Bluffton Community Preschool, one of the many important non-profit organizations in Bluffton, will soon have a new home.
The preschool is currently located in First United Methodist Church. Due to the church's need for additional classroom space, this fall the preschool went in search of a new home.
That new home, beginning next school year, is Bluffton Presbyterian Church. Members of the preschool board recently signed a lease with the church.
The move makes the preschool one of the most ecumenical organizations in Bluffton. Its first home was First Mennonite, now First United Methodist and next school year Bluffton Presbyterian.
Seated from left, Christine Clymer, director of the preschool, and Tenna Rhonemus, President of the Corporation, Bluffton Presbyterian Church.
Standing with the signers are Scott Basinger and Amy Roby, preschool board members; Lori Schmidt, Clerk of Sesson; and Laura From, Board of Deacons, Bluffton Presbyterian Church.
The preschool's home has been in the United Methodist building for the past five school years. It holds classes during the school year for 3- and 4-year olds Mondays through Fridays from 8:05 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The preschool’s income is largely from tuition. It is also supported by the Bluffton-Beaverdam-Richland Township United Way. The preschool has a long Bluffton history, beginning with its founding nearly 45 years about by the Bluffton Inter-Church Board.
Today it is a self-sustaining organization. Its teachers are Amber Bingley, 3-year-old class, Linda Headings, 4-year-old class and Melissa McGuire, assistant teacher.
Its board members, in addition to Clymer, are Amy Roby, vice-president, Jen Benroth, secretary, Scott Basinger, treasurer, Sue Schaaf, Emily Koogler and Jeanine Lewis.
