Estes Park Education Foundation
About and Frequently Asked Questions
A note from the Superintendent
When I came to Estes Park 5 years ago, I was surprised that we did not have an education foundation in place to support the schools and the education of our children. With amazing dedication and the commitment of countless hours for planning, organizing, and getting official approval as a nonprofit organization, I am pleased to announce that the idea has become a reality, and an amazing group of dedicated supporters have launched the Estes Park Education Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)3 dedicated solely to the students of Estes Park. Please help me in recognizing this amazing team on a job well done: Bev Bachman, Toni Brese, Alissa Anderson, Kristen Hill, and also the support of Estes Park Board of Education Member Eric Adams, and Jim Pickering.
I commend them for all of their hard work and dedication and ask that you please thank them when you see them. The Estes Park Education Foundation has been developed as a top tiered non-profit and will be a real "game changer" for the future of our community.
Right now, their main priority will be recruitment of the first board of directors to help them get started on important education initiatives. If you or someone you know are interested in applying to be a director for the newly formed Estes Park Education Foundation, the application and more details regarding the EPEF can be found on the website: www.epeducationfoundation.org. They will also be looking for volunteers in the near future.
Please reach out to myself or contact a current steering committee member at info@epeducationfoundation.org for more information. Thank you all for your investment to our students.
Sincerely,
Sheldon Rosenkrance, Superintendent, EPEF Liaison Director
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Many people have asked questions about the education foundation. What is it? What purpose does it serve? Why does a school district need a foundation? Here are some commonly asked questions about education foundations and what to expect in this first year.
What is the education foundation and what purpose does it serve in Estes Schools?
The Estes Park Education Foundation (EPEF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that will work to inspire community investment through exemplary student learning experiences today to develop our citizens tomorrow. With the support of our community and a high quality education, all Estes Park school District R-3 students will graduate as thriving, successful, responsible citizens. (Mission and Vision Statement).
The Estes Park Education Foundation provides supplemental funds for innovative educational ideas, which otherwise may not be supported due to lack of state funding (Estes Park School District is currently ranked 108 out of 178 in Colorado for per-pupil funding) and/or other constraints for the district, including more flexibility in acquiring and dispensing funds. Funds raised by and for the Foundation enhance the school district revenues provided by taxpayers, state aid, and other public funding sources. Additionally, the EPEF generates community involvement and highlights the many accomplishments of the Estes Park School District and its students.
Why does the district see a need for this foundation to support its schools?
An education foundation compliments and supports the work already being done in a school district by bringing in the community stakeholders, educating them on what the district is doing, and drawing support in the funding pursuits to allow for grants and scholarships to the students and programs in the district. The Foundation is intended to enhance and complement rather than replace funding for the Estes Park School District. The Foundation realizes that there is an intense gap in state funding for Colorado schools and looks to help fill that void.
How will the foundation further help the development of students more so than Estes Park Schools are doing right now?
The EPEF will look to source community and financial support of the district’s mission, vision, beliefs, and values through the EPEF’s established education pillars (values):
Experiential Learning Opportunities - to give students knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Innovations in Learning - to support new teaching ideas and strategies to strengthen learning
Building Community - to promote a culture of seamless unity between the schools and the rest of the community to optimize learning
Support of District Teachers and Staff - by providing supplemental assistance as well as appreciation for the work that they do for our students
Student Support - to ensure that they have the resources needed to participate in public schooling and extra-curricular activities, as well as support for early childhood education and transitioning after graduation
Wellness - as an integral part of learning and being successful in school and life, including physical activities, youth sports, and outdoor recreation
What will the relationship between the district and the foundation be? In other words, how will both entities work together to achieve each other's goals?
The EPEF is an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Board of Directors will work closely with the Foundation Liaison Director, Sheldon Rosenkrance, Superintendent of Schools. The current steering committee is recruiting board members now to help align what that big picture looks like.
What oversight is in place to determine how the foundation's funds are appropriated? Will there be any transparency in this?
Alignment with and advancing the EPEF’ Mission and Vision shall be driving force for appropriating funding. Estes Park School District employees and students are eligible and encouraged to apply for grants and/or scholarships from EPEF. Requests should include integration through one of the education pillars or values as outlined in the EPEF bylaws. Overall, the students enrolled in the Estes Park School District exclusively benefit from EPEF grants, either indirectly or directly. Indirectly, the community at large will benefit from the improved educational experience of Estes Park School District students.
The EPEF has included a financial oversight policy and procedure in their policy manual on their website at: https://www.epeducationfoundation.org/policy-manual (page 46).
Estes Park Education Foundation
Email: info@epeducationfoundation.org
Website: www.epeducationfoundation.org
Location: P.O Box 4444 Estes Park, CO
Phone: 9705862361
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPEducationFoundation