Ashley’s Learning Center surplus falls as costs rise, expansion plans advance
Ashley’s Learning Center ended the 2025-26 school year with a $22,129 net surplus, down nearly 70% from the previous year, as the special-needs school faced rising operating costs while preparing to expand its facilities and services.
According to Chairman Ben Avenant’s annual report, total operating costs increased 8.7% to $406,400 during the year ended July 31, 2026. Income declined 1.9% to $450,301, while the net surplus fell from $72,732 in 2024-25.
Payroll remained the center’s largest expense at $270,213. Maintenance and utilities rose to $32,271, while bad debt totaled $32,331. The report said outstanding tuition balances remained a concern and were being actively pursued.
Despite the tighter financial position, the center reported strong growth in tuition and event revenue. Tuition income climbed 59.2%, from $51,500 to $82,000, while event income increased from $16,202 to $29,530.
Donations remained the largest source of revenue, contributing $159,221, or 35.4% of total income. The Monthly Pledge Program generated a further $103,000, and Turks and Caicos Islands Government support programs contributed $76,550.
Avenant described 2025-26 as a year of “consolidation, renewal and preparation for growth” for the center, which provides specialized education and support to children with additional needs.
Expansion planning was supported by the Corporate Charity Challenge, with the center seeking to add classrooms and flexible learning areas so it can accommodate more students. Repairs, painting, air-conditioning work and other improvements were also completed with assistance from Kier Hegner of KiKa Design Studios and Do It Center.
The school also appointed Deneicia Harris as its new principal during the year, which the report described as a major milestone. Recruitment efforts additionally focused on special-needs teachers and teaching assistants.
Specialist services continued through partnerships with RUBIS Turks and Caicos and the Center for Children with Special Needs in Connecticut. RUBIS supported the school’s speech-therapy program, including its use of Gemiini communication and developmental-learning software.
The Connecticut center continued to provide specialist guidance, staff training and annual on-site visits. According to the report, the partnership helps Ashley’s teaching team apply strategies tailored to individual students and remain connected to current research and practices in special-needs education.
Community fundraising also continued during the year. Ashley’s was selected as a charity partner by Dentons TCI from a field of 16 applicants and received support through the Deputy Governor’s 5K Fun Run. Its 11th annual fundraising gala and brunch, held at Land & Sea Restaurant at Wymara, raised $6,800.
The board said priorities for 2026-27 include strengthening the school’s faculty and leadership, completing the planned expansion, broadening its educational and therapeutic services, and developing a more diverse and sustainable funding base.
Its longer-term goal is to establish a permanent, purpose-built home for Ashley’s Learning Center.
“It is an ambitious goal, but the progress achieved this year and the continued generosity of our community give us confidence to pursue it,” Avenant said in the report.
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