We are parents and parish families respectfully requesting that Our Lady Star of the Sea reconsider the timeline to close Palmer Catholic Academy Preschool at the end of this school year.

Our request is not rooted in opposition to the broader project, but in a sincere desire to ensure a thoughtful and responsible transition for the children and families who depend on this school.

The proposed closure at the end of this academic year creates significant and immediate disruption:

• Families are scrambling to secure placements in an already limited childcare market.
• Many local schools have long waitlists, making mid-cycle transitions extremely difficult, if not impossible.
• Children who were enrolled or younger siblings planning to enroll have lost continuity of care.
• Working parents are facing uncertainty that directly impacts employment, financial stability, and daily logistics.  
• Many families will incur unexpected financial strain and major logistical challenges as they search for alternative childcare arrangements.  

For many of us, Palmer Catholic Academy Preschool is more than childcare.  It is a community rooted in faith, relationships, and early spiritual formation.  It has served as a gateway for young families to become active members of the parish and grow in their Catholic faith.

We respectfully ask the parish to consider:

• Delaying the closure for at least one additional academic year.
• Exploring temporary or phased solutions that would allow families adequate time to secure alternative placements.  
• Implementing a structured transition plan that protects currently enrolled families.
• Providing greater transparency regarding the factors influencing this decision, so that families may better understand the circumstance and potentially assist in finding solutions.

Our goal is simple: to prevent unnecessary disruption to children and families while thoughtful, mission-aligned solutions are explored.

We deeply value our parish and its leadership. We ask for time to plan responsibly, to support our children, and to work collaboratively toward a path forward.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of this request.