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Published on 11/02/1998 All articles from this issue

Montecito staying put, owner says after months of speculation

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By Susan Kerr

Special to the Town Crier

After months of speculation about the future of Montecito preschool in Los Altos, owner Molly Matthews said last week that she has no plans to sell the school or the property.

"As far as staying in Los Altos on Grant Road, I'm put," Matthews said.

News that Matthews might sell the nearly one-acre site to developers last April spurred controversy between Matthews, teachers and parents over the school's future. More than 200 people attended a meeting to discuss options for saving Montecito and a teacher-parent group formed in an attempt to buy the 37-year-old school.

Matthews said exploding real estate prices tempted her to sell the property. But during the resulting commotion she had a change of heart. Matthews said she rediscovered her love for early childhood education and decided to restructure the school and take a more active hands-on role in its operation.

"People were scared and fearful," Matthews said, about the school's transition. "My heart was in my throat. But we have survived the transition."

Part of the transition included the exodus of approximately one-third of Montecito's 36 teachers and the departure of school director Jo Cook, a 20-year employee. Matthews said approximately 50 out of the school's 350 students withdrew as well.

For the first time in recent years, Montecito began an academic year with some vacant student slots, Matthews said. She said she has filled Cook's position and has hired 18 new employees.

Matthews said the teacher-parent movement has disbanded with some of its leaders transferring to the new Children's Center at the Los Altos United Methodist Church.

"Change was needed," Matthews said. "but you don't always know it until it happens."