Frederick Community College Child Care Center Closing in May
A child care center operated by Frederick Community College for 30 years is closing this May.
In an article shared on Frederick.edu earlier this year, the Carl and Norma Miller Children’s Center was said to be unprofitable, and because of “increasing fiscal pressures at both the state, local and now federal levels, coupled with the urgent need to prioritize mission-critical areas in the College,” its financial losses could no longer be sustained. It’s scheduled to close May 16.
The center’s net income lost over the last four fiscal year periods totaled $1.3 million, according to the report, and despite a $250,000 subsidy to remove enrollment barriers for FCC parents and make child care more affordable, that loss still exceeded $1 million. Part of the deficit came from the center falling short of its 83-child cap. There were 69 children enrolled at the time of the closure announcement—20 from student parent, 12 from FCC employees and 18 others.
The announcement sparked backlash from local parents and community members who had once been enrolled, or whose children had been enrolled, at the center over the years. A Change.org petition to save the center had accumulated 679 signatures as of March 19.
The center’s building will be repurposed to hold workforce training programs beginning in the fall. Community resource organizations and other childhood education centers have reached out to offer employment and child care support following the closure.
Tree Frederick Program Supports Community Goal
In preparation for Earth Day April 20, the Tree Frederick program, which aims to encourage Frederick residents to plant more trees in the hopes of contributing to the city’s overall tree canopy, opened its annual storefront from February through mid-March.
Currently, Frederick’s tree canopy only covers 20% of the city, only half of its goal of 40% tree cover. The Tree Frederick program gives residents the opportunity to contribute to that statistic by buying and planting native trees on their property.
“We selected this year’s species list with small and large yards in mind,” says City Sustainability Manager Jenny Willoughby, in a news release. “All the species are native and range from small trees like serviceberry to large trees like swamp white oak.”
The goal of improving Frederick’s tree canopy is not only for aesthetic purposes, but because it will help improve the city’s air and water quality. Trees also help catch stormwater runoff and add to property values.
“To meet [the 40%] goal, we’ll need everyone’s help,” adds Mayor Michael O’Connor.
FCPS Celebrates Teachers With Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award
The recipient of this year’s Charles E. Tressler Distinguished Teacher Award will be announced in mid-April before National Teacher Appreciation Week May 5 to May 9.
The award recognizes teachers in the Frederick County Public School district who have gone above and beyond in their duty, and who have made a significant impact on their students.
Teachers are nominated for the award by community members, who submit a summary of their nominee’s impact and background for review to a panel of FCPS administrators and staff. The award has been given to a teacher every year since 1997 and is sponsored by Hood College thanks to a gift from real estate developer and philanthropist Samuel “Sam” Eig.
Last year’s recipient was Patti Kolias, an English teacher, No Place for Hate adviser, Multi-Cultural Committee co-chair and Student Voices Faculty Leader at Linganore High School. Kolias also founded the Linganore High STEP team—a first for the school in 2023 and an effort to add to the school’s culture and diversity, according to The Lance, the high school’s student news site.
“Ms. Kolias is an outstanding educator who selflessly devotes considerable time and effort to ensuring all student voices are heard,” FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson says of Kolias’ win in an FCPS news post last April. “She is a true champion of supporting every student, every day.”
