CEMCS Facility FAQ:
CEMCS has been located in the same space since 2003-2004. Over those years, we have expanded and grown our enrollment from around 100 students to over 400. We have always made the most of the space that we’ve had, but we are currently “maxed out” and have no more physical space that we can occupy. Over the past few years, the Board has explored other potential locations that are better-equipped to serve our long-term needs. This is an ongoing process that the Board is currently working on. We prepared this list of frequently asked questions to try to answer any questions the CEMCS community may have. We welcome your input. See below for some answers and for information on how you may become more engaged and involved in the process. Thank you for being a part of what makes Casa Esperanza Montessori the special place that it is!
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Q) What is the status of the facility situation?
A) For several years, we have explored alternatives to our current location. The school has grown over its tenure at Sumner Park and we no longer have adequate space to accommodate everyone. The Board and the Facility Committee continue to work toward finding a building or land for our school.
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Q) How long is our existing lease?
A) Our current lease at Sumner Park expires in August 2014. That gives us the option of remaining in our current space for the current school year, plus two additional school years if we choose to do so.
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Q) Who is deciding on the location?
A) We have a Facility Committee, which meets the second Thursday of every month at 8:00 PM at the school. Anyone is able to attend these, and all, CEMCS committee and Board meetings. The Facility Committee is providing valuable input as to the criteria to consider in evaluating options. Ultimately, the Board will decide on the location, with careful consideration of all input received.
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Q) Where will the new location be?
A) Unknown at this time, although we are focusing our search on a 10-mile radius from our current location in an attempt to minimize disruption to our CEMCS community of students, parents, faculty, and volunteers.
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Q) Is the Pilot Mill location still under consideration?
A) No. The Board explored many avenues with Pilot Mill and concluded that it was not a feasible option. It would have required drastic changes to our academic model, which the Board was not willing to do.
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Q) How can I help?
A) Anyone is invited to join the Facility Committee, either as an official member of the committee, or even to provide input to one of its members or to come participate in any of our meetings.
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Q) Are you looking to build, lease, or purchase?
A) No option has been ruled out, although the general consensus among the Board is that our goal is to be able to purchase a building to provide long-term stability – financially and geographically.
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Q) What is needed to help facilitate a move?
A) Money. We will very likely need to conduct a capital campaign in order to raise sufficient funds to obtain financing to purchase a building.
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Q) How can I find out when new developments occur?
A) Get involved. Come to a Facility Committee meeting. Attend a Board meeting. If these options do not work for your schedule, any developments will be communicated through our normal communication channels.
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Q) Are discussions held in open session of the Board?
A) Yes. Occasionally, the Board may go into closed session to discuss the facility if it pertains to information that would jeopardize our negotiating position if held in open session. All votes for any issue will always be held in open session.
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Q) Whom should I ask if I have further questions?
A) Zachary Donahue is our Board Chair, as well as the Chairman of the Facility Committee. He can be reached at zdonahue@cemcs.org or (919) 761-9043.