Meetings are coming this week as the Emporia Area Chamber Foundation looks to secure funding for buying the former Maynard Early Childhood Center to use as a round-the-clock daycare facility.
On Tuesday, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced almost $43.6 million in funds through the Child Care Capacity Accelerator grant program designed to expand childcare availability statewide, including funds through the American Rescue Plan as approved by the SPARK Executive Committee and State Finance Council, federal Child Care Development Grant’s ARPA discretionary funds, federal planning grant funds and the Patterson Family Foundation. The Chamber Foundation’s application for $2 million did not receive funds.
The Chamber Foundation is still awaiting word on other grants that may help to support the purchase. It is also now expanding its search for other funding sources.
The sale of Maynard from USD 253 Emporia to the Chamber Foundation hinges on $3.6 million to $4 million in funds to buy the property and make related renovations. Last year, the district had reached a tentative agreement with Simmons Pet Food for an estimated $200,000 as Simmons mentioned plans for a 24-7 daycare facility. Eventually, Simmons withdrew its bid, citing renovation costs.
Coldwell Banker Emporia Real Estate, the district’s realtor, has permission to keep the property at 19 Constitution on the market if grant funding is either not fully obtained or not secured at all.
