Board members,

Thank you for providing the time for myself and others to speak on behalf of the infant and toddler programs at Bloomfield schools. I realize that you all have a very difficult job. I know that often, no matter how you vote, a majority or minority of your constituents will be angry with you. However, I also know that if you vote with the facts and with the students and school’s best interests at heart, you can sleep at night knowing that you did the right thing.

You’ve already heard parents speak about the incorrect financial numbers, the long- term effects to the district and families moving to the area and the inconsistencies of the use of the milage that we the voters approved. You’ve also heard parents speak to how, if managed correctly, this program will not be in the red and will in fact, bring needed funds to the school. I will add another fact for your consideration, retention.

At six p.m. tonight the registration opened for children accepted into the GSRP 4-year- olds class. My older daughter, Mara, was accepted into the program at Bloomin’ West. However, you’ll notice that I’m not at home registering her. I’m here instead, because I have another daughter, Noa, in the infant program at Bloomin’ West. Why would I enroll my daughter in Bloomin’s GSRP, when there are other private daycare providers in the area that also offer it for free? That way I can have my younger and older child at the same childcare center and avoid two separate drop-offs. I promise you, I am not the only one who has thought this and are looking into other GSRPs besides Bloomfield. The Bloomin’ program has provided a direct pipeline for parents having their children stay in the district, which is tax dollars right in the school’s pocket. This program, one of only six in the state, is also a draw for parents to move into the district in the first place. Comparatively, Birmingham’s childcare program doesn’t start until 18 months. I personally know a family that chose Bloomfield Hills over Birmingham for just this reason.

I hope that you have truly listened to these factual arguments and will reverse your decision to close the Bloomin’ Tots program. Don’t make a knee jerk reaction to an incorrect budget and then face dire financial problems for the district in the future. Let’s all start thinking beyond just the next school year. Let’s make this a desirable district that’s financially stable for decades. Thank you.