S. Elgin's Goddard School in danger of closing

The Goddard School, a high-end preschool on South Elgin's west side, is in danger of closing because its franchisee is behind in his lease payments, property taxes and franchise fees, according to court records and business associates.

Early Tuesday afternoon, parents received calls from the Pennsylvania-headquartered Goddard Systems Inc. notifying them that the South Elgin location at 450 Briargate Drive would be closing.

The phone calls did not indicate when or why the school was closing.

Lisa Fisher, Goddard Systems development director, said 60 families that have kids in the summer session were notified and others enrolled for the fall would be called next.

Fisher said that if the 8,187-square-foot school does close, students could attend other Goddard locations if they had room and have their registration fees waived.

"The closure is not imminent but it is a possibility. We're trying to inform the parents now so they can make other arrangements with their children," Fisher said, noting that Goddard Systems has never had a school close.

The South Elgin location is franchised to Dennis and Antonette Rose, according to the school's website.

A woman who answered the phone at the South Elgin school said Dennis Rose had no comment.

Fisher would not comment on how much Dennis Rose, a franchisee since 2004, owed.

But Arthur Goldner of Aspengold Partners LLC said his tenant, Dennis Rose, was three months behind on his agreement in which he is responsible for building maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance.

The Kane County Recorder's Office also indicated Rose also had not paid his first installment of $20,790.82 in property taxes due on June 1.

Goldner said Rose made good on his first of three payments to settle his overall $83,000 debt and that eviction was an option if the second installment wasn't paid by July 6.

"We have no idea what Mr. Rose is doing with his money," Goldner said. "He has obligations and he's not meeting them."

Fisher said Goddard has 362 franchised schools and is licensed in 37 states.

Parents who have questions may call (800) 463-3323 and ask for the customer relations department.