By MICHELE MILLER HOUCK
DavidsonNews.net

The financially troubled Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center has appointed an interim director and formed a task force to develop a new business model. The goal: to ensure the 40-year-old center’s survival by bringing “best practices” to its existing “rich culture” of child care, according to the task force’s leader, interim comptroller John Venzon.

Mr. Venzon has been reviewing the center’s books to learn how it ran out of money this summer. He is a retired  Bank of America executive who also worked for IBM and owned and managed small businesses. He now provides financial advice to non-profit organizations.

“With the help of Mayor John Woods, we have assembled a balanced and talented group of leaders who understand the day care industry, educating young children and the importance of a functional business model,” Mr. Venzon said.

Joining Mr. Venzon on the task force are:

• Dr. Lib McGregor Simmons, Pastor, Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC).
• Jeff Ready, Product Service Communications & Contracts Compliance Manager, Lowes Corporation. (Mr. Ready previously worked for Child Care Resources, Inc.)
• Dr. Lory Morrow, Director, New Leader for New Schools, a non-profit partner of CMS developing high potential leaders for challenged schools. (Dr. Morrow is the only current board member serving on the task force.)
• Dr. Fuji Lozada, Associate Professor, Davidson College, Past Parent.
• Cindy Broadway, child development specialist, Child Care Resources Inc. of Charlotte.

“We will conduct a review of best practices and blend that with the rich culture of the day care,” Mr. Venzon said.  “I don’t see a radical redesign, but rather improving on the strong care that has been provided for years, with an increased focus on getting to a 4- or 5-star rating.”

NEW DIRECTOR

The board of directors has also appointed Courtenay O’Neil as interim director of the day care. Ms. O’Neil has taught more than 10 years in nursery and elementary schools in Wisconsin and High Point, and has experience with the state’s More at Four Program.

The More at Four Pre-Kindergarten Program “is a high-quality pre-K program that serves children who are at risk and prepares them for success in school,” according to the North Carolina Office of School Readiness’ website.

Ms. O’Neil earned a bachelor’s degree in early child development and a master’s degree in instruction program concentration. She is not being compensated for her work as interim director, and will also serve as a volunteer on the task force.

“Courtenay’s enthusiasm, passion and experience will help revitalize the center, and we are excited about what she brings to our programs,” board Chair Carol Higham said. “We ask teachers, parents and the community to welcome her in this new role.”

‘HEROES’ STEP FORWARD

The Davidson-Cornelius Day Care board announced a $64,000 Day Care Heroes Campaign on Sept. 7 to raise enough money to stabilize its finances through Dec. 31 while the task force restructures and develops a new business plan.

About 200 families and eight churches in Davidson and Cornelius have responded to the campaign led by Mayor Woods and Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte. Over $50,000 has been pledged to date.

“I am overwhelmed by the response and support from the Lake Norman community,” Ms. Higham said. “Thanks to this generosity, we are able to refocus and restructure. “

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donations to Davidson-Cornelius Day Care may be mailed directly to: Day Care Heroes, PO Box 848, Davidson, NC 28036. Or pay online via a secure link at http://www.ecrsa.org/davidsondaycare/

RELATED COVERAGE

Sept. 24, 2009, “Well-loved day care’s quiet slide into financial difficulty.”

Sept. 14, 2009, “Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center soldiers on.”

Sept. 2, 2009, “Day care center needs $64,000 to stay afloat.”

Aug. 21, 2009, “Financial woes threaten Davidson-Cornelius Day Care.”