District should give Deer Park property to kids' center

Fifty years ago, Ethel Seiderman created the Fairfax-San Anselmo Children's Center.

For 50 years, FSACC has provided high-quality subsidized child care and education services for children from infancy through fifth grade. The center has leased the former Deer Park Elementary School site from the Ross Valley School District.

Early in 2022, Terry Tao, a lawyer for RVSD, advised the district to terminate the lease due to fire safety and liability issues. The center serves low-income families and children, primarily people of color.

As a member of the Fairfax Town Council, as well as the Marin County committee allocating funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, I have been actively supportive of FSACC for 10 years. It is a vital resource for low-income parents/guardians, most who are working, in vocational school and/or are homeless.

The center's services include social and emotional support for children and families; comprehensive educational programming and activities; nutritional meals; and after-school transportation for elementary school-age children.

After taking office, Marin County Office of Education Superintendent John Carroll announced that his office would seriously explore purchasing/renovating the property. Many of us breathed a sigh of relief. In accordance with California's Field Act law, an assessment (required for K-12 schools) was conducted — it showed that about $14 million was needed for the renovations.

A few weeks before the Aug. 31 lease expiration date, Carroll announced that the county would no longer pursue the purchase. Surprisingly, RVSD has estimated the property value at $3 million. With millions in needed repairs, it should have a negative value.

On Aug. 30, the district held a board meeting. More than 30 people spoke in support of FSACC, requesting a lease extension so that the school would not have to abruptly shut down (with no other options for the families and the children). To my knowledge, RVSD has not moved to evict, nor has it granted a lease extension.

I testified on Aug. 30 and on other occasions in support of FSACC. I requested a lease extension and that the district work with leadership at the center to find a suitable location.

Another option is for RVSD and the county to work with FSACC on a solution that would allow it to safely operate at Deer Park while repairs are conducted over time (i.e., bringing in portable buildings and running electricity from the existing buildings). Since the care center is not a school, necessary upgrades would likely be considerably lower than the Field Act assessment portrayed.

The liability for the Ross Valley School District has existed for decades. As the landlord, it is the district's responsibility to keep the property in a safe condition. RVSD could have conducted maintenance and repairs rather than letting the property fall into disrepair. The school district entered into a lease in 1999 whereby the children's center agreed to perform maintenance for a lowered rent. Whether FSACC remains at Deer Park or moves out, the liability for the site remains with RVSD. If the site is empty, it would likely become an attractive nuisance incurring further liability.

Years ago, prior to serving on the Town Council, I sat with RVSD Board President Shelley Hamilton on the Fairfax Planning Commission — she earned my deep respect. Recently, Hamilton brought revisions to our Town Council on our general plan to remove terms she considered harmful to people of color. The council made changes based on her recommendations, as they were inconsistent with our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

The children's center serves many hardworking, low-income parents and children of color. Executive Director Heidi Tomsky and Program Director Eric Schweninger have done so on a shoestring budget for many years. Many parents, teachers, former and current students shared how FSACC changed their lives for the better.

The trustees should support its commitment to DEI by action (not just words). They should grant a lease extension and develop a solution in partnership with FSACC, the county and others to allow the center to remain at Deer Park. Or, if necessary, the district should help identify suitable temporary or permanent locations.

Given the significant public benefits provided by the center, I urge RVSD to make the necessary findings to “give” the site to the Fairfax-San Anselmo Children's Center for the ceremonial amount of $1. It is time for the trustees to do the right thing and stand up for diversity, equity and inclusion in support of the center, the children and their families.

The children's center serves many hardworking, lowincome parents and children of color.