Change can give rise to beautiful beginnings
Early in 2018, Christine and Morgan both parted ways with the school they created. It wasn't a pretty situation, but ultimately, it's given both founders an opportunity to rediscover their motivations and inspirations
A message from friends and supporters:
"Earlier this year, Christine "The Bean" Lonergan, beloved teacher, administrator, and executive director of All Children Great & Small, left the beautiful little school she helped to create 35 years ago. If you're a friend, fan, or alumni of the school Morgan, or Christine, please reach out with some kind words: ACGSfounders@gmail.com
Christine and Morgan, please know that there are many of us that love and respect you and your profound contribution to the field of progressive early education. We are honored and grateful for the time we got to spend with your beautiful vision." - March 2018
"Earlier this year, Christine "The Bean" Lonergan, beloved teacher, administrator, and executive director of All Children Great & Small, left the beautiful little school she helped to create 35 years ago. If you're a friend, fan, or alumni of the school Morgan, or Christine, please reach out with some kind words: ACGSfounders@gmail.com
Christine and Morgan, please know that there are many of us that love and respect you and your profound contribution to the field of progressive early education. We are honored and grateful for the time we got to spend with your beautiful vision." - March 2018
A message from Morgan Graham:
"As the founder of the school, I'm heartbroken over the recent events: the termination of my co-founder Christine Lonergan and other hurtful actions. I can't support the school in its current state. I want to start a new endeavor elsewhere that is more positive and better supports the mission Christine and I created. It is my hope that the school may at some point in the future regain some of the spirit it has lost." - April 19, 2018
"As the founder of the school, I'm heartbroken over the recent events: the termination of my co-founder Christine Lonergan and other hurtful actions. I can't support the school in its current state. I want to start a new endeavor elsewhere that is more positive and better supports the mission Christine and I created. It is my hope that the school may at some point in the future regain some of the spirit it has lost." - April 19, 2018
What we learn looking backwards:
Change can be painful. In January of 2018, the current school's board of directors started their campaign to end Christine's directorship. Non-profits are often victims of exploitation by unethical board members and employees. There are strong indicators that at least one board member hopes to gain a paid position at the school out of the dismissal. The situation was ugly, but it only served to make Christine even more devoted to the type of education she believes in. Christine, Morgan, and their supporters are now determined to build a better organization, filled with dedicated, trustworthy people.
What we see looking forwards:
As hard as it has been, this situation has provided an opportunity for the founders to revisit their original dream, and ask themselves those primary questions all over again, with new and wiser eyes: "Why did we start this school? Does that idea still hold up 40 years later? How has our world changed? What would we like to change about our world? What kind of school would we like to start right now? Does it have to be a 'school?' Is there another way we can take our dream, and grow it bigger? Who can help us? Who do we want to work with? What kind of work do we want to do?"
Change can be painful. In January of 2018, the current school's board of directors started their campaign to end Christine's directorship. Non-profits are often victims of exploitation by unethical board members and employees. There are strong indicators that at least one board member hopes to gain a paid position at the school out of the dismissal. The situation was ugly, but it only served to make Christine even more devoted to the type of education she believes in. Christine, Morgan, and their supporters are now determined to build a better organization, filled with dedicated, trustworthy people.
What we see looking forwards:
As hard as it has been, this situation has provided an opportunity for the founders to revisit their original dream, and ask themselves those primary questions all over again, with new and wiser eyes: "Why did we start this school? Does that idea still hold up 40 years later? How has our world changed? What would we like to change about our world? What kind of school would we like to start right now? Does it have to be a 'school?' Is there another way we can take our dream, and grow it bigger? Who can help us? Who do we want to work with? What kind of work do we want to do?"
Click on the links below for more detailed info
Coming later:
Questions and answers about what happened and what's coming next
Now Live:
Christine's letter explaining her position on the situation
Timeline of events and issues at ACGS
Letter of withdrawal from a parent
Coming later:
Questions and answers about what happened and what's coming next
Now Live:
Christine's letter explaining her position on the situation
Timeline of events and issues at ACGS
Letter of withdrawal from a parent
