Action from the called session meeting of February 19 on CLPC's support of the Early Childhood Program had been postponed and was taken up again at this time. Barrie Swartwout introduced Nancy Belknap of the Day School Board who has worked over the past week to seek outside space for the school since the CE building was being vacated. House of Prayer Lutheran church, which had expressed support, had facilities which were too small for the program. Other churches which may have suitable space generally already have similar programs. Commercial space was found to be either unavailable or too costly.

Barrie reported that their board met the previous evening. She first expressed thanks to CLPC for their response in getting the school moved into the Church Life Center so quickly. She also expressed the board's commitment to returning Koinonia Corner (room 107) to the youth since they need their own space. The room also has some drawbacks for the purpose they intended to use it. Rooms L106, L105 are good spaces but insufficient for the total enrollment that they have. The parlor is less suitable based on its décor and set-up and other uses by the church. They have considered other options regarding the size and scope of their program which services about 142 families, 22 of which are church members. As a result of their deliberations, their board voted to stop the program which covers 3 and 4 year olds as well as Mother's Day Out after May. The board chair Beth Fiske noted that they recognize the difficulties the church will face sharing the space with young children, even recognizing that some of the existing space will be used for children's Sunday school. They have already had some sense of difficulty. The decision is timing-critical for them since enrollments for next year need to begin quickly. In any case the available facilities are not suitable for handling the older 2 year olds still in diapers, which are currently using the youth room... accounting for about 35 children. This is only a Mother's Day Out issue. If the program were to continue, it would have to be without this part of Mothers Day Out.

A number of the session members expressed strong support for the program. Pastor Jack articulated, and many others affirmed, that the Early Childhood Program is a fundamental CLPC program. No one expected such an important piece of our program would be discontinued as a result of the mold problem. He noted that the staff agreed when the CE building mold problem was uncovered that the children and youth need to take first priority. He also indicated that having the parlor is a luxury whose value pales in comparison to the children's ministry program.

Craig added that the Day School is an important outreach and it would be devastating not to have such a program in place when we get through the remediation. It is a program that is well regarded in the community. He indicated that if they are getting negative feedback, we as a session need to know about it.

The Session then revisited the motion of the previous week, and after slight amending, engaged in more discussion. It was noted that it will be difficult sharing space and there needs to be flexibility on the parts of both the church and school. It was also noted that the costs and efforts to restart the program if it was halted could be substantial and we should seriously consider maintaining the program in some form. The question was then brought to a vote. Finally they voted unanimously:

Cliff Cunningham reported that we are still awaiting final reports. However the insurance company's consultants are indicating that the extent of remediation, particularly in the CE building, may not be as extensive. The findings in the CE building do not indicate, so far, a need to remove all of the exterior stucco. This pending direction is due to the remediation protocols established as well as the interpretation of the test results that have been obtained so far. We still probably have a number of weeks, possibly until the end of March before we get a final report and recommendations. Remediation by the insurance company can not begin until the causes of the leaks in the two buildings have been identified and addressed to their satisfaction.

Jack added that Shalom has been looking at other space. So far, no donated space has been turned up. Also, some commercial office space may not be usable for evening hours. Office vacancy rates are relatively low in the area, making such space costly. We are currently looking at "store-front" locations. In the mean time, some CLPC office moves are beginning to occur with Barb Robertson moving to the Shalom area and Dana Park moving to the music office.

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