Lambuth Memorial Day School Abruptly Closes its Doors
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Parents picked up their children from the Lambuth Memorial Day School for the Arts for the last time, Friday. “We went in and got all his stuff and learned that we will not be coming back on Monday,” said Keith Murray, a parent. “How am I going to get my bills paid,” asked Lorie Parker, a former employee and parent. Parker said the employees were told Thursday they might not receive their paychecks. However, when they got to work Friday they learned the school was shutting down for good, effective as of 5:30 p.m., Friday. “They just said that they could not give a full two weeks notice because they were not for sure if the standard would be met,” Parker said. “20 minutes notice to find someone new for Monday. My wife and I both work so its tough to find someone to watch the kids,” said Murray. A letter posted on the outside of the building states the Lambuth Memorial United Methodist Church’s Board of Trustees voted to close the preschool based on economic conditions beyond their control. The letter went on, “Unfortunately, the finance committee and trustees were not able to find a way to surmount the difficult economic challenges.” “I do not believe that they tried every opportunity because if they did, I think that they would have found a way,” said Parker. In a late March wrongful death trial, a Madison County jury found the daycare responsible for the death of 22-month-old Ford Bond, who died after chocking on a peach in December, 2008. The Bond family was awarded $1.5 million. “It is really upsetting knowing what I know,” said Parker, who also attended the daycare when she was a child. “To know what the daycare used to be and what it has come to.” On Friday, church officials would not comment on the daycare closing. Staff and parents were given a contact number in the letter they received for help finding a new daycare or job. Parker said the employees were given their last paychecks, Friday.
