With its membership in decline for years, Rye United Methodist Church voted to dissolve itself November 11, and will hold its final worship service Christmas Eve. The news spells trouble for Rye United Methodist Nursery School (RUMNS), a community staple for over 40 years. It could also close its doors next June if a new home isn’t found.

 

By Jim Byrne

With its membership in decline for years, Rye United Methodist Church voted to dissolve itself November 11, and will hold its final worship service Christmas Eve. The news spells trouble for Rye United Methodist Nursery School (RUMNS), a community staple for over 40 years. It could also close its doors next June if a new home isn’t found.

The school isn’t going down without a fight, however.

 

“We have a very dedicated and supportive parent body who do not want to see our school close,” said RUMNS Director Sheridan Povemba. “They mobilized within 48 hours and are working full speed to find a way to keep our program alive.”

 

Although it’s possible RUMNS will be allowed to stay in the church for one year beyond June, the building will likely be sold leaving the school homeless. The goal is for the non-denominational program to find a new space as soon as possible, under the roof of another established local organization.

 

Povemba feels they have a good chance to do so, since RUMNS is a smaller school with just 40 students enrolled that currently use a 4,000-square-foot space.

 

“We come with everything, including our teachers,” she said. “We’re financially sound and enrollment is strong.”

 

RUMNS offers separate morning programs for 3 and 4 year olds. They employ four teachers, two of whom have been with the school for 18 years each.

 

“The current 4 year olds get to go to kindergarten next year, but our 3 year olds will have nowhere to go,” said Povemba.

 

The parent response has been impressive. Several wrote to the paper, sharing their concern about losing a school they feel has been integral to the Rye experience.

 

“When you see how enthusiastic the children are, you realize it is truly an exceptional place that must be saved,” said Kristen Rassiger Goodman, the mother of twin “seniors” at the school. “To lose RUMNS as the option that has always welcomed newcomers from all over the world – and the typical Manhattan transplants like myself – would be a travesty.”

 

Kristen Doran spoke of her older daughter’s experience at the school, and how it prepared her not only academically, but socially and emotionally for elementary school. “Most importantly though,” Doran added, “she developed a love of school and learning that continues to be evident as she thrives in kindergarten.”

 

For now the school will continue to investigate different avenues, but they need to find a solution soon.