Editor’s note: Read more about Morrison Community Preschool’s program and history.
Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote this report.
On Monday, May 17, 2021, Morrison City Council held a Special Meeting, in the City of Morrison Community Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. The purpose was to resolve a situation that determined the future of Morrison Community Preschool.
Upon a notification of eviction from Northside Elementary School following the current school year, the MCP Board approached the City of Morrison, seeking to use a part of the Community Room as their classroom for the future. Prior to requesting permission to use the Community Room, several facilities were considered by the Board. They were found lacking in Fire Marshall Code prerequisites.
In support of the request, Joy Tegeler, owner of Tegeler Accounting Services, complimented Morrison Community Preschool on its ability to have a “focus on a professional accounting system and owning a positive profile and organizational skills.” Tegeler reassured the Council of the organization’s responsible history.
Director Anne Mills defined MCP’s desire to utilize one-half (800 sq. ft.) of the Community Room, as the needed space to accommodate a proposed class of 26 for the fall of 2021. Council member Vern Tervelt questioned Mills on the last minute request to the City. She responded that the MCUD notified her in March of the need to leave Northside. Her Board only recently exhausted their research of potential qualifying properties.
Kim Ewoldsen, Executive Director of Morrison Area Development Corporation, presented economic advantages to the area by having a functioning Preschool. She emphasized the negative message that is sent to prospective young families interested in making Morrison their home. Ewoldsen stressed the importance of a preschool for a growing community.
Butch Vanderschaff, a local representative of the Morrison Grand Squares square dancers offered comments to support the City’s refusing the Preschool’s request. He noted the sacrifice that the 34 organizations currently approved for using the room would have to make, to find adequate facilities to replace the Community Room.
Alderman Josh West called upon the Community to “all give up a little bit for one year, to keep a preschool within the City of Morrison.”
The final vote totaled 4 YEA and 2 NAY (Tervelt and Zuidema) to allow Morrison Community Preschool to utilize the Community Room for one year, with a monthly rent of $250.
