Current Needs

COLUMBUS, OH, June 7, 2011- The Columbus City Schools Board of Education today approved a ground lease agreement that permits The Childhood League, Inc. to develop a 4.26 acre site on the northwest corner of the Fort Hayes Campus. Upon completion, the facility will house The Childhood League Center that provides a broad range of early childhood educational programs and therapeutic services for children from birth to age 6.

“The Childhood League helps young children with the most need reach their potential. Preparing children to succeed academically aligns with our mission,” said Gene T. Harris, Ph.D., Superintendent/CEO for Columbus City Schools. “The Childhood League Early Intervention program for children is designed to improve each child’s learning abilities by providing early, appropriate and intensive interventions. Their preschool programs promote school readiness and social and emotional development which is critical to their future success in school and life. We are proud to partner with an organization that truly helps children build a solid educational foundation.”

The lease agreement is for 50 years with two 20 year renewal options. The Childhood League will be responsible for incorporating the two historic buildings on the site into their construction plans. The appraised value of the property is $1,065,000. A lease restriction on the parcel limits its use to early childhood education purposes.

“The opportunity to develop a new state-of-the-art Childhood League Center on the Fort Hayes Campus represents an exciting milestone toward meeting the growing demand for early childhood education and early intervention services in our community,” said Barbara Acton, Executive Director of The Childhood League, Inc.  “We are very pleased to be part of the revitalization of this important historic district and to partner with Columbus City Schools.”

The lease calls for The Childhood League, Inc. to make a lump sum payment, payable at such time as The Childhood League secures a building permit and begins construction, to the district equal to the value of the property minus the cost of renovating the existing buildings, perimeter site fencing and the extension of Harrison Drive to access the property. The lease gives The Childhood League up to three years to secure a building permit and begin construction. Rent for the parcel shall be $1 per year for the full term of the lease in addition to the one-time payment.

Columbus City Schools, established in 1845, is the state of Ohio’s largest school district, serving the needs of approximately 50,000 students in 118 schools.  The district is under the leadership of its 19th superintendent, Gene T. Harris, Ph.D., and a seven-member board of education.  The mission of Columbus City Schools is that each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.

Since 1945, Childhood League, Inc. has been committed to providing the best possible learning environment to ensure all children have an opportunity to reach their full potential.  Through the cooperative efforts of a professional staff and a network of volunteers and families, the Center provides education and therapeutic services for children both with and without special needs from birth to age 6.

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