BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The only people to respond to a request for proposals to lease the building now home to Union County’s Tiger’s Den Daycare presented their proposal to the Union County School Board during a Monday, April 8 workshop.
Earlier this year, the school board voted to stop operating the preschool to reduce district costs.
Jesus and Stephanie Rivera told board members they come from law enforcement, small business, and preschool backgrounds.
Jesus told board members he is a retired police officer with the Gainesville Police Department and started a lawn care business in 2021.
Stephanie said she started working in preschools in 1995.
“I started my own home daycare when my daughters were born in 2004,” she said in a slide presentation, adding that she possesses credentials for both a preschool staff and a director.
The couple told the board they planned to operate the facility as a Christian daycare, using the A Beka curriculum.
Stephanie said she has used the A Beka curriculum for several years and believes it is perfect for preparing children for further education.
Jesus told board members he would focus on the business side of the school. He claimed his lawncare business was very successful, servicing businesses in Gainesville.
The couple said they planned to charge tuition between $150 and $200 a week, depending on the age of the student, giving a break to teachers. They added that they planned operating hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Superintendent Mike Ripplinger said he intentionally priced the monthly rental for the building to $1,500 a month, which he said is below market value. The lease for the second year increases to $2,000 a month. Ripplinger said the low rental is designed to keep the building functioning as a preschool.
Board members Russell Gordon, Becky Raulerson, and Terra Johnson indicated a positive response to the couple’s proposal.
Chair Curtis Clyatt and Chris Hodgson were absent.
Ripplinger said the board would take up the Rivera’s proposal during a future meeting.
