Woodfin approves one-year extension for Friends Montessori at community center

The Town of Woodfin agreed Tuesday to acknowledge Friends Montessori School’s option to extend its current lease at the town-owned community center for an additional year, which would extend the term to June 30, 2027.

Town staff said the original two‑year lease — entered last year — included a tenant option for a third year exercised by written notice at least 90 days before the end of the initial term. Friends asked the town to acknowledge that option early; staff recommended the council accept the extension option and direct the town manager to return with a resolution to that effect. Staff noted the town and Friends invested jointly in building upgrades required to convert the community center for school use and that the third year of occupancy helps both parties recoup that investment.

The council approved a motion directing the town manager to return with a resolution acknowledging the optional third year (vote recorded 4–0). The vote followed remarks from Friends Montessori director Cara Brackens, who described the center as an active community resource that hosts children’s programming, playground use and ad‑hoc community visitors and said the school has maintained the property and hosted beautification days.

Why it matters: staff told the council the building remains a town asset that is available for community uses; acknowledging the extension preserves the town’s options while allowing Friends Montessori to continue operating. The council also noted the town needs to continue planning for staff workspace and facilities needs; staff said they will schedule a work session to discuss town facilities in more detail.

Ending: staff will prepare a resolution to formalize the extension and continue work on a facilities plan for town operations.