As we reported last week, the city-run Kids Klub preschool program is on the chopping block as Lynnwood officials look for ways to plug an estimated $21 million budget gap.

A group of parents has protested the proposed cut because they say it would be difficult to find a new preschool in the middle of the year. Now it appears city officials are looking for ways to possibly save the program.

Parents pay $205 per month for the preschool. That covers about 90% of the cost.

“I have asked my staff to re-examine the costs and try to find a way to make it pay 100% of its costs.  This is the only way we will be able to retain it going forward,” Parks and Rec Director Lynn Sordel told me. “My staff is working diligently to do this.” He said the cost differential is about $135,000 for two years.”

Sordel added, “We know the fees will have to go higher to recover the costs, but there are other costs that will have to be paid for as well.  A challenging situation, but we are trying to get some answers.”

At least one parent said he’d be willing to pay more to save the program. “My wife and I would be willing to pay increased tuition to save Kids Klub, and while I can’t officially speak for anyone else, I have heard other parents say the same,” Andrew Viertel said. “Obviously, the specific numbers matter and every family’s financial situation is unique, but I haven’t heard much if any resistance to tuition increases to save the school.”

City Councilman Ed dos Remedios is optimistic. “While we are a long way from a final budget, I have to believe that we can find a way to operate Kids Klub on at least at break even basis thereby avoiding any thoughts of closure, especially mid-year,” he said.