LA GRANDE – Think Link, a nonprofit child-education program in La Grande, will continue operation under a new board of directors.

An announcement was made last September that Think Link’s existing board of directors would cease operations by the end of June, but the board announced Friday its plans to transfer the program to a new board of directors. That board will assume control of Think Link in July.

“It’s good news,” said Shalem O’Rourke. “Think Link is staying open. I feel really happy we have such great support from the board.”

Meg Valentine, still treasurer of the present board, said they had voted to continue operations, reversing their previous decision.

“They’re stepping up and they’re going to do it,” Valentine said of the new board.

The agreement, according to both Valentine and O’Rourke, is to maintain the Especially Little Folks (ELF) program, the summer camp and to work toward additional programs.

The new ELF program proposal calls for Tuesday and Thursday classes for 3- to 4-year-olds, and Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes for 4- to 5-year-olds.

One of Think Link’s founders, Lani Schroeder, owns the building where the program is located and rents it to them for $500 a month. She has agreed to continue this arrangement.

Schroeder encouraged the new group to start with programs for preschool children and younger.

“There’s a ton of stuff for kids once they get into school,” Schroeder said. “This leaves a tremendous opportunity for preschool.”

Advertising for students was one of the key issues discussed Wednesday. Dave Felley, a member of the new board, said the ELF program will need 13 students in each of two age groups to break even.

Sallie Aldape raised several questions from the perspective of the present board.

“It’s so hard to have classes here and not have children show up,” she said.

Valentine said a firm decision has not yet been made on how to deal with existing funds.

Another possible new monthly program would tap the talents of the International Club at Eastern Oregon University. The club’s faculty adviser, Hailey Wolcutt, said students are required to work in the community and could become involved with the ELF program.

The children in the ELF program might also be able to participate in international performances at the university.

Sammie Mosley, another present board member, agreed to help with work on grant applications.

“Youth and education are good topics for this,” she said.