Tucson Unified Considering Future of Early Learning Centers

The Tucson Unified School District board met last night to determine what steps to take regarding the Brichta and Schumaker Infant and Early Learning Centers. The two centers are popular among Tucsonans, boasting months-long waitlists.

But governing board member Mark Stegeman says the two schools lost just over $1 million combined last year and have had to raise tuition 15 percent in order to reduce the budget shortfall. He says the schools need to become solvent in order to keep their doors open.

"If we get to that point where they just can't break even, then I think we need to shut it down," he said.

He acknowledges that the schools are popular, but that keeping the doors open may not be feasible.

"It's simply not an appropriate use of our taxpayer funds, regardless of how meritorious we may believe it to be," he says.

Stegeman says that last night's motion will buy the education centers a bit more time.

"What we specifically moved was to find a plan that would get them to break even for the spring semester and that's not that far away so that has to be done soon. Or else to advise us that they don't think it's feasible" he says.

Combined, the centers serve nearly 350 children and are open to anyone in Tucson, whether they live in the district or not. The centers are taxpayer funded, but the district is considering partnering with a nonprofit.

The board will reconvene in early November to discuss further plans.