Council approves amended lease to keep Saco pre‑K at Toddle Inn; vote 6‑0

The Saco City Council voted 6‑0 to approve an amended and restated lease that allows the Saco School Department to continue operating the district’s pre‑K program at Toddle Inn Daycare on Wylie Road.

The motion was made by Councilor Gunn and seconded by Councilor Berman. Council discussion acknowledged the item’s controversial history but focused on the program’s performance and the district’s limited alternative space. Councilor Bridal said she was “supportive” and praised the strength of the pre‑K program; Councilor Johnston noted the prior controversy over the location and process but said the new lease terms and reduced rates made approval appropriate.

Superintendent Jeremy Ray and school board members explained the lease is intended as an interim solution while the district finishes construction of a new school that will provide permanent space; Ray said the amended terms reduced costs and included three‑month incremental options to align the lease term with the new school timeline if necessary. Supporters argued the pre‑K program is a model program that benefits the district and the region.

Roll call was recorded as yes from Councillors Parks, Gunn, Berman, Hatch, Hewitt and Johnston; the motion passed 6‑0.

What the lease does: the council order authorizes the amended and restated lease agreement (documents attached to the agenda packet). The lease continues to lease space at the Toddle Inn location for pre‑K operations at revised contractual amounts; the superintendent’s memo to council described the lease terms and the rationale for continuation.

Councilors said the city and school department should continue to seek a permanent, city‑owned solution in the new school project while supporting the current arrangement to avoid service disruption for families.