Early Childhood Center Update
04/25/2023 09:41:09 PM
TBT to receive over $1 million from the State of Washington for Early Childhood Center
The Temple applied for a $1,080,000 grant through their Early Learning Facilities Grant Program. The grant was included as a local community project as part of the State’s capital budget, passed unanimously by both chambers of the State Legislature last week. Tremendous thanks to Rep. Tana Senn for her sponsorship. The budget bill awaits the Governor’s signature. This grant will be used to pay a portion of the capital costs for the construction of the 5,000-square-foot building to be located just west of the sanctuary. The grant does require us to have full funding for the construction committed before the State will reimburse us. The design plans and permit applications are being submitted this week.
At the Temple’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 25th, the Congregation will be asked to approve this exciting project, adding full-time early childhood learning to the Temple’s offerings. Please attend that meeting to learn much more and participate in the vote.
While there is more work and more funding needed before the Center is built and operational, many thanks to the Project Planning Committee for their work over the past 18 months to get to this point in the project: Brent Carson, Terry Kalet, Kristina Chamberlain, Josh Niehaus, Lucy Braginski, Lis Cardy, Barb Dover, Elizabeth Fagin, Sharon Heinemann, Glenn Lestz, Rabbi Molly Weisel, and Sally Winter. Special thanks to Robin Negrin for her long-term commitment and vision for the Solomike Early Childhood Center (SECC), which is nearer to reality than ever.
