Editor, Gazette-Journal:
Next week, 12/17/24 @ 6 p.m., the Mathews School Board will be receiving comments regarding property usage of a day-care center for toddlers and preschool children housed within the same Mathews County school facilities from early morning until 6 p.m.
The actual buildings are in varying levels of disrepair and facing School Board reassessments in January 2025, along with consolidation considerations. Added usage and extended hours will further increase maintenance and liability.
Because the “wee-ones” are prone to many more personal needs, accidents, illnesses, and other unexpected issues, guarding their safety becomes an even more serious consideration as well as an increased potential for lawsuits, holding both the county facility and Board responsible, even if eventually proven not to be.
Then there is the added consideration of the school-age siblings attending the school when “after school care” is also required for them? Do they get to stay within the bui...