Monee Education Center might not be finished as a school building.
The Crete-Monee School Board’s purchase agreement lists a respected daycare operator as the buyer of the 4-acre site 5154 W. Main Street in Monee.
Kimberly A. Cooper, President/Executive Director of Wee Care Christian Learning Center and Academy, 4854 W. Court Street, also in Monee, is the buyer.
Her website notes that she has worked in the childcare industry since 1992, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development, as well as a Master of Human Resources Management.
Wee Care Christian Learning Center, 325 E. 147th Street in Harvey, was launched on December 14, 1998, with Wee Care Christian Academy opening on August 22, 2022.
Wee Care Learning Center offers programs for children 6 weeks to 12 years of age, including preschool and kindergarten, before and after school care, summer camp and transportation.
The WCC Academy offers private Christian education for children in first- through eighth-grades.
Cooper did not respond to several requests for comment, and Crete-Monee officials could not confirm what her plans are for the MEC building.
Some local residents had hoped the property could become an indoor recreational center with a walking path around the school.
School officials announced during their November 18 board meeting that MEC had been sold, noting that following the bid opening the day before, the district was “in receipt of an offer that met the minimum requirements established by the board for the sale of MEC in the amount of $553,000.”
The buyer was not identified at that time, and there was no board discussion.
Board President Maurice “Mo” Brown did comment, however, “Wow. We don’t have to cut the grass no more. Good job.”
The building has been empty for almost two years.
School officials opted to market the aging facility encumbered with numerous health and life safety issues they felt made it unsuitable as an attendance center for children.
Students and staff moved from the center to the new south wing at Crete-Monee High School on January 8, 2024. Their last day at Monee Education Center was on December 21, 2023.
Dr. Kara Cognialese, superintendent for Crete-Monee Schools, said last year that MEC was previously used as a therapeutic environment for middle school and high school students. There were 31 students enrolled at MEC when it closed. Those students are now located and enrolled through Crete-Monee High School’s Bridges program.
“The district decided to invest in an addition at the current high school and close the Monee Education Center building due to health, life, and safety violations cited at the property.” she explained at that time.
In the interim, the village used the building for its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony after-party and visits with Santa.
Cooper was the sole bidder for the property.