EXPOSED: Florida-Bahamas Synod’s “Fire Sale” of Tampa Preschool – Commercial Listing Reveals Deception of Families and Media

TAMPA, FL — February 24, 2026 — The Good Shepherd Parent Action Committee has uncovered evidence that the Florida-Bahamas Synod (ELCA) has engaged in a calculated campaign of public deception regarding the closure of Good Shepherd Day School. While Bishop Pedro Suarez told the media the Synod was “actively exploring” partnerships to save the school, a commercial real estate listing reveals a different reality: the property is being fast-tracked for a "fire sale" with all-cash offers due by March 20th, 2026.

The listing markets the 2.74-acre South Dale Mabry parcel for “immediate delivery” and “demolition.” This confirms that church leadership never intended to find a solution for the 67 children and 14 staff members. Instead, they have been working behind the scenes to liquidate the land while publicly claiming a "fiscal deficit" made the ministry unsustainable.

Ignored Solutions and Broken Trust 
The Parent Action Committee has made two formal requests to meet with the Synod to review the financials, assess any "fiscal gap," and work collaboratively to cover it. The Synod has ignored both requests. Despite the Bishop’s public claims of "actively exploring options," no such proposal or communication has been made to the families.

“This is not a ministry concluding; it is a predatory land grab,” said Ivan Munteanu, parent spokesperson. “We told the Synod we were willing and capable of bridging the financial gap. They didn't want a solution; they wanted a demolition crew. You don't 'actively explore options' while setting a 24-day deadline for all-cash offers.”

Unaccountable and Untransparent The Synod’s narrative of "financial reality" is directly contradicted by the community’s immense investment:

$310,000+ in Direct Investment: 
The school received a $250,000 COVID grant and a $60,000 private donation for a new playground—assets now being sold as "AS-IS" property for demolition.

Annual Support:
Families raise tens of thousands of dollars annually through fundraising and charity events.

Growing Resistance:
A Change.org petition to save the school has rapidly collected 330+ signatures from concerned community members.
 

The Impact 
By prioritizing a real estate check over its mission, the Synod is displacing 67 children into a market where daycare waitlists are currently 2–3 years long. The 14 professional staff members are being left at a sudden impasse, despite their years of dedicated service.

The Parent Action Committee is calling on the City of Tampa to scrutinize any rezoning of 501 S Dale Mabry Hwy and demands the Florida-Bahamas Synod immediately withdraw the listing and meet with the 330+ stakeholders they have deceived.

Links
Petition Link: https://www.change.org/p/keep-good-shepherd-day-school-open
Listing link: https://www.crexi.com/properties/2361627/florida-274-acres-south-dale-mabry