Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Sunshine Preschool ownership transferred to Hopkinton family

Sunshine Preschool, located on Briarcliff Drive, recently changed ownership. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR

An iconic Hopkinton preschool that has educated the region’s youngest learners for nearly a half-century will continue under the ownership of a Hopkinton couple, with support from the current team.

In a conference call with the Independent on Tuesday, Christine Martin, the owner and administrator of Sunshine Preschool at 1 Briarcliff Drive, said she transferred the ownership to Revathi (Rev) and Anil Maturi on Aug. 7. They have lived in town since 2015. Rishva, their son, attends Sunshine.

“I couldn’t give up my baby until we found the right people,” Martin said. “They share our vision for the school to have a really nurturing environment.”

She announced last November that she was retiring. She reviewed eight prospective buyers before embracing the Maturis.

“There was an outpouring of anxiety from the community,” she added. “So [director] Liz Dacey and I made a commitment to stay on until we found the perfect fit.”

Sunshine is the first and only preschool in Hopkinton accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), she added. The Maturis are maintaining the accreditation, as well as Dacey and all the teachers.

“Rev has been working on early childhood certifications for the past three years,” said Anil Maturi, who will maintain the facility. Rev Maturi worked at a child care center last year and will be an assistant teacher. Both hold master’s degrees in computer science but wanted to own a preschool since becoming parents.

He added: “Nothing compared to Sunshine’s programs, curriculum, care and staff.”

Said Martin: “They will bring in an injection of enthusiasm, a fresh perspective and a cultural infusion.”

Martin will stay on as the educational consultant during the transition, which she expects to be smooth.

“I thought it would be the end of an era,” added Dacey. “But we found a wonderful couple who will keep Sunshine’s traditions alive.”

— MARY ELLEN GAMBON

Latest News

Hopkinton High School ranks eighth statewide in a survey of the best high schools in the country conducted by U.S. News & World Report.

The Conservation Commission met with Trails Committee representatives on Tuesday to discuss a plan to create a trail from Loop Road to Chamberlain Street Extension.

The Elementary School Building Committee on Tuesday discussed utilizing drone video and photos to document progress on the Charleswood School site.

The Department of Public Works is scheduled to mill, pave and grade three streets in town starting Monday.

This week’s Police Log features reports of a skateboarder run off the road, individuals swimming in the dam on Wood Street and multiple complaints about jet skiers.

Photo of the Day

In this shot from Maple Street, clouds lit up by a sunset appear orange.

PHOTO/ELIZABETH SPAR