Its certainly a “Happy New Year” at Islesboro Preschool!
As you know, we moved into our new building this past summer which allowed us to expand our programs to children from six months to five years old. As a result, attendance is almost double what we could have had in the past. To handle the increased number of children, we have more than doubled the staff and intend to run our program twelve months of the year. This is particularly important since many island parents work multiple jobs in the summer. IPS provides the safe, nurturing place they need for their children.
Enhancing our programs while maintaining our new building are two priorities for the board of directors. These of course, require money. We anticipated this during the capital campaign for the new building and were able to raise a sufficient buffer to cover of our increased operating costs for the next three years. However, three years can go by quickly so the board is developing a financial strategy to ensure the school can run “in perpetuity”.
Another goal is to do the impossible—find a replacement for Nancy Wuori who has decided to finish the retirement she thought she was starting when she left ICS. The board has started a search for the new Executive Director and we hope to have someone named in the March/April timeframe. Nancy will continue in her position until a replacement is named and intends to remain on the board of directors. We will more formally recognize and thank Nancy as her replacement is named but when you see her about the island, please give her your thanks for a job well done.
AND DON’T FORGET…. Preschool will be selling flowers Wednesday, February 14 at 10 AM – 1 PM and 4 – 5 PM at both the Island Market and the ICC! Love is in the air!