Board Memo – November 11, 2016

Dear RMAE Community:

Thanks to all who attended yesterday’s Regular Board meeting. For those not in attendance, we would like to make you are aware of the more notable discussions and actions taken at the meeting.

We were pleased to be joined at the meeting by our new Interim Director, Dr. Gary Stueven. Dr. Stueven is finishing up his first week at the school and we are happy that he was able to dedicate much of his time to productive conversations and meetings with staff, students and parents. We are grateful to have Dr. Stueven’s leadership to help RMAE move forward through the rest of this year.

Also at yesterday’s meeting, the Board approved the revised K-8 budget plan that was presented and recommended by the Finance Committee. The new K-8 budget plan, to be implemented in the weeks ahead, seeks to address our significant financial deficit by more closely aligning expenses with revenue, and doing so with empathy and understanding of the implications of these changes. We encourage you to view the full financial presentation and budget plan here: http://www.rmae.org/wp- content/uploads/20161110_FinanceBudgetSlides.pdf.

A challenge – and opportunity – for the remainder of this year will be to heal and rebuild the RMAE community for the ultimate benefit of our children and the education they receive. Last night the board created an ad hoc sub-committee named the, Healing, Trust & Community Building Committee. This new sub-committee will be spearheaded by Russ Arnold and will work with the BOD, administration, staff, students, PTO and general parent community to provide recommendations to the BOD about activities and programs that can identify, heal and seek to prevent divisions within the RMAE community. If you are interested in participating in this sub-committee, please contact Russ Arnold at [email protected]

In addition, there was also discussion regarding other Board sub-committees, many of which have fallen inactive since the start of the year. Given the importance of these various committees in supporting the school and the education of our children alongside other invaluable groups like PTO and Foundation, it is a priority of the Board to re-establish and reinvigorate these committees as soon as possible. We have a tremendous wealth of time, talent, skills, and experience within the RMAE Community, and volunteering your time on one of our many sub-committees is a productive and rewarding way to help support the school. A separate communication with more details regarding Committee needs and opportunities will be forthcoming early next week.

We also would like to thank Wyatt Grummons, a 4th grader, who graciously started our “front desk change jar fund.” Wyatt donated all the change in his backpack to RMAE and unknowingly kicked off a grassroots campaign. Since then many other students have followed suit. Way to go Wyatt! Your sense of duty and empathy towards your fellow RMAE students and the school is a true testament to this month’s Core Virtues.

In closing, we continue to ask for your support and input, including any and all efforts to welcome new students into our classrooms and to communicate a positive image of our school to the greater public. The school can only cut expenses so much; the best and most sustainable path to our school’s long-term success is increasing enrollment back to healthier levels. We appreciate the entire RMAE Community’s efforts and support in transitioning Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen through this time. Together, we can overcome the obstacles the school faces and build a bright, positive future for RMAE.

Most Sincerely,

Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen Board of Directors


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