Beloved Clear Lake preschool shuts down after years of financial struggles
Clear Lake United Methodist Church Preschool (CLUMC) will close its doors on 31 July 2023. The decision follows years of financial strain, leaving nearly 100 families and dozens of staff facing an uncertain future. The preschool had relied on over $500,000 in subsidies from the church’s operating budget over the past three years. Senior Pastor Brad Morgan confirmed that mounting losses made the programme financially unsustainable. Despite efforts to continue, the church could no longer cover the shortfall.
The closure has sent shockwaves through the Clear Lake community. For years, the preschool served as a trusted and safe space for local children. Staff described a somber mood as teachers and parents grappled with the news. Many employees, classified as church workers, will not qualify for unemployment benefits. Parents are now scrambling to secure alternative childcare. While the Clear Lake area is not considered a 'daycare desert', immediate openings in nearby programmes remain scarce. The church has pledged to support a smooth transition for students and staff until the final day of operations.
The shutdown marks the end of a long-standing community institution. Families must now find new arrangements before the start of the next school year. The church’s focus remains on ensuring an orderly conclusion for all affected by the closure.
