However, she speculated that if the center closes, there are currently 33 children attending the day care that could possibly open enroll elsewhere, resulting in a possible open enrollment revenue loss of more than $2 million.

Cargill employee Bill Snellman offered the board several suggestions for improving profitability such as improving the waiting list and room ratio management.

He also suggested that overhead administrative costs should be addressed, explaining that the secretary’s split in salary allocation may not accurately reflect the way time is divided between the elementary school and day care.

Board member Dan Hulbert advised parents not to be angry with Cook about the issue.

“I don’t think Dr. Cook wants to close the day care. He is doing what we employ him to do, keeping us advised,” he said. “We are not here to make money on the day care. It is more than a day care; it is an extension of the education process.”

The board will consider this issue at its next regular school board meeting on Feb. 23.