Faith Lutheran Preschool closes

Faith Lutheran Preschool, which has been suffering declining enrollment and financial problems, will close as of February 19. Pastor Tom Windsor, who took over as pastor in November, told the Sun, “We are all hurting about this. It was a financial decision.” In a further, prepared statement, he said, “The primary reason for the closure is that our program was not attracting enrollment levels to allow ongoing operation. The preschool was requiring subsidy on a recurring basis from the church’s general fund.”
Parents expressed shock and sadness. Sheila Martin said, “Twenty-four parents received notice on Monday that the school is closing in two weeks.” Joy Dunham said, ”I think it’s pretty inconsiderate that they couldn’t at least give the parents more notice. It’s not like a job where you can go get unemployment. I trusted them with everything I had and now, I don’t know what to do with my child.”
Debbie Kulack, who has been director of the school for 17 years, said it’s nobody’s fault; the school just wasn’t making budget. “The church tried a lot of stuff, we had meetings about it, trying to figure out what can we do. They didn’t see it feasible, in the long run. The church is going through a change. They would have loved to have kept it but they couldn’t support it.” She said the location factors in, too. “It’s hard to keep a business going here. Young families have a hard time buying houses here, so they’re starting to move away.” To her, it was amazing enough they’d lasted 17 years, and she hopes for a positive outcome. “It’s hard for the parents, it’s hard for the kids, to be uprooted. One door closed but another might open. God will take care of us – He always does.”