Lee Montessori locations: at the open house they said Brookland or Woodridge

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

NP, and not a Lee parent. The PP above was practically hysterical and accusatory. Even disinterested observers like me can grasp the basic concepts here without "this is ridiculous!" Anyone who has been around a while knows this is the normal process for new schools. Lee parent (if he/she is one) was spot on. Look at how many locations ITS, Mundo Verde and Shining Stars had before their permanent location worked out. At least Lee seems committed to a similar part of the city (though, who knows if that's really feasible).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

NP, and not a Lee parent. The PP above was practically hysterical and accusatory. Even disinterested observers like me can grasp the basic concepts here without "this is ridiculous!" Anyone who has been around a while knows this is the normal process for new schools. Lee parent (if he/she is one) was spot on. Look at how many locations ITS, Mundo Verde and Shining Stars had before their permanent location worked out. At least Lee seems committed to a similar part of the city (though, who knows if that's really feasible).

I work in real estate and knowing if you are going to be somewhere 1-2 years out is feasible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

NP, and not a Lee parent. The PP above was practically hysterical and accusatory. Even disinterested observers like me can grasp the basic concepts here without "this is ridiculous!" Anyone who has been around a while knows this is the normal process for new schools. Lee parent (if he/she is one) was spot on. Look at how many locations ITS, Mundo Verde and Shining Stars had before their permanent location worked out. At least Lee seems committed to a similar part of the city (though, who knows if that's really feasible).

I work in real estate and knowing if you are going to be somewhere 1-2 years out is feasible.

PP, can you clarify your point? My understanding is that Lee has a 2 year lease with ITS for the ground floor but that they have an option of breaking the lease after one year if necessary to secure a permanent location. Are you saying that this is or isn't a "feasible" approach? Thanks for your insight. (Also, what type of real estate do you work in? How does a school search differ from other commercial real estate?)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

You say if after one more year...I thought if the basement wasn't refinished then Lee has to leave this year (2016)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

Agree.

[Anonymous]

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.
[Report Post]

Add to that entitled.

I don't think I want to share a middle school with you guys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They will probably go to the old Perry Street Prep location, the same building that now houses LAMB.

I thought this idea has been debunked.

They did say tonight that the Brookland location was within a mile of the current location, and Perry St. Prep would seem to be a little farther away than that... Is Bethune still on the table?

Bethune was never on the table.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. Way back in the day my older child attended LAMB (now in high school) from PK3-5th. Over his 8 years the school occupied 5 different locations - Our Redeemer Church, Missouri Avenue, Bunker Hill Elementary, Imagine Hope, Missouri Avenue. Each of the locations required them to "invest" in renovations or enhancements to make the temporary locations work for the duration of their lease.

It sucked and was anxiety producing -- and they actually had a 'permanent' space at Missouri Avenue the entire time.

This is good perspective. NP here not familiar with that history. Thanks for presenting it kindly unlike some other founding families who just say "suck it up." Good for us stressing about the lottery to know a school can move out of location drama and become one of the most popular in the city.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

This. This condescending attitude is why Lee parents get a bad wrap on this site, regardless of how nice they may be in real life.

Agree.

I read that post not as condescending and entitled but as defensive (of the school, which lee parents love) and anxious (and so trying to assert that everything is just fine). It's very stressful to go through what we went through in August all over again but with so much less time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

You say if after one more year...I thought if the basement wasn't refinished then Lee has to leave this year (2016)?

The school has a lease with ITS for 2 more years (with an option to break it after one). They are working on getting that space ready -- IF there are obstacles to that process (there are permitting issues to be resolved and some neighborhood opposition due to traffic concerns) they have a back up plan (Brookland) and a back up to that back up (Woodridge). The school is trying to be transparent, but plans to stay at ITS are well underway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

You say if after one more year...I thought if the basement wasn't refinished then Lee has to leave this year (2016)?

The school has a lease with ITS for 2 more years (with an option to break it after one). They are working on getting that space ready -- IF there are obstacles to that process (there are permitting issues to be resolved and some neighborhood opposition due to traffic concerns) they have a back up plan (Brookland) and a back up to that back up (Woodridge). The school is trying to be transparent, but plans to stay at ITS are well underway.

Yes but PP made it seem that even if they don't do renovations at ITS they will stay another year. I was under the impression that if renovations weren't done they have to go somewhere else as ITS requires the space tha Lee currently uses

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

You say if after one more year...I thought if the basement wasn't refinished then Lee has to leave this year (2016)?

The school has a lease with ITS for 2 more years (with an option to break it after one). They are working on getting that space ready -- IF there are obstacles to that process (there are permitting issues to be resolved and some neighborhood opposition due to traffic concerns) they have a back up plan (Brookland) and a back up to that back up (Woodridge). The school is trying to be transparent, but plans to stay at ITS are well underway.

Yes but PP made it seem that even if they don't do renovations at ITS they will stay another year. I was under the impression that if renovations weren't done they have to go somewhere else as ITS requires the space tha Lee currently uses

This is a little unclear, but my sense is yes lee has to leave if ITS can't renovate the basement. So pretty much Lee parents heard yesterday that they don't know where exactly they will be sending their kids to school in the fall. It sucks. Most have faith in admin, but it still sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous! Folks need to know this before lottery picks. I was under the imprssion that SS and Lee both wanted the 1240 Randolph Site by Turkey Thicket and now it looks like SS is getting it. So what are the other Brookland options for Lee? Woodridge is a deal breaker for us because of the commute. I was at the open house last night too and liked a lot. But unclear why at this point Lee doesn't know if they will be there 1 more year or 2 more years. Not clear why they are investing in basement renovations too if they are leaving in "1 or 2 years"--

They are not "investing" in renovations (if approved by DCRA) any more than they "invested" in the renovation of their current location in the building. They are (planning to) paying rent to ITS. ITS owns the building. I'm sorry it's unclear to you, but it's not that difficult to understand. There are very few suitable buildings available and it's very difficult to get them in an appropriate time frame, so, if after one more year at their current location they have a great building lined up that will be a long-term home for the school in which they can grow, then they will take it. If not, they have the flexibility to stay there for 2 years (assuming the permits are granted and the neighborhood doesn't skewer the plans).

You say if after one more year...I thought if the basement wasn't refinished then Lee has to leave this year (2016)?

The school has a lease with ITS for 2 more years (with an option to break it after one). They are working on getting that space ready -- IF there are obstacles to that process (there are permitting issues to be resolved and some neighborhood opposition due to traffic concerns) they have a back up plan (Brookland) and a back up to that back up (Woodridge). The school is trying to be transparent, but plans to stay at ITS are well underway.

Yes but PP made it seem that even if they don't do renovations at ITS they will stay another year. I was under the impression that if renovations weren't done they have to go somewhere else as ITS requires the space tha Lee currently uses

This is a little unclear, but my sense is yes lee has to leave if ITS can't renovate the basement. So pretty much Lee parents heard yesterday that they don't know where exactly they will be sending their kids to school in the fall. It sucks. Most have faith in admin, but it still sucks.

Fall 2016? I was under the impression that Lee has at least one more year at the current location even if they can't renovate the basement.

[Anonymous]

ITS will take over the space Lee has now. Lee will either move to basement or to another location but will not be able to stay in same classrooms as this and last year.