MILL VALLEY, Calif. — A Chinese language immersion preschool in Marin County is battling to remain open after receiving an eviction notice. The Mill Valley School District, which owns the building, has informed Terra Marin preschool that it must relocate due to unpaid rent.
Terra Marin, located in Mill Valley, offers a full immersion Mandarin program for young children. Harlie Li, who has taught at the preschool for about a year, expressed her concern: “I believe this program is incredibly valuable for local children. We need Chinese language education,” she said.
The preschool’s future is now in jeopardy after the Mill Valley Unified School District served the eviction notice. Li shared her distress upon hearing the news: “I was shocked and upset. We care deeply about our kids here.”
The school district claims that Terra Marin owes back rent for June, July, and August. MVUSD Superintendent Sharon Nakatani stated at an August 8 meeting, “The lease has been broken. We urge anyone with available space to consider donating it to help them continue their program.”
Wendy Xa, the preschool’s director, argues that the district is prematurely ending the lease, which still has ten years remaining, to repurpose the space for administrative offices. Xa maintains that she has consistently paid rent, including recent payments that the district accepted. “I have always paid for the space we use, hoping it would be recognized as rent,” Xa said.
Parents have voiced their frustrations at recent school board meetings, criticizing the district’s decision. “It’s easy to speak about community and diversity, but actions speak louder. You are breaching the agreement, and it’s unfair,” one parent remarked. Another parent, Emily, urged the district to collaborate with the preschool, saying, “We hope the district will work with us to keep our space. Continuity is crucial for our children.”
Enrollment at Terra Marin has declined since news of the potential eviction broke. Despite this, Xa remains hopeful and is seeking a resolution. “I want to find a solution and am eager to discuss options with the district,” Xa said.
School district officials have yet to comment on the ongoing situation.