Dear Colleagues:
As you may be aware, the Early Childhood Center (ECC) has been operating a significant annual deficit for more than five years, which has required the university to subsidize the Center’s operations by about $1 million during that time. In today’s fiscal environment, the University is no longer able to continue this significant subsidy. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to close the Center at the end of this academic year. The last day of operations will be on Friday, June 1, 2018.
In 2015, President Mearns convened a Task Force to evaluate the Center’s operations. That Task Force found the Center’s expenses were projected to continue rising and that its staffing model was financially unsustainable. However, the University continued to explore ways to manage this challenge.
In 2017, the university began exploring options for an outside provider to operate the Center or provide similar services. Unfortunately, we are disappointed to tell you that the only provider who expressed interest and responded to our request for proposals is unable to provide these services on campus.
We understand that this change may cause a disruption in the lives of the parents and the children who have relied on the center for their child care needs. Knowing this, we want to provide everyone with as much notice as possible to find a new childcare solution. The university is committed to assisting these families affected by the Center’s closing with identifying affordable, safe, quality childcare. We are exploring options to secure discounts at local daycares and will share any updates with you as we receive them. We will also be working closely with the NKU Office of Parents Attending College to identify ways in which to assist our student parents.
I would like to thank those who have supported the ECC throughout the years. And most importantly, I would like to thank the ECC team for their care and commitment to the children who have been entrusted to their care. I know that meaningful relationships have been formed and these individuals will greatly miss working with each and every child.
I also recognize and appreciate the dedication of the ECC staff and their tireless efforts to control costs and explore alternative strategies and ideas to help make the Center sustainable. We will work closely with all staff members to help mitigate the adverse consequences for them resulting from the closure of the Center.
Sincerely,
Gerry
Gerard A. St. Amand
Interim President
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive
800 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: 859-572-5123
Fax: 859-572-6696
