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

[Anonymous]

Is ITS going to renovate?

[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

I am PP and I am not sure how I gave that impression. You are correct, if there is a hold up with the permits to renovate the basement at ITS, Lee will not be able to stay there, that's why they have told parents about the back up plans. But they have a lease (two years) and are moving forward assuming that the renovation will go ahead as planned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

No. They only had lease for two years and it was ending at the end of this school year. If they don't get permits to renovate, they have to find alternative site for Aug 2016.

[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.

It was worrying to get that email, but I suggest you read it again, because your conclusion seems a little dramatic. It was clear that they are "confident" of staying in the Shaed building, but have prudently made back up plans in case they can't resolve some potential renovation obstacles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It was worrying to get that email, but I suggest you read it again, because your conclusion seems a little dramatic. It was clear that they are "confident" of staying in the Shaed building, but have prudently made back up plans in case they can't resolve some potential renovation obstacles.

no it's between my more dire and your more sunny reading. it actually says they are confident #1 or #2 will work out. So the brookland building back-up plan is more than just prudent backup for real (not potential) obstacles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It was worrying to get that email, but I suggest you read it again, because your conclusion seems a little dramatic. It was clear that they are "confident" of staying in the Shaed building, but have prudently made back up plans in case they can't resolve some potential renovation obstacles.

no it's between my more dire and your more sunny reading. it actually says they are confident #1 or #2 will work out. So the brookland building back-up plan is more than just prudent backup for real (not potential) obstacles.

I thought: "I am confident that we'll be able to stay put" was clear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It was worrying to get that email, but I suggest you read it again, because your conclusion seems a little dramatic. It was clear that they are "confident" of staying in the Shaed building, but have prudently made back up plans in case they can't resolve some potential renovation obstacles.

no it's between my more dire and your more sunny reading. it actually says they are confident #1 or #2 will work out. So the brookland building back-up plan is more than just prudent backup for real (not potential) obstacles.

I thought: "I am confident that we'll be able to stay put" was clear.

"our team, my Board, and Building Hope (which supports charters finding buildings) are all very confident that #1 or #2 will work out"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Email sent to parents this evening (this is the first time any suggestion that the school might not be staying at Shaed next year):

I wanted to provide a status update on our building plans for next year. In particular, given that it's getting close to the 3/1 lottery deadline, I want to make sure we are as transparent as possible about our facility situation. So, while I am confident that we'll be able to stay put, I also wanted to share our current status and our backup plans.
1. Stay at Shaed: As previously announced, our main plan is to renovate and move into the ground floor of our current building (i.e., the space behind Ms. Lightbourn's desk). That said, we are currently in the process of navigating DC agencies to get approval to do the renovation, and there has been some pushback from the neighborhood based on traffic issues we've been having. As such, we are exploring both backup plans.
2. Nearby Backup Option: Similar to a couple of months ago, there is another building in Brookland that, if secured, I am confident would satisfy most (if not all) of our families. We're working with the owner to finalize a long-term deal. If it works out, we should know within the next 2-3 weeks.
3. Backup Option in Woodridge: Given some uncertainty around staying put in our current building and the complexity of Backup #1, we are also considering a building on Evarts Street in the Woodridge neighborhood. While this isn't our first choice, given how late in the year it is, we think it prudent to keep it on the table.
I know this situation may be a source of stress, but our team, my Board, and Building Hope (which supports charters finding buildings) are all very confident that #1 or #2 will work out. Further, I will provide an update prior to the close of the lottery, just in case there is any further news.

Interesting. I recently saw this in the DC Register:

LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Project Management Consulting Services

Lee Montessori Public Charter School invites all interested parties to submit proposals to provide project management consulting services for site control and financing and/or pre-development and development management services for a new facility. Renovation of this 48,000 sq. ft. commercial property, located on Evarts Street, will require phased in construction and has an anticipated delivery date of August 1, 2016. The complete RFP can be obtained by [e-mail], please indicate which RFP you are requesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is ITS going to renovate?

They are already in a renovated building.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Email sent to parents this evening (this is the first time any suggestion that the school might not be staying at Shaed next year):

I wanted to provide a status update on our building plans for next year. In particular, given that it's getting close to the 3/1 lottery deadline, I want to make sure we are as transparent as possible about our facility situation. So, while I am confident that we'll be able to stay put, I also wanted to share our current status and our backup plans.
1. Stay at Shaed: As previously announced, our main plan is to renovate and move into the ground floor of our current building (i.e., the space behind Ms. Lightbourn's desk). That said, we are currently in the process of navigating DC agencies to get approval to do the renovation, and there has been some pushback from the neighborhood based on traffic issues we've been having. As such, we are exploring both backup plans.
2. Nearby Backup Option: Similar to a couple of months ago, there is another building in Brookland that, if secured, I am confident would satisfy most (if not all) of our families. We're working with the owner to finalize a long-term deal. If it works out, we should know within the next 2-3 weeks.
3. Backup Option in Woodridge: Given some uncertainty around staying put in our current building and the complexity of Backup #1, we are also considering a building on Evarts Street in the Woodridge neighborhood. While this isn't our first choice, given how late in the year it is, we think it prudent to keep it on the table.
I know this situation may be a source of stress, but our team, my Board, and Building Hope (which supports charters finding buildings) are all very confident that #1 or #2 will work out. Further, I will provide an update prior to the close of the lottery, just in case there is any further news.

Interesting. I recently saw this in the DC Register:

LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Project Management Consulting Services

Lee Montessori Public Charter School invites all interested parties to submit proposals to provide project management consulting services for site control and financing and/or pre-development and development management services for a new facility. Renovation of this 48,000 sq. ft. commercial property, located on Evarts Street, will require phased in construction and has an anticipated delivery date of August 1, 2016. The complete RFP can be obtained by [e-mail], please indicate which RFP you are requesting.

Ahh, so this must be the origin of the Everts street post on here last week (or was it the week before). I know this is just the second backup plan, but what 48,000 foot commercial property exists on everts street? Internet sleuths . . . GO!

[Anonymous]

Tree of Life?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Email sent to parents this evening (this is the first time any suggestion that the school might not be staying at Shaed next year):

I wanted to provide a status update on our building plans for next year. In particular, given that it's getting close to the 3/1 lottery deadline, I want to make sure we are as transparent as possible about our facility situation. So, while I am confident that we'll be able to stay put, I also wanted to share our current status and our backup plans.
1. Stay at Shaed: As previously announced, our main plan is to renovate and move into the ground floor of our current building (i.e., the space behind Ms. Lightbourn's desk). That said, we are currently in the process of navigating DC agencies to get approval to do the renovation, and there has been some pushback from the neighborhood based on traffic issues we've been having. As such, we are exploring both backup plans.
2. Nearby Backup Option: Similar to a couple of months ago, there is another building in Brookland that, if secured, I am confident would satisfy most (if not all) of our families. We're working with the owner to finalize a long-term deal. If it works out, we should know within the next 2-3 weeks.
3. Backup Option in Woodridge: Given some uncertainty around staying put in our current building and the complexity of Backup #1, we are also considering a building on Evarts Street in the Woodridge neighborhood. While this isn't our first choice, given how late in the year it is, we think it prudent to keep it on the table.
I know this situation may be a source of stress, but our team, my Board, and Building Hope (which supports charters finding buildings) are all very confident that #1 or #2 will work out. Further, I will provide an update prior to the close of the lottery, just in case there is any further news.

Interesting. I recently saw this in the DC Register:

LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Project Management Consulting Services

Lee Montessori Public Charter School invites all interested parties to submit proposals to provide project management consulting services for site control and financing and/or pre-development and development management services for a new facility. Renovation of this 48,000 sq. ft. commercial property, located on Evarts Street, will require phased in construction and has an anticipated delivery date of August 1, 2016. The complete RFP can be obtained by [e-mail], please indicate which RFP you are requesting.

Ahh, so this must be the origin of the Everts street post on here last week (or was it the week before). I know this is just the second backup plan, but what 48,000 foot commercial property exists on everts street? Internet sleuths . . . GO!

This is the backup to the backup to the backup. Don't stress people.

[Anonymous]

Brookland location?

8th and Varnum NE

http://www.dcpcsb.org/blog/board-votes-close-potomac-prep-pcs

"Additionally, DC PCSB staff will work with the landlord of the school’s building to identify a quality public charter school that can assume the lease for the facility, and ensure that quality education services are available at that location for students."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brookland location?

8th and Varnum NE

http://www.dcpcsb.org/blog/board-votes-close-potomac-prep-pcs

"Additionally, DC PCSB staff will work with the landlord of the school’s building to identify a quality public charter school that can assume the lease for the facility, and ensure that quality education services are available at that location for students."

That would be excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Email sent to parents this evening (this is the first time any suggestion that the school might not be staying at Shaed next year):

I wanted to provide a status update on our building plans for next year. In particular, given that it's getting close to the 3/1 lottery deadline, I want to make sure we are as transparent as possible about our facility situation. So, while I am confident that we'll be able to stay put, I also wanted to share our current status and our backup plans.
1. Stay at Shaed: As previously announced, our main plan is to renovate and move into the ground floor of our current building (i.e., the space behind Ms. Lightbourn's desk). That said, we are currently in the process of navigating DC agencies to get approval to do the renovation, and there has been some pushback from the neighborhood based on traffic issues we've been having. As such, we are exploring both backup plans.
2. Nearby Backup Option: Similar to a couple of months ago, there is another building in Brookland that, if secured, I am confident would satisfy most (if not all) of our families. We're working with the owner to finalize a long-term deal. If it works out, we should know within the next 2-3 weeks.
3. Backup Option in Woodridge: Given some uncertainty around staying put in our current building and the complexity of Backup #1, we are also considering a building on Evarts Street in the Woodridge neighborhood. While this isn't our first choice, given how late in the year it is, we think it prudent to keep it on the table.
I know this situation may be a source of stress, but our team, my Board, and Building Hope (which supports charters finding buildings) are all very confident that #1 or #2 will work out. Further, I will provide an update prior to the close of the lottery, just in case there is any further news.

Interesting. I recently saw this in the DC Register:

LEE MONTESSORI PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Project Management Consulting Services

Lee Montessori Public Charter School invites all interested parties to submit proposals to provide project management consulting services for site control and financing and/or pre-development and development management services for a new facility. Renovation of this 48,000 sq. ft. commercial property, located on Evarts Street, will require phased in construction and has an anticipated delivery date of August 1, 2016. The complete RFP can be obtained by [e-mail], please indicate which RFP you are requesting.

Ahh, so this must be the origin of the Everts street post on here last week (or was it the week before). I know this is just the second backup plan, but what 48,000 foot commercial property exists on everts street? Internet sleuths . . . GO!

This is the backup to the backup to the backup. Don't stress people.

+1 on the suggestion not to stress.

Re internet sleuthing, here's a listing I found easily for 2424 Evarts St NE.
"Description
Price just lowered from $5.5m. Large, 2 story warehouse in very good condition, containing office space and work areas, as well as large, open space with 4 garage bays on 2 levels, 12 foot ceilings throughout. Zoned LO/C-M-1, full environmental reports available. Ideal building for a DC charter school.

Evarts Street has excellent access to New York Ave, South Dakota Avenue, and Rhode Island Avenue, for easy access downtown and points north, east and south."

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/18072177/2424-Evarts-Street-NE-Washington-DC/