesday board meeting.

"All we need is one person to reconsider" he said. "The parents will do whatever it takes."

Since this onslaught of support, the president of the board, Jim Gardner offered some of his personal advice.

"I would form my own corporation (non-profit or profit). I would hire my own staff (and this could be the existing staff) and secure my own insurance," he said. "I would secure the necessary permits and licenses. Then I would come to the board and offer to rent the space at a reasonable price. Such a proposal would meet, as far as I can tell, all the concerns outlined in the board statement."

Gardner added that while e-mails, blogs, and demonstrations might draw attention these things will not solve the problems.

"I hope tonight that we get people with sound ideas, rather than people who simply make sounds," he said.

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

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

Read ALL the letters from the community!

2009-08-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Attention Board:

We have come to realize that you have not been sent ALL of the letters received by Cynthia Valdes over the past week. Please read them here and fully understand the implications of the vote to close this nationally accredited preschool on the community.

Read them all here!

Great News! Our Board President WILL be at the 6:30pm Board Meeting Tonight!

2009-08-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

At some expense and inconvenince I delayed my date of departure so that I could be at the meeting. With people so emotionally involved in this matter, it seemed disrespectful for me to have participated in the decision and then not been there for the meeting.

I'm open to hearing any plan that deals with the issues adequately.

(e-mail from Jim Gardner to Pete Deutschman Wednesday, August 19, 2009 9:43 AM)

Letter From L.F.C.A. Members - David & Mariana Cashion

2009-08-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! To say I am shocked to hear about the pre-school closing is an understatement.

My wife and I recently closed escrow on our new home here in the community (June 09). We have been looking into this community and watching the housing market closely for that past 5 years. Nine months ago we were blessed with a new baby daughter, and realized we should start planting some roots in a community. Part of planning those roots was to purchase a new house and make an investment in a community my daughter could be raised in.

We looked into this community because of some of the amenities it offered. One of the major factors in us choosing to purchase in this community was with the plan that my daughter could go to pre-school right across the street from our house in a gated NAEYC accredited preschool.

I should mention that the entire time during our long escrow I brought myself up to speed with everything that was taking place in the community. However this is the first time I have heard anything regarding the preschool.

As this unfolds, I'm second guessing my decision to plant my roots here in this community. I'm appalled to learn how this board operates and conducts itself. With the information that has surfaced it looks like this board is more concerned with questionable politics, adult leisure and shady money management. Rather than what is in the best interest of the families and children in this community.......

Maybe the board should look up community in the dictionary:

community [kuh-myoo-ni-tee]

1.	a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.

2.	a locality inhabited by such a group.

3.	a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists (usually prec. bythe): the business community; the community of scholars.

4.	a group of associated nations sharing common interests or a common heritage: the community of Western Europe.

5.	Ecclesiastical. a group of men or women leading a common life according to a rule.

6.	Ecology. an assemblage of interacting populations occupying a given area.

7.	joint possession, enjoyment, liability, etc.: community of property.

8.	similar character; agreement; identity: community of interests.

9.	the community, the public; society: the needs of the community.

LFCA Member

David & Mariana Cashion

Letter From L.F.C.A. Member and FORMER BOARD MEMBER - Karen Grimmett

2009-08-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Cynthia,

It has been many years since I served on the Board of Directors. But it is comforting to know that things haven't changed much. Have the rules governing HOA's changed so much that the board can make such a unilateral decision without apprising the membership? I'm guessing by reading thru the lines, that there is more to this than meets the eye. Possibly an increase in insurance, threat of a lawsuit, or some other substantial reason.

This is not the first time the preschool has been on the chopping block. It has always been an issue of insurance, cost vs profit, effect on tax status, and inconvenience. So business wise, it has always been an area of concern. However, thousands of children have passed through the preschool. Including my own two children, 20 years ago. The preschool has always been a benefit to the children and their achievements in school, as well as the parents, and likewise to the community. In these economic times, the choice to close the preschool and further burden parents (homeowners) is unjust. To do it in the manner in which they were notified is cold and without conscience.

Maybe the board need to re-examine the issue and take into consideration the long term significance the preschool has had in the association and the community. Consider the good it has done for thousands of children and their families. There are often ways around negative actions, changes to the allocation of the budget, having the association attorneys look it to alternative actions, and even discussing with the homeowners before taking such drastic actions. The parents deserve an explanation as to why the preschool is closing so abruptly and a chance to discuss it with the board. I am sure the board knew there would be a largely negative response. They could have mitigated the reaction with better dissemination of information instead of just putting it on the chopping block without notice.

Very truly yours,

Karen Grimmett

Letter From L.F.C.A. Member - Karen Ver Wayne

2009-08-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

I just want to put my 2 cents worth in. Both of my children went to the preschool at the Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club 28 and 24 years ago. In those days they went 3 days a week from 9 - 12:00. I always felt that it was a central part of our community. We often would go swimming after preschool, packing a lunch and swimming with some of the other children and their mothers. Those same children ended up in the same swimming lessons. They even ended up in Indian Maidens or on the same soccer team. It felt like we were all part of a community. Two years ago I saw a girl that had been in my son's preschool class at my doctor's office. It turned out she was now a doctor at that practice and had graduated from high school with my son. She was so surprised that I remembered her from preschool. What a great feeling when that sense of community was felt. I know that sometime later situations had changed and mothers started going back to work. The preschool needed to change to meet the needs of the residents and become a full time business. Even back 28 years ago money was a problem. The preschool had to share its building with the teen center. Can't something be done to save the preschool? I am sure these parents feel like this is a safe place for their children to come. You didn't even give us homeowners any details. What are the hours, how many children attend, are they association members only or do they take those living outside the association? I heard there is a shortage of $5,000. per year. Can't you raise preschool fees? Give the homeowners a chance to work this out………don't just close the school.

Karen Ver Wayne

Letter From L.F.C.A. Member - Tony Millsap

2009-08-18T21:22:00.001-07:00

I am in favor of keeping the pre-school open. It is a fantastic opportunity for the families in the area to have their children at this pre-school. I believe that it provides family one more reason to use the recreation center and helps bind them to the community.

I think that it is a shame that the board would vote on this without first discussing with the community at large. Historically, votes are held in the dark when those in power do not want the true motives made public. If the community at large voted to eliminate the pre-school I would be disappointed, but supportive. I can not support a decision that was made in the manner that this decision has been made.

Tony Millsap

Letter from Parent - Debbie Cain

2009-08-18T21:20:00.001-07:00

I am so sad to hear the school may be closing! Please let us come up with some other solutions. My older daughter attended the school and I was hoping my younger daughter would be able to attend next year. We had a great experience at the school and we really enjoyed meeting the other children and families in our community this way. We were able to enjoy all the clubhouse activities and holiday celebrations even more because my daughter would see all her preschool friends there and it really helped as she moved on through the grades.

Why wouldn’t we be able to vote on this or have some input before decisions are made??

Thank you,
Debbie Cain

Letter From L.F.C.A. Member - Lori M Lytle

2009-08-18T21:20:00.000-07:00

I regret reading that the preschool will be closing. I read the letter from the board and I can understand the overhead cost that are associated with running the preschool.

Having a preschool within your community offers many advantages. My daughter attended the preschool 20 years ago - which is hard to believe. We enjoyed having her participate in the program where she met many friends and learned what was needed prior to entering kindergarten. The friends she met while attending the preschool, she interacted with through the time she spent at the local schools, church and sports. She still has contact with some of them today and they have graduated from college.

As I said above, I understand the overhead cost and that it effects only 1% of the families living within our association but I was wondering, what percentage of families use the weight room? There is continuous upgrades to this amenity but how many families use the facility? I only state this because even though the preschool effects a small part of our association, the benefits these children receive can't be compared to not having the education and the friendships that are built within our community.

Sincerely,
Lori M Lytle

Rebuttal to Board from Pete Deutschman

2009-08-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Here I sit, 15 hours following the posting of our board’s response regarding the closing of our nationally accredited pre-school, with a deepened level of disappointment, frustration and outrage. I find comfort in knowing our community has drastically different views than that of our Board as evidence by the numerous comments and posts to the community generated blog set to keep everyone honest (http://savelakeview.blogspot.com) as well as the public poll we posted where over 85% view the pre-school as an asset to our community. I am working hard to not take the board’s letter personal, but the tone and content of this letter (based on the facts that I know) makes me feel like I just stepped into the world of politics, not the world of community enrichment…and it feels dirty. Rather than stoop into that world, I would like to focus on a resolution, as I did in my first letter to the board. First, I need to get a few facts on the table to ensure a balanced view is conveyed.

The letter, which outlines the Board’s “factors” for closing, comes on the heels of a slew of missteps and improper communications regarding the closure. The immediate closure, no warning, false expectations has caused irreparable harm to families struggling in this tough economy, kids who love their pre-school and the enrichment the program it provides and our community by discontinuing yet another asset that the association provides.

In a recent post to the LF1 Association website, Dr. Gardner responds to a post by stating…

Posted by: Jim Gardner on: 04/27/2009
Hi Frank. The HOA spends tens and
hundreds of thousands of dollars each year repairing various assets. Sometimes
the assets are specific to a tract (the wall on Miles ave) and sometimes they
are in the common area (the fire and security systems in the clubhouse). We
don't ask people to vote on each and every repair for obvious reasons. We do,
however, make it pretty clear through our minutes and meetings what it is we are
doing, and we love to hear from people, either by e-mail or, even better, at
board meetings. The preschool project has been discussed for more than a year.
We were notified that there were maintenance problems with the building that
required substantial repair. We explored several options, including putting up a
new building in that area, but the most cost efficient method was to repair the
building. Fortunately there were sufficient monies in our reserve account for
exactly this purpose.

So, to the board, seems like this is not an issue that was 6 weeks in the making. In April there was a solid understanding of what it was going to take to fix the building that housed the pre-school. This post by Dr. Gardner highlights the misrepresentation to the parents. In fact, as numerous parents already stated via emails, posts and via calls to the association directly, association members/parents were promised a renovation to the pre-school way back during the winter of 08/09. I sat there in the parent-teacher open house excited to hear about the great things my daughter would be learning in the following year and rather the time was cannibalized by Dr. Gardner’s “campaigning” for City Government. He proclaimed the repairs would begin in two weeks (this was news to the teachers/director who asked for clarification and details during his speech) and reconfirmed the boards commitment to the pre-school. Mr. Gardner, the less than 1% of the association was important enough for you to come preach to that evening…but we are not important enough to invest time into now?

MOVING FORWARD

Despite my frustration of the process (or lack thereof) that led to this point, I want to be respectful of the system we have in place to help govern our community. It is my sincere hope that at tomorrow night's board meeting we can seek a motion to reconsider the decision to close the preschool, develop a plan to overcome the small deficit and further explore any other logistical issues we face. Surely, the board can assist in providing recommendation regarding what implications there will be financially and what course of actions we will have to rectify it.

· It is public record that the building will be repaired, as is the case of all other assets of the lake association. With these improvements happening anyway, the real issue clearly is not the cost of the repairs as it is the relocation and potential additional insurance increases. Again, by itself this is not a major factor for closing but a contributing factor.

RECOMMENDATION

Why not allow the parents to help fund raise through tuition increase or other means to cover the ~$20,000 relocation fees you reference in your letter. I suggest a committee of parents and association members who can help the board/staff and share the burden of planning and execution. Like I stated before, parents are the greatest marketing asset the association has.

The association members need to see clear expectations of the pre-school. These expectations have changed over the last few years as this board changed the pre-school’s standing from an amenity to a revenue generating business (mind you it is still not-for-profit). Like any business venture, outline expenses and develop a clear business plan including;

· Marketing plan

· Fundraising plan

· Operational planning

· Contingency planning

· Recruitment and retention (staff)

· Public Relations- share how this 1% affects our community as a whole

Over the last 10 years, the pre-school has made a profit several times and that money has gone to the general fund. As an amenity, this is one of the only assets which can make that claim. It was not until the last few years that the board started pressuring the pre-school to carry on some of the additional expenses that is incurs such as electricity and water.

RECOMMENDATION

NO PARENT IS DISPUTING THAT THE PRE-SCHOOL SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY THESE EXPENSES. If we are going to be self-sustaining as we know we can be, the pre-school should be held responsible for these expenses. As it relates to the 1%, based on simple math, a small increase of $40-$50.00 a month in tuition would turn the pre-school profitable. Now, I say this without having seen the P&L. Despite all the requests, this has not been provided. Regardless, when profit is reached, that money (as it has done in the past) will go back to the association benefiting 100% of the association. Wait… an amenity that brings in revenue? Seems like a no brainer to me. Again, by itself this is not a major factor for closing but a contributing factor.

· You mention having a portable building on the property to house the kids during renovations for several months would be an eyesore and troublesome. Why wasn’t this an issue in the 3 or 4 public announcements you made (in person or in the newsletters) where you address the pre-school renovation. Eyesore wasn’t an issue then. In fact when you came to speak with us, you praised the “great new technology that was available” allowing the portables to be self-sustaining. I point this out again to make my point that the board’s ability to research, analyze, ask the right questions and propose a solution to the community is in question. This is the job of the board, is it not? Again, by itself this is not a factor for closing but a contributing factor.

RECOMMENDATION

With support from a Parent Committee we can help to educate the association members surrounding the clubhouse and who visit regularly of the temporary nature. Fortunately, this is not going to impact summer activity and presumably would happen during the slow winter period. We should continue to explore temporary space both on-site or off.

Something to think about…

We all live in a 1% world. Each of use an amenity or an asset that is important to us, our home or our families that doesn’t affect the masses. However, we are each worth more than 1%! All of that aside, your statement is clearly an attempt to rally balance sheet, newsletter reading community members who do not know all the facts that led us to this improperly handled decision. Allow me to take your math a few steps further.

At full capacity (assuming all are association members), the MOST this pre-school affects is 2.5%. This means that over the last 30 years of the pre-school’s operation, each Board has appreciated the asset, respected the affect on our community and most importantly, value all us “small players”.

· Not all go to the Easter egg hunt each year. Your labeled “1%” do!

· Not all have boats or enjoy the lake as those who live on the water…yes, even those who cruise the lake are in a 1% bracket.

· Oh yes, the 1%... Again, by itself this is not a major factor for closing but a contributing factor.

As stated earlier, I am sincere in my desire to see resolution and reconsideration by the board. Issues dealing with our kids tend to set off emotions not otherwise found in these forums. All I ask is that the board listen to the points parents and members bring up, develop a course of action that seeks to address the fiscal concerns of annual shortfall and act to keep our pre-school open. Let’s make sure this is an asset to our community for many years to come.

Respectfully,

Pete Deutschman

MUST READ Letter From Preschool Director - Cindy Cienfuegos

2009-08-18T00:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Cindy for her brave and informative response to the Board of Director's official letter stating 5 reasons for the permanent closure of the preschool. Also, be sure to read the multiple comments left after the Board's letter was posted - and leave your own, we need to make sure all points are communicated to the board on Wednesday. See you at the club at 5pm for a friendly show of support for this amazing staff and school...bring the kiddos, we'll give you a sign:)

________________________________________________________________________________________________

I, the director of the preschool, was indeed notified on Friday, Aug 7th of the intended closure of the preschool. I was asked if I wanted to notify the parents and staff. I declined because I was flabbergasted that a decision of that magnitude would be made so close to the end of the school year. I was then assured that letters would go out that Friday evening. I asked Cynthia on Monday, Aug 10th, if the letters had gone out and was again told they had not but that they would go out the next day. I finally sent my own letter out to the parents and at least got the ball rolling.

Here are my comments, point by point:

1. If you add up all of the children served over the past 30 years, I bet it comes to more than 1% of the homeowners.

2. I am not sure where the loss figures come from. Lately it has run at a loss, but my figures are different. The first five years I was director we made about 39,000.00. Where did that money go? For about 25 years the school was run as an amenity to the club. It has only been during the past 1 - 2 years that the board wanted to run it as a business. And I agree it should have been. Every year I wanted to increase the tuition and was voted down. I kept telling the board that eventually we would not make any money. Well, it finally caught up with us.

As to the "enormous amount of administrative time spent by staff who are not connected with the preschool", whatever happened to the saying, "The preschool is no trouble at all - it runs itself"?

This year huge amounts of time have been spent but that is because the problems have spun out of control - bad economy, dilapidated building, low enrollment, the need to increase tuition, etc.

Now we come to marketing strategies. Yes, we did some additional advertising - finally. I have never been allowed to advertise outside the club. This was a first. And yes, the advertising DID work. Last week alone I did 8 tours and had 6 more parents want to enroll their children! I had to turn them down. I am sure we could have filled by September.

The preschool has run at or near the maximum enrollment except for the past year. Maybe it has something to do with the economy????

3. No one ever knew we had to have a City Permit until this year. We were licensed by the State of California. Never a problem for 30 years.

4. No comment on this one. All is correct.

5. We had a waiver for all non-members. When our insurance rates increased a few years ago, I brought to the attention of the former General Manager(s) that there were outside companies specifically designed to insure preschools. I gave them contact phone numbers - to no avail.

All in all, I think that the letter was a slap in the face to the preschool staff and the "14 members of the 35 enrollees".

Official Letter From Cynthia Valdes re: Preschool Closure

2009-08-17T16:32:00.001-07:00

Today this e-mail was posted on the L.F.C.A. website, and sent to the association members on the current L.F.C.A. e-mail list. We have been eagerly awaiting this letter and the clear understanding of ALL reasons attributing to the seemingly quick decision to shut the preschool down and are even more frustrated at the political spin this situation has taken on.

The letter received by parents 8/12 stated "financial reasons", and after reading this more specific letter it is apparent that finances were not the major reason to close the preschool, but a contributing factor.

Many of the reasons stated are quite simply unbelievable and unsubstantiated, considering the fact that this decision was brought on by discoveries made in the time span of six weeks (according to board president Jim Gardener in this letter). Read on and please leave your comments below so we can make sure everyone's reaction is clearly communicated in our next letter to the board.

(Click on the screen button in the top right of the letter frame to enlarge)

Preschool Closure

Letter From - Tanja Trainer L.F.C.A. Member & Parent

2009-08-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Valdes,

To say the I received a serious shock when I dropped my son off at preschool this morning is an understatement of epic proportions. I took him to school as usual, and pulled the various papers out his folder and gave them a looking over as I was heading out the door. The sound of my jaw dropping I am sure was heard as far away as Mission Viejo. In my son's folder was a letter from one of the other parents stating that the preschool is to be closed at the end of the month. This was complete news to me seeing as the Association has NEVER informed us, meaning my family, of this closure. Apparently other families have received notices, but we never have. My son is supposed to attend this preschool for another year, and yet I am not notified that his school is closing??? I wasn't even notified that there was going to be a vote to close the school!!! I had heard that it was to be renovated, but closure?!?! This school has been here for almost 30 years. Generations of Association members have attended this preschool, and now it has been slated to be closed without even giving members of the Association the chance to be involved in this decision? I have read that the some of the reasons given for closing the school are a shortfall of money and that only about 1 % of the members use it. There are money shortfalls everywhere right now and this preschool has been profitable more often than not, so that is not a reason to close. Not to mention, I am sure that every parent there would be more than happy to pay a little extra and even do fundraisers to save the school, but we were never even given the opportunity. As to only 1% of members using it, that argument applies to just about everything at the Association. The upstairs rec room is perpetually deserted. The only person that I know of that ever uses it is my husband and for just that reason, because he knows no one will ever be there and he will have it to himself. I doubt more than 1 or 2 % percent of the Association uses the gym either. It is dark almost every time I go by there. Is that going to be boarded up as well? What about the lagoon? Talk about a drain on resources. How much is being spent on resolving that issue, when it would just be better to knock down the wall and just make it part of the lake? Even the pool doesn't seem to see much activity except on weekends. But that preschool is used Monday through Friday, and yet it has been voted to close it. A vote I might add that was taken behind closed doors and without the community having any say. That is what bothers me the most. The fact that the school could possibly be closed is upsetting enough, but that this decision was reached in such a sneaky, underhanded manner is the most upsetting of all. I no longer have any trust in this board whatsoever, and they have made it clear that they do not have the best interests of this community at heart. I find the reasons stated for the closure highly questionable, and the members of this Association deserve far more concrete answers and reasons. I am outraged not only as a member of the Association, which I have been for almost 11 years, but as a mother. My oldest son went to this preschool, and now my youngest son is going to this preschool, and if I have any children in the future, they will go to this preschool. It is extremely difficult to find a good preschool, especially one that has such a long standing staff as Miss Cindy, Miss Linda, and Miss Gale, whose dedication is about to be rewarded by losing their jobs. One of the things that we were most excited about when we moved here to Lake Forest and into this Association was the fact that it had a preschool. We were thrilled, and I am sure we are among many who moved here who felt the same way, and I know future members would be just excited to find a preschool on the premises of their Association. And yet, the Board has decided to close one of the Associations greatest assets. I cannot see how this makes any sense. Fiscal issues can be resolved in a better way than this. I know the community can rally behind this preschool and do whatever is necessary to keep it going. What is despicable is that chance was never given. I look forward to Board Meeting this Wednesday, where I and many others will be able to give our thoughts and opinions in person.

Sincerely,

Tanja Trainer
Mother of Griffin Schwab

Letter From - Laurie Smith L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

LFCA Board:

I suggest you look at the preschool as other not-for-profit organizations would----- as a potential money maker. All organizations look for ways to make money to support the services for which they are created. Museums have gift shops, etc. You have a potential goldmine.

1) The community needs a licensed childcare center. We have it!

2) We have a very talented manager and staff who offer families more than just time away from mom and dad.

3) Parents can make flexible schedules with a balanced payment, structured around their job responsibilities -- not just the schools convenience.

4) There is no reason why we don't charge a surcharge to residents outside Lake I, but still keep the school available for homeowners.

5) We could do a cooperative with Lake II, giving them the discount given us. OR

6) Lake II might help us support the program if they could have X number of places.

Consider your options to make it an asset instead of trying to kill a good thing.

Thank you,

Laurie Smith

Letter From Ryan Bullock - L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

As a new parent, I am dissapointed that our baby and future children will not have the chance to attend the preschool.

The preschool was a nice incentive when we bought our house. This incentive does help everyone, not just 1% becuase it's a benefit that adds value to all of our homes.

It is a tough housing market. Anything to attract new young home buyers should not be disregarded without a vote from the association members.

Letter from Association re: Lakeview Learning Center Closure

2009-08-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

Original letter sent to preschool families enrolled for fall 2009.

Received August 12, 2009

click on letter to enlarge

Letter From Ken & Patti Martinez - L.F.C.A. Members

2009-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

We support you in the effort to save the Lakeview Learning Center. You have provided an excellent, accredited pre-school experience that this community is proud of. We are shocked to hear that the LFCA board members made this decision, and will make every effort to attend the August 19th board meeting.

Best regards,

Ken and Patti Martinez

Hope for the Preschool!

2009-08-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello, I just came home from walking and ringing the doorbells of 200 homes in the association. I have to say that it was an amazing experience. Of those 200 homes, about 70 people answered their door, 67 were willing to sign my petition!!

I cannot believe how supportive everyone has been. People were literally stopping me in the street asking me about the closure. Gosh, a family driving by saw me, stopped their car, backed up and asked me if they could sign my petition !! I had so many discussions with people talking about how they had previous kids there, and are saddened by the news and very much against it closing.

I am asking (with sore knees and sore feet) , to please come out on Tuesday eve and if you can to the board meeting on Wednesday. Whether or not you have found another placement for your child the show of support WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Rally with us this Tuesday evening, bring a sign or we will have some there for you. Or come and sign the petition. We need the physical show of support. Bring your friends. Let's make it a celebration of our community. Let's show how appreciative we are of our amazing preschool teachers and how much we believe that the right thing must be done.

The community is with us, I know that now first hand!!

Thanks to all who are on foot this weekend passing out fliers! Hope you all are having a fantastic weekend. Hey, let's make it a great week! I have confidence in us all, we can do it !

~Dolores Wirth

Letter From Board President Jim Gardner

2009-08-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a recent letter by Board President Jim Gardner where he attempts to respond to the public outcry and outratge regarding the closing of Lakeview Learning Center. Read the letter for yourslef. I have posted some of my questions as comments and encourage you to do the same. ALSO NOTE: Come Monday when the letter is to be realeased it will be nearly ONE WEEK since the parents were notified and we posted our first letter to the board. To this day, I have not been contacted by the board, nor have any parents.

Do not miss the Forsythe letter to President Gardner posted here

A letter from President Gardner

The HOA and Board operate within a framework of rules and regulations that require that we function in a specified manner, in terms of meetings, notifications of meetings, etc. We are not a sole proprietary store or a partnership in which actions can be taken by an individual or even the Board without going through the proper procedures.

As new information about the preschool accumulated in the period between mid July and early August, the earliest possible time for a meeting was the regularly scheduled executive meeting on August 6th. So there was no earlier time that a meeting could be held. The decision by the Board on August 6th was communicated by the GM to the preschool director on August 7th. In addition to notifying the director, the GM was asked to prepare a letter to the parents and a letter to our members detailing the reasons for the closure. Such a letter had to be drafted, reviewed, sent to all the Board members, re-drafted, reviewed again and sent to PCM HR department as well as our legal counsel, etc. A cumbersome process, but under the circumstances, this is the process that we followed to insure that everyone rights were protected.

Right now it appears that the letter will be ready by Monday and people should be able to read it on the website by Monday afternoon. Given that the preschool operates for the benefit of less than 1% of the association, I don't think the time taken to go through the proper procedure disadvantages our association. For those people who were immediately impacted, the preschool director was informed on the 7th, and the letter to the parents and the return of the checks happened on the 11th.

THE OC REGISTER SPREADS THE WORD

2009-08-14T22:39:00.000-07:00

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
Comments 0 | Recommend 1
Read the article online HERE

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

READ THE OC WEEKLY ARTICLE ON OUR EFFORTS!

2009-08-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Parents Blog, Email, Twitter, Telephone and Rally to Save Lake Forest Preschool
By Matt Coker in A Clockwork Orange, School Daze
Friday, Aug. 14 2009 @ 12:34PM
Click here to see the article online.

Parents who have mounted a blog/Twitter/old-timey-telephone campaign to save a Lake Forest preschool from closing say their efforts are working. To prove this, they have posted letters from board members who say they are reconsidering plans to shutter the nationally accredited Lakeview Learning Center after a 15-year run.

Parents learned in a letter their children brought home Wednesday that the preschool is planning to close its doors Aug. 28 due to financial reasons. A refund for the parents' deposits accompanied the letter. The campaign aims to force a meeting with the Lake Forest Community Association board of directors, which owns the preschool, in hopes of negotiating a way to keep it open. Pete Deutschman, whose daughter is enrolled at Lakeview Learning Center, has started tweeting and set up a blog to raise awareness about the closure.

"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," says Deutschman. "Unfortunately, our board president sees this preschool as a liability rather than the asset it truly is."

Email Deutschman here:
savelakeviewpreschool@yahoo.com

The "Save Lakeview" blog is here.

Twitter: @savemypreschool.

Parents have posted the Lake Forest Community Association board's response to the closure here. In fact, the blog includes several letters back and forth between parents and board member. The parents suggest calling LFCA general manager Cynthia Valdes at (949) 837-6100, emailing her here and the board here to voice support for keeping the preschool open.

Teachers, parents and children are scheduled to hold a rally in support of Lakeview Tuesday at the preschool, 22921 Ridge Route Drive, Lake Forest. They also vow to attend the community association's board meeting the next night at 6 p.m.

PLEASE JOIN US IN RAISING SUPPORT FOR OUR CAUSE

2009-08-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

When: Tomorrow, Saturday, August 15th, at 9am and going all day
What: Passing out fliers to the community to drum up support
Where: The Wirth Home, (Dolores & Ben, Benjamin and Zachary)

Please call me or text me to let me know when you will be by!

Hope to see ya and bring your walking shoes and sunscreen!!! Also, you can just come pick up fliers and get a neighborhood assigned to you and pass them out either Saturday or Sunday. I have included a pdf of the flier in case you can't make it but want to pass some out anyway.

~Dolores 949-636-7818

Directions: Note that online maps and navigation systems map our house wrong, please use the following directions. From the Clubhouse, take Ridge Route towards Jeronimo. Make a right on Jeronimo. Take a right on Greenbay (before El Toro). Greenbay turns into Belquest. Continue on Belquest for a short bit, then make a right on Cavanaugh. We are the house at the end of the cul de sac. 24911 Cavanaugh.

Want to Help?
Download the Flyer and Spread the Word!
Please Help Us Save the Preschool

First official communication from LFCA

2009-08-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a week! After we all received notice that the preschool is closing over 20 letters, countless phonecalls and a good flow of "tweets" have been coming in in support of the preschool. Obvious to me that Lake Forest Association did not handle this closing appropriatly. Finally, today at 4:30pm I received an email from Cynthia Valdes, the poor person who has been made the go to for all our letters. In this email, she indicates we will formally and FOR THE FIRST TIME learn about the reasons for the closure. It will be good to have this information prior to next week's Board meeting. To The Board, I say...thank you.

_____________________________________
Dear Mr. Deutschman,

A detailed explanation of the decision to close the Lakeview Learning Center will be posted to the Association website next Monday by 5pm. Please let the parents know that this letter will be forthcoming.

Regards,

Cynthia Valdes
General Manager
Lake Forest Community Association
22921 Ridge Route
Lake Forest, CA 92630
949-837-6100 phone
949-837-0216 fax

Letter From Andy Gizara - L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Cynthia, et al.

I was shocked and disappointed to hear the association is planning to close
Lakeview Preschool. Our youngest, Eileen, is a third grader and an alumnus
of Lakeview Preschool. We feel Lakeview provided a learning experience
close to home for her that enriched her development favorably leading to her
substantial academic progress in elementary school. It would not be fair to
deprive other association members with preschool aged children the
opportunity to have their child attend a quality place of learning in their
own neighborhood.

Sincerely,

Andy Gizara,

Letter From Denise Bernard

2009-08-14T15:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Ms Cynthia,

Just wanted to let you know I support leaving the L.V. preschool Open...My son, Troy Bernard attended 7 years ago....and really benefitted from going. He was very prepared in every way to go to kindergarten because of his experience at pre-school. Today he is more outgoing and socialable from where he use to be. I think the preschool played a big part in his developement.

Please post on your blog.

Sincerely,

Denise Bernard

Letter From Michelle and Richard Forsythe - L.F.C.A. Members

2009-08-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Jim,

While your post here states that you will answer several concerns, you

equally raise a great number of far more disturbing issues, even laying

aside the closure of the preschool itself. Your comments acknowledge that

the board had a period of time between the newsletter being written in mid

July and the executive committee meeting on the 6th of August. Evidently

during those three weeks, news of such critical importance arose that the

Board was forced into the closure of the school. You - and presumably the

entire board - had time to 1.) analyze these mysterious facts, 2.) reach a

decision, 3.) arrange for refunds and notifications to be posted to the

parents, and 4.) for the closure of the school. Yet, you did not update the

Preschool section on this website (still accepting enrollment as of today

8/15/09!), nor did you - nor any Board member - make any effort to contact

the Association members. Instead, poor Cynthia is now scrambling to explain

the Boards decision - and given the outcry on the handling of this issue I

do not envy her role.

You are always very quick to reply to posts on this website - why did you

not post the facts as they arose, or make any notification to the

membership?

And while I certainly agree the needs of the majority of the membership must

be placed over and above the needs of only a few, I believe all members are

entitled to openness on the part of the board, that timely and accurate

information should be dispensed, and that it is indeed the responsiblity of

the Board to communicate on all issues promptly. Because many members do not

attend meetings, and because you personally have pushed for the open thread

on this website, it is very alarming to realize a decision of this

magnitude -whether right or wrong - could take place without any visibly

effort on your part to post on this board, send email to the LFCA contact

list, or simply pop a letter in the mail to the complete membership. It

would be silly of the Board to think that lightly attended meetings mean an

apathetic or maleable membership! I for one expect the people I employ to be

able to do an adequate job without constant supervision or micro-management.

One last point - your reply to Carol Madigan's original post uses the phrase

"you claim" no fewer than four times. Surely, this is a rather aggressive

response - and especially from a gentleman of your background!!! You must

admit that had you immediately dispensed information - via all available

channels- there is a significant possibility this entire kerfuffle could

have been avoided.

I - and many, many members - will eagerly await not only Cythia's letter,

which will obviously contain the financial information for the preschool for

last five years, but indeed an apology from the entire Board for their

disappointing handling of this issue.

Sincerely,

Michelle and Richard Forsythe

Letter From Peri Deutschman - Aunt

2009-08-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

This letter is in support of The Lakeview Learning Center. I am so saddened to hear the news of the closure of our Lakeview Learning Center. I have had the joy of watching my niece, Chloe Deutschman thrive in such a warm, safe and outstanding learning environment, that we are fortunate enough to have in our own backyard!! A school like Lakeview Learning Center is invaluable to the future of Lake Forest and to our children. Please reconsider the decision to close our Center!!! Open the lines of communication and let us make our case for our children, and on behalf of our wonderful teachers. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Peri Deutschman Lake Forest resident of 28 years

Letter From L.F.C.A. Member - Bette Lawson

2009-08-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Cynthia,

My! My! I bet you are having one hell of a day after Thursday notice of closure of the preschool. I'm writing not to say either Yes or No to the closure to the school but more so about how it was handles. Our little lake has been talking about it all day yesterday and this morning and I'm sure between now and next Wednesday night there will be lots of e-mails, calls, visit to the club and tears and anger expressed in one form or another. My husband and I will be out of town and unable to attend the meeting next week. This is one time I wish the club filmed the meetings because it's going to be a doozie. If you think the health care issue with Obama is big wait till this one. Anyway, I only have a few things to express.

1. This should have been brought out back in April or May and told to the association so it could have been discussed and addressed while there was time to answer the questions. I'm very disappointed with the Board that they waited until two weeks before school starts to do this. There is so little time for the parents to find another location. It just isn't right to wait till now to do this.

2. I'm not either FOR or AGAINST the closure of the school. IF, after going over or the pros and cons, the financial issues, the future of the school, etc. then, and only then should a decision be made. For the Board to do this behind closed doors is what I'm upset about. Once more it only shows how very disrespect the Board, and apparently PCM, has for it's members. If, after discussion and listening to ALL SIDES, the Board votes to close the school, so be it. But to never give the parents, staff, membership or others the chance to discuss it is just right out WRONG!

Along this same issue I really must say how disappointed I am at the present Board. I was out the country a great deal last year and unable to be involved in the meetings. I always went every month until we were gone so much last year. When we came back I saw a lot of things repaired and upgraded and thought the Board was doing a good job taking care of the association in these hard financial times. I heard good things about PCM, including you, and thought things were going well. There will always be something at associations that bring about stress on a daily basis but general things are running smoothly at the club....until this.
How could PCM go along with this secret meeting, knowing that staff was told NOT to say anything. I guess the association is PCM's boss but still this was handled all wrong.

3. It has been said that the president, Dr. Gardner, called this meeting when some of the Board was not able to be there. I don't know if this is true or not. If it is then this is even worse than stated above. I get along with Jim but I'll stand up against anyone who tries to do something this import to so many that it's done the way it was done. If Dr. Gardner is innocent in this then let all the details of how it came about, who said what and when come out. Just like the present administration Washington keeps say: Transparency is the goal. Our Board should be the same way. Well, this sure does look and smell like three month old fish because it has been going on for several months now. I can't believe that there wasn't at least ONE Board member who wouldn't stand up for the school and the people on this issue. If only one Board member has said NO to a closed door meeting then all this resentment would not be coming out at this moment.

In closing, once more let me say that at this moment I don't know how I would vote if I were on the Board to either close or keep open the school. What I do know is that I would fight to make this issue an open door event and not slink off and hide behind closed doors to do this. Even as crooked as our Washington Congress is they MUST vote in public for a bill if it's going to pass. Why wasn't our Board made to do the same thing on such an import issue? That I think should have come from PCM's side or advice from the lawyers. But then, what do I know.

Bette Lawson

MUST READ: first board member response...we are getting somewhere!

2009-08-13T23:03:00.000-07:00

Parents, Home Owners and concerned residents of Lake Forest,

It's working! This evening, I received a forward from an Association member and grandparent of a student of Lakeview Learning Center. In this forward, Board President Jim Gardner responded to several of the points in her email and even stated "....the Board may reconsider its decision". I am thrilled to see forward momentum and dialog toward a resolution. Still, I personally have not received any word from the Board with answers to any of my questions. While out of context, allow me to quote Shakespeare, "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"

I appreciate Mr. Gardner's response and desire to refute specific "claims". Mr. Gardner, we look forward to working on the details with you and the Board. I do wish that we had been provided the facts , clearly poor communication is to blame. You have to agree; with facts in hand "claims" become unnecessary.

______________________________________

From: drjgardnerTo: carol madigan cvaldes@pcminternet.com
Sent: 8/13/2009 6:04:42 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: Closure of Preschool

Hi,

I'm writing in response to your e-mail about the closure of the preschool.

You claim "The Lake Forest Association Board, in an emergency closed door meeting last Friday..." This is not true. In fact, the decision was made at the regularly scheduled executive committee meeting that is held the first Thursday of each month. The topic was on the agenda along with other topics.

You claim that nothing was mentioned about closing the preschool in the President's message in the August newsletter. That's true, because the issue did not come up when the message was written in mid July. The reasons for the Board voting to close the preschool emerged in the weeks between the message being written and the executive meeting on August 6th. I've asked Cynthia to lay out all these issues in a report she will send when it is completed.

You claim "While several teachers were provided enrollment targets several months back they were not permitted to share details of the ultimatum with parents for some unknown reason..." This is not true. There was never any ultimatum, and as far as I know, at least from the perspective of the Board, no one was told not to discuss the situation. Indeed, it was just the opposite. We asked everyone to do everything they could to reach a break even situation by enrolling 42 students.

You claim "The key point that was conveyed to him by staff is that the preschool is losing money each year. When pressed for an amount, several sources told him the deficit annually is $5,000! YES…$5,000." Of course I can't tell you what was said between your son-in-law and unnamed staff members, but I can assure you that the fact that the preschool loses money every year was not a "key" reason, although obviously it was a reason.

I've asked Cynthia to get her report out asap so that everyone can see all the factors that went into the decision. If all these issues can be resolved, the Board may reconsider its decision. But you have to remember that the Board has to consider the interests of the entire association, and not the interests of a few. We welcome your input into community affairs.

Jim

Letter From Linda Kirsch - Educator

2009-08-13T22:00:00.005-07:00

Dear Ms. Valdes,

I was shocked and distressed when I heard about the proposed closing of the Lakeview Learning Center. Our family lived in Lake Forest for nearly 20 years and although, when we came to Lake Forest, our children were too old to attend the preschool, we were always proud that our association offered a quality NAEYC accredited preschool – one of the very few NAEYC accredited preschools in the greater community.

I am a professional educator and have worked as a director of education for the past thirty years, including six years as an early childhood director. The quality of the developmental program at Lakeview Learning Center and the caring and nurturing environment offered by the faculty is outstanding and has been a real gift to our community.

We are all faced with economic difficulties. However, I believe that the closing of an accredited preschool that serves the children of our community needs to be a last resort after every other option has been considered. Please give your students and their parents and grandparents the opportunity to work with you to find another solution. You need to keep this gem of a preschool open to continue to educate and nurture our children.

Yours truly,

Linda R. Kirsch, RJE, MAJS

lkirsch@templebethelsoc.org

Letter From Roberta Deutschman - Grandparent & Early Childood Specialist

2009-08-13T22:00:00.004-07:00

Letter to the Board from Roberta K. Deutschman,

Educator, Child Life Specialist ,Early Childhood Specialist, Preschool Director, Children’s Enrichment Coordinator.

“Our lives, begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am convinced that for the good of the whole community, the Board needs to stop the closing of the Lakeview Learning Center.

I have been a member of Lake II for 32 years. Both Lake I and Lake II share so many wonderful amenities from the pool area to tennis and basketball courts, event entertaining and gym areas. THE one main attraction Lake I has is it’s excellent Early Childhood Educational Center, the Lakeview Learning Center. This Lakeview Learning Center attracts families seeking excellence in quality education for their preschool age children.Choosing Preschools is a primary factor when choosing ‘where to live’. Early Childhood Education ‘matters’ to families in this community.

The Lakeview Learning Center is NAEYC accredited and it is only one of a few in the area to receive this achievement in excellence. NAEYC, National Association of the Education for Young Children, accredits Learning Centers who meet the highest of standards in education. The Lakeview Learning Center offers our community families the excellence in education including staffing, curriculum and physical environment.

It is imperative that as a community we recognize the Lakeview Learning Center and its capacities, talents, direction and mission. For our families this Center is a place to develop...emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically. This Center follows developmentally appropriate guidelines developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

I am ‘speaking out’ because it ‘matters’ and asking the Board to support Early Childhood Education and your outstanding Learning Center. Lake I Lakeview Learning Center is Early Childhood Education; it is not a Day Care. The learning experiences provided are NAEYC Accredited. We have an outstanding Learning Center in our community and we do not want to let it go!

It would be an ‘honor’ for the Board to support the Lakeview Learning Center and not a liability. Let’s acknowledge today’s difficult economic times , and ask Lake I Board to become our ‘Hero’ and come to the aid of our families.

I was a ‘founding’ director of the Preschool on Lake II and I know the community mission and services the association can provide for our families. An Early Childhood Center and one that is NAEYC accredited, and only a select few reach this honor, should continue to be the heart of our mission.

Marketing a preschool is no easy task. My children live on Lake I and only ‘stumbled’ on this Center....but because of its NAEYC accreditation, they enrolled without hesitation. This speaks highly of the developmental programs they provide. The Board needs to give this Preschool a chance. The Lakeview Learning Center is a value to the association and to the community at large.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta K. Deutschman

Letter From Ariana Kazanciyan - Parent

2009-08-13T22:00:00.003-07:00

Dear Parents,

I do not know how to tell my son that he only has two more weeks to enjoy his friends and teachers before he has to go to a new school and make new friends.
I understand that this is a business and money is a big concern for any type of business but I think this matter was handled very poorly. Ones who will be effeced the most are only 3-4 year old little kids who think of their school as home away from home and their teachers are an extension of their mommy. A 2 week notice will not provide enough time to find a decent new pre-school and prepare a 4 year old for such a big change.
If money is the reason for closure, as a parent I will be ready to come up with extra tuition to keep my son where he feels safe and happy. If there are other matters, we need to know what they are so we can weigh our options.
I will do my best to be there on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ariana Kazanciyan

Letter From Roberta Deutschman - Grandparent & Early Childood Specialist

2009-08-13T22:00:00.002-07:00

Letter to the Board from Roberta K. Deutschman,

Educator, Child Life Specialist ,Early Childhood Specialist, Preschool Director, Children’s Enrichment Coordinator.

“Our lives, begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

I am convinced that for the good of the whole community, the Board needs to stop the closing of the Lakeview Learning Center.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta K. Deutschman

Letter From Parent - Kristen Guithues

2009-08-13T22:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Cynthia,

I am a homeowner residing in Lake Forest and a member of the Lake Forest II Sun & Sail Club. I started searching for a quality preschool almost a year ago, with the plan for my now 4 year old to start preschool this Fall. Last February, I was thrilled to have met Cindy and registered my son with Lakeview. Most schools start registering for the Fall in early Spring.

I was completely disheartened to receive in the mail yesterday a letter from Lake Forest Community Association advising that it was decided that the Lakeview Learning Center is closing effective August 28, 2009. It seems to me careful consideration should have been given to those small children whose daily lives are completely being turned around. My son has not yet started but we’ve gone by several times and visited “his new school” and he’s extremely excited about it. He simply doesn’t understand how could someone “just close it down”…and frankly neither can I. Why not announce a decision of that magnitude at the start of the year advising it will close at the end of the year, thereby giving everyone plenty of notice and time to deal with the consequences. This decision, and this short notice, is so very disappointing.

How are we going to find an appropriate replacement when most of the schools filled their capacity last Spring? I take preschool very seriously and it will not be easy to find a suitable replacement. If money is the main reason, why not increase the tuition? The school’s rates were very competitive and could easily have justified an increase.

Kristen Guithues
Mother of Carter Guithues

Letter from Parents Mark & Liz Irvin

2009-08-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Lake Forest Community Association Board of Directors,

We were shocked with the news of our son's preschool closing, particularly with such short notice. We fully appreciate the need for the preschool to be self-sustaining and should in no way be permitted to be a fiscal drain on the members of the private community. What we do not understand is the withholding of this information until the last minute. We find it hard to believe that the announcement of this closure has purely to do with money. We would/will gladly pay higher tuition for the opportunity to keep our son William (and in the future, his younger brother as well) in such a safe, supportive learning environment such as the Lakeview Learning Center. We are also confused by the sentiment that members are subsidizing preschool for non-members. As non-members, we pay higher tuition, as should be expected. Even the non-member tuition is quite low relative to competing preschools in the area. The contributions of non-members enables your community to offer its members such a unique and valuable amenity.
The board has the power to raise tuition to balance costs. If it was committed to the preschool, it would have raised tuition and registration fees long ago. If we were members of your association, we would be outraged that your August newsletter gives an update on the supposed pre-school renovation and says absolutely nothing about the possibility that the preschool may be closed permanently. What about the parents of infants and toddlers who were attracted to live in your community because of the opportunity to use this amenity? When do they get a voice? The board members acted irresponsibly in giving little to no notice that this closure would occur. If they knew about the possibility, they should have notified the association members. If this was an unexpected outcome, then what triggered the decision?
We would like to reiterate how valuable the preschool is to our family. Its flexible day-long hours provide loving, educational childcare while my wife and I work. The teachers are attentive and nurture the children as they are introduced into the world of formal education. In the 6 months that our son has been at preschool, his social skills have noticeably improved. His normally shy countenance brightens when he engages with the other children, and he talks about his friends and teachers at home. For our family, the Lakeview Learning Center Preschool has been a stable cornerstone in a sometimes unpredictable social and economic climate. We sincerely hope it can continue to be there for us, the other families, the staff, and the future students from your community.
Concerned Parents,
Mark and Liz Irvin(Parents of William and Wyatt Irvin, ages 3 and 1)

Letter from Parent & L.F.C.A. Member Elizabeth Kudryk

2009-08-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello,
My name is Elizabeth Kudryk, and my son Conor has attended Lakeview for the past 2 years. I have a lot to say, but I first want to start off by letting you know that 5 wonderful ladies Cindy, Linda, Gale, Sylvia and Amber are a part of our community family and we cannot destroy their lives like this. Giving them this terrible news in the manner which it has been done is heart wrenching. Miss Cindy has been the director for over 10 years along w/ Miss Linda & Gale and teachers. Miss Sylvia has been there for over 5 years. This is an amazing thing considering job turnover ratios. They have dedicated years to our children & this is what we do!

I go to the gym and my son will be moving on to Kindergarten this year, but I cannot consciously even blink to think which is more important. I know finances appear to be the reasoning behind this. O.k. $5,000.00 in the past year is $600 a month. That is the cost approx. of 1 full time students tuition. That can be easily fixed w/ cuts etc. Why are we discriminating and wanting the preschool only for Clubhouse Members? This isn't a college, where you have to apply, & meet certain criteria to get in. We're talking preschool (not a gym membership) Cindy has made this preschool a success and it seems that they have set things up to fail w/ irrational excuses & expectations. Non members pay more for tuition, and we are a community, and extended family. People come from 10-20 miles in order for their child to attend. Something obviously is pulling them to us.I can't tell you how many friends I have made who "aren't members."

Even if you don't have children, I plea for you to look at this & consider what this will be doing to so many families & friends. If the preschool can break even and be self supporting, there should be no problem. It has been & will be. What happened to the surplus of $25,000 many years back?Why do we have a lagoon committee (let the geese go in the water, turn it off, cover it, or whatever)? Surely this has cost us a ton of $ and lawsuit(s), still no decision for years. We as a community support & fund street slurring, moratorium of beetles in trees that may not be in our own yard that are there, clubhouse costs (there are people who are members of the association who don't use the ammenities). This effects us all. Who has the conscience to bulldoze a school that has had generations of children attend & our future adults souls in that building? It's a 5 star nationally accredited school. Do you know how amazing that is?

We need time to help fix the problem. We can find a temporary location, do as the plans have been all year, renovate, no matter what we do it will cost $. New gym equipment costs $. We get donations of toys, paper, learning materials, etc. Which is more significant, a treadmill or a child's mind.Enrollment is no problem. We had 36 students enrolled as of Augst 1st. Several families have been turned away in the past day or so. It will be at or very close to maximum capacity. I will personally call each person to let them know the preschool is open. Some families may not receive the notice or know what has happened until they try to bring their little one to school to register in the next couple of weeks. How do we know who was planning on attending & hadn't registered yet, due to vacation or a number of reasons? Did we mail this letter out to everyone w/ a 3-5yr. old, and their families & friends? I wouldn't have even know if my son wasn't continuing for the summer.

It's easy to postpone or reverse the damage that has been done so far. I am so passionate about this. We need to be heard. There are many options that haven't been explored. Please help us save the Lakeview Learning Center. it's the right thing to do.

Thank you,Elizabeth

Letter From Grandparent & Lake Forest City Employee - Martin Deutschman

2009-08-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am a city employee .I take great pride in my city,however,it was personally very disappointing to learn that the Lake Forest Board is planning on closing its highly respected pre-school.

Martin Deutschman

Press Release- August 13, 2009

2009-08-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 13, 2009

PARENTS USE TWITTER AND BLOG TO RALLY THE COMMUNITY.

LAKEVIEW LEARNING CENTER PARENTS AND STAFF WILL JOIN TOGETHER ON AUGUST 18, 2009 TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT.

Lake Forest, Calif. -- Lakeview Learning Center announced on August 12, 2009 that due to “financial reasons” the Nationally accredited institution would be closing their doors effective August 28, 2009, after more than 15 years of service to our community.

Children were sent home with a letter to give their parents explaining the abrupt closing of Lakeview Learning Center along with a refund for their deposit. Many parents have gathered together to address the board with hopes to come to an agreement. Pete Deutschman, a local resident and parent who sends his daughter to Lakeview Learning Center, has started tweeting and setup a blog with hopes to create awareness about the closing of Lakeview.

“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. Unfortunately, our Board President sees this preschool as a liability rather than the asset it truly is” said Pete Deutschman. “I can’t get to everyone fast enough, but that is where Twitter and the blog are helping as just 24 hours after posting, my phone is ringing off the hook!”

On Tuesday August 18, 2009 parents, teachers and children will be gathering 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 clubhouse starting at 5pm.

“I am so happy to be working with such great parents and I am looking forward to us all teaming together and showing our support,” said Dolores Wirth a local resident whose children also attend the Lakeview Learning Center.

Lakeview Learning Center is a private preschool located at 22921 Ridge Route Dr in Lake Forest offering a variety of developmentally appropriate child centered or teacher directed activities with emphasis on "hands on" learning.

For more information regarding this event please contact Pete Deutschman at pete@thebuddygroup.com or visit http://savelakeview.blogspot.com/.
Twitter: @savemypreschool

# # #

School's Finances- what is the REAL reason then?

2009-08-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Since posting this blog last night, I have received numerous emails, voicemails and tweets regarding our little preschool. This email string stood out to me as something I had to share. In this email we see how an association memeber questioned the preschool's finances and RESPONSIBLY worked to develop a plan of action to help. Best to let the letter do the talking .
____________________

"Hi Carol - That's pretty interesting news about the pre-school. I am surprised, based on a little bit of involvement over the last couple of years.

In the interests of full disclosure, I am one who has questioned the school's finances. I served on a committee about three years ago that looked at that subject and helped, I think, in getting new tuition rates that put the school in the black. Director Ron Allen chaired the committee. There was much support for the school, never any thought nor discussion about closing the school, just getting it on a self-supporting basis.

Early this year I noticed that the school's 2008 numbers were again showing a loss. The discussion between Cynthia and me is in the EMails below. Her answer seemed reasonable to me, that over the long term the school was profitable and that "has been a benefit to the entire membership". So, at least in Cynthia's mind, profitability had been OK, through early this year. And I agree entirely that a $5000 deficit now seems like very small potatoes, in my mind hardly a credible reason for the extreme action of closing the school. Note also Cynthia's comment that the Board believes the school to be a "valued amenity". Seems like maybe there is something else going on.

Your son-in-law writes a great letter - and I saw some things there that never came up in our committee meetings in 2006, one being the "open enrollment" prior approved by the Board, I'm sure for some very good reasons.

So there you are. Please feel free to use this info if it will be helpful. Call if you have any questions about all this.

Regards H

Hugh & Mary Ann McConahey

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: cvaldes
To: Hugh McConahey
Cc: lfca1boardofdirectors
Sent: Thursday, February 12, 2009 10:11:55 AM
Subject: RE: Pre School Operating Results
Hello Mr. McConahey,

In the past several years, the Preschool has budgeted and realized a profit which has been a benefit to the entire membership. In 2008 the Board of Directors approved two increases in the fees effective September 2008 and June 2009. During the Fall last year the preschool experienced a reduction in enrollment due to the economy; parents who had lost their jobs. This resulted in a loss of $4,900 for the year ending December 2008. The enrollment has increased as of January and we are working to maintain the enrollment and continue to realize a profit for the Association.

The Board believes the Preschool is a valued amenity to the community, however, they are closely monitoring the operation. If you have any further questions or concerns please give me a call or stop by the Clubhouse.

Best Regards,

Cynthia Valdes
General Manager
Lake Forest Community Association
22921 Ridge Route Drive
Lake Forest, CA 92630
cvaldes@pcminternet.com
949-837-6100 Main
949-837-0216 Fax

-----Original Message-----
From: Hugh McConahey
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 8:51 AM
To: lfca1boardofdirectors
Subject: Pre School Operating Results

Two or three years ago I served on a committee chaired by Ron Allen, convened in part to look at the deficit situation in the preschool operation. Subsequently fees were raised and the school operated in the black for quite a while. Now I note, based on the Financial Statements published in the Village News, that the school operated at a year-to-date loss for the last five months of 2008. It looks like almost $13,000 in the red for the whole year.

If I am misinterpreting what I see in these financial statements, then maybe others are also, and perhaps some clarification would be good. If these are real losses, though, then there is cause for concern. What these numbers may mean is that the entire association membership is subsidizing those who utilize the preschool. While I guess it may be possible to rationalize this for those preschool families that are members of the Association, I'm not sure how we justify it for those who are not members. When the above-mentioned committee considered this situation before, we noted that a significant number of preschool
families were not LFCA members.

Would appreciate your thoughts on this, particularly if I am misinterpreting the numbers that I am seeing.

Thanks & Regards
Hugh & Mary Ann McConahey

Letter From Jill Episcopio - Parent

2009-08-13T11:29:00.000-07:00

Cynthia,

Like other parents I was very shocked to receive the letter from the association informing me that the preschool is closing. Last year I spent several months looking for a preschool that would be a good fit for my son and meet my needs as a parent. I was happy to learn about Lakeview Learning Center from my neighbor who’s daughter attended for two years. This school has so much to offer; a caring, well-qualified, and dedicated staff, flexible hours, affordable tuition, and a safe environment. In addition, it is one of the few State accredited schools in the area.
I not only find it disheartening that the board has decided to close such a valuable asset to our community, I am disappointed in how they have conducted themselves.. The fact that they made this decision in an emergency closed-door meeting without involving the staff and parents is unacceptable and unprofessional. I was under the impression that the board of directors is in place to represent the views and best interests of its constituents. I don’t feel confident that this is happening. Although I am not a “member” of this association, as a parent of a student at the school, I deserve to get a better understanding of why the school staff was not consulted.

Needless to say, my 4-year old son was very disappointed to learn that he may only have 2 weeks left to attend his beloved preschool. As a parent it will be a struggle to find a school that will live up to the same standards in such a short time. Many quality preschools have waiting lists so he will not be able to start with the other students at the beginning of the year. This will only make the adjustment more difficult.

I know that many parents and members are going to rally in support of the school. I hope the board listens and can come up with a solution to keep the school open.

Sincerely,

Jill Episcopio

(parent of Christopher)

How You Can Help Save Lakeview Learning Center!

2009-08-13T11:00:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents,

Hello everyone!! I for one cannot look my son in the face and tell him that he will not be attending the place and be with the people he has grown to love. I am not willing to do that without trying my best to save this quality educational program.

So, last evening I teamed up with Pete (who sent this e-mail and by the way he was up until past midnight last night putting together the blog, awesome job, Pete!). These are the following support items that we would love to get your involvement with...

1. Write an e-mail to Cynthia Valdes, cvaldes@pcminternet.com, and make sure to cc. savelakeviewpreschool@yahoo.com (Pete is posting letters on the blog, very helpful). Also, reading the information already posted on the blog can help you write the e-mail. You can also call her at 837-6100. (btw. Celine, thanks for requesting a meeting, we hope to hear from Cynthia on that)

2. This weekend Flier Distribution: We need the support of the association members!! Help gather support from association members by helping to pass out fliers. I am putting a flier together and will be passing them out this weekend. Going house to house. Could use any help. I am thinking Saturday morning from 9-11am. or you can pick up fliers and I can assign parts of the community to pass them out some other time prior to Monday. Anytime, just let me know when you can help. Check the blog for meeting place and times. You can also e-mail me or savelakeviewpreschool@yahoo.com

3. Rally Tuesday, August 18th. A friendly show of support for our preschool at a Rally in which we will meet in front of the club starting at 5pm. We will have signs that say "We love our preschoolers", "Please help us save our preschool". etc... friendly support of the cause.

4. Wed, Aug 19th. Really important to show up at the board meeting on Wednesday. That is our big chance to be heard and to directly discuss this issue with those that made the decision. I think that only association members can attend, so please, if you are an association member and have neighbors around you that are members, attend the meeting and have them attend the meeting in support. Also, you can speak at the meeting. Need to fill out a form to do so. Maybe we can post the form on the blog. If not, I will get it out to you.

I am so happy to be working with such great parents and I am looking forward to us all teaming together and showing our support.

~Dolores (Zachary and Ben Wirth's mom)

Letter by Parent/Member Pete Deutschman

2009-08-13T10:03:00.001-07:00

8/12/2009

To:
Dr. James Gardner
Ron Allen
David Glick
Julia Lieberman
Michael Glover
cc: Cynthia Valdes, Members of Lake Forest Community Association, Parents of current and returning preschool students and select press

Today is a very sad day for all the residents and members of Lake Forest Community Association as word of Lakeview Learning Center’s closing spread across the community. Sending my daughter home with the surprise letter along with the return of our deposit check was a shock to all of us. The purpose of this letter is to express my personal disappointment. On behalf of several members and parents, I'd also like to offer observations and ask specific questions regarding what triggered the five member Board’s decision to unilaterally close Lakeview Learning Center effective August 28^th, just 12 business days from today.

I am not a community activist. I respect the time you give to our community. 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.

I agree with Ms. Valdes that “Lakeview Learning Center is a long-standing tradition” within our community. As the son of a preschool teacher, my wife and I value quality early education. We understand its importance in preparing our kids for Kindergarten and social activities such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and swimming programs the Association directly or indirectly supports. Like other current parents and countless Association members before us, my wife and I searched high and low to find a preschool for our daughter and eventually for our younger son. We were thrilled to find the perfect preschool right at “our” Clubhouse. We were specifically drawn to the fact that Lakeview Learning Center is one of the very few select preschools in South Orange County to be State accredited.

We continue to be impressed by the quality, care, and commitment the Lakeshore Learning Center/PCM staff demonstrates to our kids. Calling it a hidden gem is an understatement. That is why I am shocked to find out The Board views the preschool as a liability to the community, rather than the asset that it truly is. I am not alone in this belief and would expect that several phone calls and letters will be arriving from parents, residents, and other concerned community members who see the benefits of Lake Forest Community Association’s Lakeview Learning Center to all of us.

Certainly these are difficult times. As a business owner myself, I understand that we are all affected by the state of our economy. Tough times make for tough decisions. However, I believe that the parents and members deserve a complete and thorough understanding of what lead to this decision. Following a brief conversation with Ms. Valdes this evening and other research, I would like The Boards clarification on several facts.

i) In the May 2009 President’s Letter, Dr. Gardner carefully outlined actions taken to reduce expenses. He outlined several reductions to operational and non-material items. In the only documented reference to the preschool’s status, he outlined the preschool as a “remaining challenge” stating:

ii) “Despite the best efforts of our staff, the preschool continues to lose money. Some homeowners object to underwriting the costs of providing preschool education, especially to children who do not live in our Association. The Board has been struggling with this issue for the past six months and we hope to have a viable plan in the near future. We believe the preschool is a valuable asset for our homeowners, and we are hoping to develop a plan that either increases revenue or reduces costs so that the preschool is selfsustaining.”

iii) Please provide clarification on the following points:

1. As I understand it, the main reason for the preschool closure is due to a budget deficit. Dr. Gardner’s point of “preschool continues to lose money.”

a. What is the deficit we are talking about? Ms. Valdes and Ms. Cienfuegos suggested we were talking about $5,000 per year. Certainly that cannot be the reason to shut down such a great school and "valuable asset."

2. Timing and Ultimatum

a. At the start of the summer program, the staff was provided an ultimatum: Increase tuition and increase enrollment for the fall program or the preschool would be shut down. Increased enrollment expectation was set to 42 students, the maximum state licensed limit. With limited research, I learned that very few schools possess a 100% occupancy year-round, especially in these difficult times. Regardless, the staff was not allowed to communicate this ultimatum nor the goals with parents. This is most upsetting to me personally as this information would have given us the summer to rally behind the school and address The Board's concerns. What was the rationale of not including members in these goals?

b. Best efforts of the staff vs. setting up for failure?

i. Limitations: Dr. Gardner says "despite the best efforts of our staff." It is important to understand that while these may have been best efforts, they were performed with limitations making it difficult to succeed.

ii. Advertising and Marketing: Staff was/is not permitted to advertise in places other than Village News (the Lake Forest Community Association) and has been provided a full page ad month over month. When the preschool seemingly needed it the most, the community management team reduced the size of this ad to approximately ¼ size.

iii. Word of Mouth: As stated before, the fact that parents were not made aware of the Board's ultimatum is infuriating. Word of mouth represents a majority of enrollment for organizations like this. Who better to speak to the values of the preschool than the parents? Not providing the parents with ample communication and the ability to support the already hamstrung marketing efforts is criminal.

3. Dr. Gardner says, “Some homeowners object to underwriting the costs of providing preschool education, especially to children who do not live in our Association”.

a. Open enrollment was approved by The Board several years ago as means of finding new students and increasing revenue. Ancillary to the additional revenue, young families come to the Clubhouse daily to drop off and pick up their kids learning about all the other revenue generating member and non-member programs the Association is funding. Young families are the future of our community and the Association should be looking to do whatever we can to promote ourselves as family-friendly and desirable.

b. The statement that "some homeowners object” is suspect. I regret not speaking up when first reading this in the May 2009 issue. Isn't the purpose of the Board to listen to both sides and allow the homeowners at large to vote on how their money is best spent?

4. For the past 11 years, at the request of past Boards, the preschool has evolved from a part-time program to a full-time, fully accredited program.

a. During this time, the preschool has been profitable -- many times contributing more than $25,000 per year on those good years. As the Association is a not-for-profit entity, surely those funds were put in some sort of reserve for difficult times such as these?

b. The preschool is fortunate to have had many staff/teachers remain committed to the school year after year. With retention comes cost of living increases (3%) and thus the need to increase adjust revenue and/or expenses. Our courageous preschool staff worked hard to increase enrollment and revenue including tuition increase of 10% as approved by The Board in May 2009.

c. Was there another reason? With no ability to market, a down economy, and the inability to tell those who value the services the most (the parents), I believe the staff was set up for failure. Was there some other reason for the decision to shut down the preschool? Dr. Gardner doesn’t reference that in his letter nor do the last few months of Minutes allude to this expense.

i. In the winter of 2008/2009, during the time Dr. Gardner was running for City Council, he came to speak at our teacher/parent Open House. He spoke for several minutes about The Board’s passion for this preschool and how THIS board was committed to the preschool as a service and amenity. He went on to boast that within 2-3 weeks (during the winter break of 2008/2009) that the preschool would go through a much-needed overhaul and that budgets had been allocated. This was news to the staff and they were thrilled to hear that such a commitment and investment was to be made. This was the first we heard of needed improvements and the last we heard of “a new preschool.” Much like other politicians before him, this promise was not to come to fruition. What is the cost to retrofit the preschool including logistical fees of temporary housing? If this was budgeted as Dr. Gardner indicated to all of us members, what changed?

ii. Another known plan is to convert the facility into a gym. This would certainly not reduce costs to the Association as Dr. Gardner and The Board set out to accomplish. If we are looking to reduce liability, increasing the size of a gym is not a good move for members.

Moving Forward

Understanding that there are several points of clarification awaiting The Board’s response, we (the Parents and members) are now faced with the sense of urgency to save the preschool and are willing to do whatever we can to do so. I sincerely hope that through open dialog we can come up with a few action items which will put The Board at ease and encourage reversal of their Thursday, August 6^th decision to close the preschool. As a means of demonstrating our commitment, a parent council will be formed in effort of better supporting staff in marketing and most importantly raising the needed funds to be “self-sufficient” should that be what The Board is looking for.

· Staff sought out sponsors for some of the Association events and noted that over $1000 was raised. There is no reason why the preschool can’t do the same

· Development of Fundraising Activities: Auctions, family days, corporate underwriting, personal fundraisers and the like.

I look forward to meeting you all at Wednesday’s board meeting and introducing you to some of the other parents/members who feel just as strongly as I do.

Respectfully,

Pete Deutschman

Parent of Chloe Deutschman

949-510-9058

pete@thebuddygroup.com

Visit our blog at http://savelakeview.blogger.com

Letter From Carol Madigan - L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am a concerned grandparent and I am very passionate about the quality of my granddaughter’s education.

I have learned that The Lake Forest Association Board, in an emergency closed door meeting last week, voted to close the Lakeview Learning Center effective August 28th (without all members being present). This 5 star N.A.E.Y.C. accredited preschool has been an asset of our community for over 20 years. I have lived and been a member of this association for over 27 years and for the board to take away this valuable amenity doesn't seem justified. What else will this Board do without informing us?!

In the last LFCA Village News (August 2009) it was stated in the President's Report that the "Preschool repair has been delayed by a host of bureaucratic issues involved with the city, licensing, etc. We had hoped to start in the Fall but now it looks like January will be a better start date to insure a smooth process." Nothing was said about closing it!

While several teachers were provided enrollment targets several months back they were not permitted to share details of the ultimatum with parents for some unknown reason thereby taking away one of the greatest assets the preschool has, parents and their word of mouth abilities. We can and should save this preschool.

My son-in-law was told by staff at the Association that the preschool is losing money each year. When pressed for an amount, several sources told him the deficit annually is $5,000! YES…$5,000.

I know the parents of the preschool children can help bridge this gap but we need to hear from the Board what if anything else is causing this decision. Surely, it cannot be the $5,000…can it?!

I, along with many association member are very upset about this situation.

Carol Madigan

Letter From Mike Madigan - L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-13T09:45:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have been members of this association for 27 years. We raised our two daughters here, but could not send them to the Lakeview Learning Center because the waiting list was too long.

Our granddaughter is in her second year at Lakeview and loves playing with her school friends at the pool and at the LFCA Kids Friday Night Movies on the beach.

A psychologist I know has a sticker on his car's bumper which says "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance". In my opinion, the tuition at Lakeview is a bargain and this very questionable decision by the board ignores the needs of this community and should not be allowed to stand.

Mike Madigan
grandfather of Chloe Deutschman

Letter From Michelle Madigan - L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Ms. Valdes,

Please accept this letter in support of the Lakeview 
Learning Center.

For the past year, I have had the opportunity to see the
impact of the Lakeview Learning Center in the education of my niece,
Chloe Deutschman. This valuable program has provided an incredibly 
rewarding experience for her. The teachers and staff are dedicated to
providing the highest quality education to prepare her for Kindergarten. 
Please do not take this away from her or the other children in the 
program.

I was raised in Lake Forest as part of the Lake Forest Community 
Association.I know what a vital role it plays in our community. I trust
that the Board has the community's best interest in mind, but this latest 
decision to close the preschool is unacceptable. The Board's decision 
absolutely cannot stand.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Michelle Madigan

Letter From Carrie Burkholder - Parent

2009-08-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Cynthia,

I am the parent of a Lakeview Learning Center preschooler, and I am very saddened and shocked about the board’s sudden vote to close the preschool. Reading the letter that I was sent was like getting punched in the stomach. My heart sunk as I tried to think about how I was going to tell my son that his preschool was closing forever and he would not be with his beloved friends and teachers from week to week.

The Lakeview Learning Center is such an important part of our community. Our 11 year old son, Austin, attended Lakeview Learning center. Our son, Aiden is attending now and we planned on having our son, Ryker attend two years from now as well. It has been a vehicle to start our children and a lot of the children in our community on the road to healthy, productive and successful educations. That benefits our community as a whole, whether we belong to the LFCA or not. The short notice and sudden decision to close the school shows me that the LFCA board members have no understanding or regard for the needs of our communities families, or for the staff who have worked and cared for our children so lovingly all of these years.

The decision to close the school could not have been all about the money or lack thereof. Had we’d known the school was under threat of closure, we parents could have rallied together to raise funds, contribute donations or budgeted for an increase in tuition. In the coming days my hope is that the people of the community who need and want this preschool, can come to an agreement with the board to reverse the decision to close the school and allow it to stay open.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Carrie Burkholder

Mom to Austin, Aiden & Ryker Burkholder

Past, Present and Future students at Lakeview Learning Center

Letter From Mary Katie Cloonan - Grandparent

2009-08-13T09:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Cynthia Valdes,

I received the letter yesterday and was very upset to hear of the closing of the preschool. My granddaughter (31/2) who lives with us had a difficult time adjusting to preschool last year but has grown to love it and looks forward to going now. The staff and the quality of education that this preschool offers is hard to find. Looking for a preschool at this late date makes it difficult on all of us to find something that offers quality. I ran into a neighbor friend yesterday that had been very excited to enroll her four year old son for fall after several conversations with me over how happy we were with Lakeview Learning Center. She told me that her check was returned to her after being informed that the preschool was closing its doors. I will try to attend the meeting on Wednesday if I am able to get off of work in time.

Mrs. Mary Katie Cloonan | Admissions Counselor | International Academy

Fairmont Private Schools | 2200 West Sequoia Avenue | Anaheim, California | 92801

p. 714.774.9500 Ext. 1406 | f. 714.774.3689 | mkcloonan@fairmontschools.com | www.fairmontschools.com

Politics or Parents, where are the priorities?

2009-08-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

The parents were just informed the following in response to my question

"What happened to the money that was allocated to repair the 30 year old building?"

Response given (source withheld)

Money has been allocated to expand the weight room.
Thereafter it came to the Board's attention that the pre-school needs repairs and the two have been tied together.
The repairs would still need to be completed regardless of closing the pre-school. The weight room expansion would be precluded.

Letter From NAEYC Facilitator - Mary Wonderlick

2009-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Pete and April, hooray for your immediate, impassioned stand and activism .....

I just checked our NAEYC web site - our national EC org -- National Association for the Education of Young Children -- and learned that this center is one of the few in your area to be accredited. Accreditation by NAEYC is not easy to get or maintain and, in the early childhood world, is an indicator/marker of quality.

from the site

Since 1985, NAEYC has offered a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and to help families identify high-quality programs. Today, NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. Over 8,000 child care programs, preschools, early learning centers, and other center- or school-based early childhood education programs are currently NAEYC-Accredited. These programs provide high quality care and education to nearly one million young children in the United States, its territories, and programs affiliated with the United States Department of Defense.

here's the link NAEYC ACADEMY

so, power to the people -- incite others to lead with you

Mary Wonderlick

MARY N. WONDERLICK, M.A. Learning Disabilities, is a facilitator of the NAEYC At Risk and Special Needs Interest Forum and also holds positions on IL AEYC and IDEC boards and committees.
Now an EC / ECSE consultant, she retired from the Chicago Public Schools Pre School for All Community Partnership Programs as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher who provided program and staff support services in classroom/behavior management, curricular modifications and referral for evaluation. Mary’s experiences cover self-contained early childhood special education, State Pre K, Head Start and Child Care programs including children with special needs.
As a consultant to the Center for Early Childhood Leadership, Mary was an ECERS assessor; currently she consults in the child care community giving technical assistance for the Quality Rating System. Mary provides professional development trainings for the Chicago Public Schools, CCR&R’s and Starnet (Nectas) Region V.
In the area of adult education, she has been a Professional Development Coach supporting new teachers and has taught at the college level. Mary presents on a variety of topics at local and national conferences: ADHD, behavior, learning needs / learning differences, sensory processing, learning environments, the development of prewriting and the concept of time. She is one of the authors of the brochure "Finding an Appropriate Preschool for your child with special needs".

Letter From Eric Floe - Parent/L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-13T08:00:00.001-07:00

My wife & I totally agree with all of your concerns. What I find especially troubling is the closed door decision that you mentioned.

For years we have looked forward to putting our daughter in Lakeview. We really like the idea of her receiving a quality education in our neighborhood within the security of the clubhouse gates. Countless times this summer we have taken her to the clubhouse just to look inside "her preschool" so she could see the wonderful play and learning environment that we have promised her for so long. We had our deposit in long ago for this fall enrollment only to find out yesterday that her enrollment had been canceled. Needless to say we are extremely disappointed and very troubled about the board's actions.

As I stated, I am especially troubled by to concept of the board conducting a closed door meeting to decide the fate of Lakeview. For many years I was deeply involved in trying to resolve the issues associated with the Lagoon. My intent was always to improve this community asset for our members, especially the kids. Through this effort I learned that it generally requires a 2/3 vote by the members to approve removal of a major community asset. Is this not a basis to fight this? I too am not the activist type, nor am quick to pursue a lawsuit, but I do believe in this cause. It is my understanding that while the board may be quick to make rash decisions such as this, they will typically reverse their decision if advised by the LFCA legal representation. It is my understanding that if the board members pursue an issue that LFCA legal recommends against, then the board members can be personally liable for the outcome.

What do you think? Any one else care to respond? Anyone care to make a concerted showing at the board meeting next Wednesday? As for the 5000 dollars per year deficit, I agree that is pathetic. We would (or will) easily end up paying that difference somewhere else.

Thanks for your concerns and efforts.

Eric Floe

Letter From Jody Stomp - Parent/L.F.C.A. Member

2009-08-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

I too am very upset about this decision. My daughter has been so excited to start preschool this fall and getting my deposit check back yesterday has really thrown a wrench in our fall plans.

We are new homeowners in the neighborhood (actually we don't even move in until the end of the month) and bought here for the amenities that were offered, including the preschool. If $5,000 is really all that the budget deficit is and there are 40 families affected, could they not have just increased tuition a little bit more - That is only $125 per year per child.

I know that we all are strained in these economic times, but couldn't there be a different solution. Last night I was on-line scrambling to find a place for my daughter to go starting in Sept. There are a very limited amount of places that offer full-time preschool. The least expensive place that I found is 5 miles farther from our house and $60 more per month for 2 fewer hours per day. Is there any chance that they will reverse this decision? Unfortunately, they did this at a horrible time with September only weeks away.

Jody Stomp

Letter to the board- from Member April Madigan

2009-08-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

Cynthia,

As a parent of a Lakeview Learning Center preschooler, I am most taken aback by the lack of sensitivity that has been displayed by the board and management team of the Association in their last minute decision to close Lakeview Learning Center. All of the families who send their children to preschool take great care in choosing just the right school for their child, be it in curriculum, cost, or proximity to work or home.

Lakeview Learning Center is depended on by local working families in this community. The short notice and seemingly sudden decision to close the school down shows a blatant disregard not only for the needs of community families, but also for the group of 3-5 year old children who have come to love their daily experience at the school. The staff has been unable to prepare themselves, let alone this young group of children and their families for such a drastic change.

If the writing has been on the wall as to the future of the school, I cannot personally understand the decision to give this dedicated staff and the affected families 12 days to find alternative jobs,schooling AND childcare.

I sat through a speech given by Dr. Gardner at the preschool's Parent Night in which he talked at length of a new building for the preschool, to the obvious surprise of the entire staff. I admit I was not surprised when this new building did not materialize, but to close the school down without an equally long speech to the parents seems rather unfair.

As a member of the Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club for 27 years, I have always been proud to bring friends to the "club" and rave about the gem of a preschool we get to send our kids to right inside. This amenity attracts many families not just to the school, but also to the special events hosted by the Association.

I am anxious to understand the motivation behind this decision, and am confident that if this is merely a financial situation there are helpful resources waiting to be tapped within our preschool community.

Sincerely,
April Madigan

Letter to the parents of Lakeview past, present and future

2009-08-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Sent Aug 12, 2009-

I apologize for the mass email but time is of the essence. I am not a community activist. I am just a parent who feels passionately about my daughter’s quality education and about seeing our community making the right investments.

As you may have learned today, The Lake Forest Association Board voted, in an emergency closed door meeting, to close the preschool effective August 28th. If you are anything like me your appreciation for the quality program Lakeview provides is beyond words. While several teachers were provided enrollment targets several months back they were not permitted to share details of the ultimatum with parents for some unknown reason thereby taking away one of the greatest assets the preschool has, parents and their word of mouth abilities. We can and should save this preschool.

I have taken the liberty of writing a detailed letter to the Board and encourage you do to the same. Share with them what the preschool means to you as a parent and (if applicable) as a member. If you read my letter, you will glean the facts as I understand them today.

Key point that was conveyed to me by staff is that the preschool is losing money each year. When pressed for an amount, several sources told me the deficit annually is $5,000! YES…$5,000.

I know we as parents can help bridge this gap but we need to hear from the Board what if anything else is causing this decision. Surely, it can’t be the $5,000…can it?

Please click on the following link to view the letter I sent to the Board this evening. It will give you a good idea of the issues we are dealing with.
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AScAL5vKyUdPZHp4MnRoZl8xZGZodGtmZDY&hl=en

You can also follow, comment and share with friends via
BLOG: http://savelakeview.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @savemypreschool http://twitter.com/savemypreschool

Lastly, we setup an email address at savelakeviewpreschool@yahoo.com . PLEASE cc that email when sending letters to Cynthia Valdes for the Board (cvaldes@pcminternet.com)

Pete Deutschman

Letter From Heidi Herington - Parent

2009-08-12T21:00:00.000-07:00

I was extremely disappointed in the Board's decision to permanently close the Lakeview Learning Center. Though my daughter is a recent addition to the roster, she has assimilated quickly and has clearly been much happier since she moved to the Center compared to her previous preschool. I think it is also beneficial that she is making friends with local children who can all grow up together in a close community. Closing the center would hamper the opportunity for all of our community children to build those important neighborhood bonds and develop lasting relationships that could be a mainstay of L.F.C.A.

Having recently evaluated several preschools in the area, I can attest that the quality of care and education provided by the Learning Center is better than others and to lose the Center would hurt not only our own community, but the City of Lake Forest as well. I believe that with an increase in tuition and an improved marketing strategy, the funds to remodel and keep the Center going could be attained.

I would like to request that the Board reconsider this decision temporarily, and work with the parents and community to find solutions to the challenges it faces. There is motivation and support among the parents to keep the school open, and collaboration often produces great results. If within 60 days, a viable plan is not achieved, then it would be sensible to close the doors.

I will be in attendance at next week's Board meeting, and look forward to discussing this further. Thank you.

Heidi Herington