Letter to the Editor: “Walking on the Woodside”

To the editors:

While we appreciate the fact that the “Walking on the Woodside” article published on April 30 spotlighted the initiatives the Woodside Children’s Center staff and families have together launched in the past year, we write to correct an important aspect of the piece: Amherst has supported Woodside Children’s Center financially and in-kind throughout its 40 years of existence — and continues to do so today. To start, about $100,000 per year, or about 10 to 15% of the center’s operating budget, currently comes from the college. (During the pandemic, Amherst contributed substantially more to cover the decrease in enrollment and keep the teachers employed.) The college also owns the building out of which Woodside operates, but does not charge the program rental or upkeep fees for the facility or grounds, both of which the college maintains, also at no cost to the center.

As the piece points out, Amherst’s relationship with Woodside is a very important one to the college. Our commitment to close collaboration between the college, the center’s staff and the families of the children enrolled there has not wavered. We are grateful to all of the dedicated groups of individuals constantly working to make Woodside a better place for all.

Sincerely,

The Woodside Children’s Center Board:

Sue Dexter, ex officio

Katie Edwards, treasurer

Laurie Frankl, secretary

Caroline Hanna

Kate Harrington

Julie Lackner

Martha Umphrey, president

Neil White

Li Zhang