IMportant NOTICE REGARDING NEXT KIDS program

Below is an Update from Highland Park Community Association:

Dear Parents,

We know this has been a stressful time for families, and we want to provide clear information about the situation involving the NEXT Kids program at the Highland Park Community Hall.

Why NEXT Is Still in the Upper Halls

The lower main hall—NEXT’s long-time space—has been closed for more than a year because the City required significant safety and ventilation upgrades. The work is still far from complete, and there is no confirmed timeline for when the space will be approved for safe ongoing occupancy again.

To ensure families did not lose childcare, HPCA has allowed NEXT to use the upper halls since January 2025. This has been a major accommodation, as it limits other community programs and was never intended as a long-term solution. Work on the HVAC continues to progress but is not completed or approved for regular use.

Rental Extension to June 30, 2026

NEXT’s original sublease with HPCA ends March 31, 2026, and NEXT has always known this 5-year contract expired on March 31, 2026. This message was reinforced in June 2025 to be clear with the operator that the lease would not be renewed. Put another way, NEXT as a business owner and service provider was responsible to secure an alternative location. HPCA has been very clear over the last year that they would not be able to accommodate a further extension of the sub-lease. The operator’s inability to find another suitable location for her program has put several families in a very difficult situation and has now put the Community Association in a very difficult situation.

The Board of the Community Association met on February 11, 2026 and approved a motion to provide a new short-term agreement to June 30, 2026 – to once again alleviate the strain on parents and provide support to this program. We want to be clear: we will not be in a position to provide any further accommodations to NEXT beyond June 30, 2026.

About the Relationship With NEXT

It may be helpful for parents to understand that the relationship between HPCA and NEXT has deteriorated over the last eighteen months. While the specifics are not necessary to detail, continued collaboration has become extremely difficult. HPCA has done its best to keep the program operating during renovations, but given the ongoing challenges, the Board is not prepared to continue a business relationship with NEXT beyond the current short term rental agreement to June 30, 2026.

Our Commitment to Families

HPCA understands how important accessible childcare is to the community. That is why we have worked hard to support NEXT’s temporary operations during a very complicated period. When the lower main hall is safe to use again, HPCA will consider new childcare partnerships that better support the long-term needs of families and the community.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this challenging situation together.

Highland Park Community Association Board