Fatima considers increasing charge for daycare

By Neal A. Johnson, UD Editor
Posted 4/26/23

WESTPHALIA  —  At last Wednesday’s meeting, Fatima board members discussed increasing the daily charge for services at the Early Childhood Center but, ultimately, took no …

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Fatima considers increasing charge for daycare

Posted

WESTPHALIA    At last Wednesday’s meeting, Fatima board members discussed increasing the daily charge for services at the Early Childhood Center but, ultimately, took no action.

Superintendent Chuck Woody noted that any change would be effective July 1 at the start of the new fiscal year.

“We are one of the cheapest, if not the cheapest, compared to some of the daycares around the area,” said Woody. “We tried to take care of our staff last month. It’s very difficult to draw employees in, especially those non-certified positions such as cooks, aides, preschool workers, and custodians. The preschool funds itself, and we are definitely going to be in the red compared to what’s going out.”

Fatima currently has full enrollment of 50 students with a waiting list.

The superintendent noted the current cost is $26 per day on a five-day schedule per week. Those attending four days a week pay $28 per day, and the cost is $33 per day for three days per week. Employees pay $22.75 per day.

Board VP Matt Robertson asked how many teachers’ children attend the preschool. Woody guessed eight or 10 but did not have the exact figure at the meeting.

“We don’t necessarily have to be the highest, but we certainly shouldn’t be the lowest,” said Robertson, who proposed an increase of $2 or $3 per day across the board, but no bump for teachers. “I would leave employees’ (cost) where it’s at. It’s hard enough retaining and attracting good teachers; that can be a carrot. It’s a great daycare. I’ve heard good things about it, and people are willing to pay for it.”

Board member Jeffrey Winkelman added that kindergarten teachers are pleased with what the preschool kids are learning.

Woody agreed, noting the preschool follows the curriculum, and ties it in with what kindergarten teachers are doing.

“I think we’re doing a disservice to patrons if we’re in the red,” said Robertson.

Woody did not have exact figures for how much in the red the preschool will end the year but said it would only get worse if the district doesn’t change something.

Robertson asked if a $2 increase would be enough.

“I was thinking $29 or even $30,” said Winkelman. “I know the last time we did a pretty small increment. And the logic was, let’s revisit it, and we’re revisiting it. So maybe we do the small increment and then say, ‘hey, we’re gonna go up this much, and then we’re gonna go up this much.’”

“I think that saves you some sticker shock and some disgruntled patrons,” said Robertson.

“You gotta remember that people have to pay this,” new board member DJ Schroeder interjected.

“My point is that they’re paying (for daycare services) somewhere, and they’re paying more at other places,” said Winkelman. “And there’s a waiting list still with ours. I think they’re doing a good job.”

“I agree that it needs to be raised, but if you raise it too much, and you’re above where everybody else is, there’s availability for people to take their kids there,” Woody replied. “You’re still under a contractual duty to pay that staff all year with half the kids, and then we’re having a discussion of keeping the doors open.”

Board member Mandy Kliethermes agreed an increase is necessary and suggested at least a $3 bump, which would be an additional $780 per student per year, based on 52 weeks. Still, Woody noted there are times when parents aren’t charged due to holidays.

“On a weekly basis, which is what our parents are budgeting, it’s $15,” Kliethermes added.

“If you have a kid, you’re blowing that $15 on something,” said Winkelman.

Newly elected president Suzanne Massman agreed that $2 or $3 would be appropriate. Schroeder made a motion for a $2 increase for the general public and no increase for teachers.

“I really think we need to get to $29, but that’s just me,” said Winkelman.

Massman suggested the board could compromise at $2.50, which would be an additional $650 per student per year at 52 weeks.

Schroeder’s motion died for lack of a second, a rarity at Fatima.

Instead, the board voted to table the matter until next month so Woody can prepare a financial report showing salaries, utilities, and other costs for this year and next. He was also asked to include the last time an increase was approved and how much.

In other business, Schroeder and board member Joyce Weber were sworn in after the board approved election results from April 4. Board member Wayne Baumhoer was sworn in the previous week because he could not attend this meeting.

Schroeder carried the vote with 801, while Weber (768) and Wayne Baumhoer (629) also earned a seat. Incumbent Andrew Samson garnered 616 votes, and Casey Helton received 575.

Massman was elected president and Robertson VP, with Tim Luebbering to serve as board secretary and Patty Schnieders selected as the treasurer.

Board members also celebrated the passage of the 65-cent levy by a margin of 725-574. Woody was authorized to act as the project manager.

Remaining business will be presented next week.+