Pre-school to stay open thanks to the community

It was on the brink — just a week ago.

But now, thanks to an outpouring from the community, the Mariposa Pre-School Cooperative remains in operation.

“The community shows up for each other when we need it the most and there are so many amazing people who are always willing to give even when they might not be able to,” said Hannah Wackerman, who announced last week the school might close.

The issue arose when it was discovered the school had lost its nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service. There were 10 years of documentation that had not been filed.

That status led to the cancellation of the school’s insurance.

“It’s a mess,” Wackerman said last week.

But on Monday of this week, that mess had turned into something positive.

Between donations from the public and a bake sale held last Saturday at the opening day of Little League in Mariposa, more than $3,000 has been raised — enough to cover the insurance.

Jeff Shaw, owner of the local Farmers Insurance Agency, waived his fees to allow the funds to go toward insurance.

“That was amazing,” said Wackerman.

In addition, Rebecca Ramirez, a local financial expert, has been helping the group “in giving direction on how to proceed forward with the IRS.”

She supplied a lengthy application that guides the group about how to file all of the back taxes, said Wackerman.

“She is acting as our mentor and giving us the resources,” said Wackerman.

And that means the 15 students who attend the school will keep doing just that this year.

“The preschool will remain open because we now have insurance coverage,” said Wackerman.

Besides the $3,000 already raised, Wackerman said they have more coming in pledges and other forms.

“I have always been grateful to our community and grateful to live in Mariposa, but this community, with their love and support and generosity, has just completely amazed me,” she said.

She also praised this newspaper, saying without the story that came out last week, the current situation would likely be different.

“The story meant everything to us,” said Wackerman. “I think maybe a fraction of the funds to reinstate insurance would have been raised, but with the reach and guidance and kindness, we were able to help spread the word 10 times faster.”

The school is located near Woodland Elementary and they operate out of a building rented, cheaply, from Mariposa County. It is truly an institution in the county and that’s why officials are reaching out to the community in an effort to not only keep the doors open, but to also get its financial picture back in proper shape.

There are currently 15 students in the co-op, a number that has held each year since its founding in 1973. That’s the math in determining how around 500 students have been through the program.

Today, some of the parents who have their children in the program were once the students, said Mary Weaver, the current teacher at the co-op.

“It is a vital service,” said Weaver, especially noting how it is even more important with the ending of the Head Start program.

Those students are in the program one or two years and then go on to either Woodland Elementary School or Mariposa Elementary School.

Because of its proximity to Woodland, Weaver said they go to that school on a regular basis to participate in some activities and for the students to get a sense what it will be like to attend the school.

For those who are attending this year, the news of being able to continue each day came as a huge relief.

“Everybody was so concerned and worried about what was going to happen the rest of the school year,” said Wackerman.

During the interview for this story on Monday afternoon, they didn’t even know the status of the school because she was waiting for the final confirmation of the insurance policy.

But it was coming.

“They are ecstatic,” she said, anticipating how the news would be taken and knowing the relief the parents would feel.

Wackerman said the group will continue to raise funds, hopefully an additional $3,000, in order to keep the school solvent and be able to handle the IRS issue. Wackerman is hoping she can work on the IRS documents to help save time and resources.

“I am so happy that my time can benefit 15 of the sweetest little souls of Mariposa and their families,” she said. “It is great to have a happy ending in sight.”

She also noted there is a second bake sale this Saturday for the opening of the softball league in Mariposa.

It will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fields at Mariposa Elementary School. There will be tickets available for purchase to win a gift basket valued at over $600.

If you would like to help or need more information, send an email to preschoolmariposa@gmail.com or call the school at (209) 966-2665.