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May 30, 2008
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents and other members of the Scholars' Academy family,
The 2008-2009 school year is coming to a close. Some of you who have been patient and supportive are growing increasingly concerned about our inability to bring the longstanding search for a permanent home to a satisfactory conclusion. I and the members of the board of directors share your frustration in not knowing with any degree of certainty where the school will be sited in 2009-2010 and beyond.
We continue to search for a suitable permanent facility consistent with our vision: as accessible to the highly gifted students of this region and as close to the educational amenities of this city as possible. To date, more than three dozen sites have been considered. We are also aggressively pursuing our short-term needs, especially for the 2009-2010 school year. Several significant possibilities are under consideration, including but not limited to a short-term extension for our present space. Because that is dependent on both availability - not our decision - and the negotiation of mutually acceptable terms, we will continue to evaluate and pursue other short term options until we have locked in a solution for the 2009-2010 school year. We will do whatever is required to ensure that the Scholars' Academy continues to have a home, now and in the future.
Returning to the topic of your patience and support, I want to take a moment to remind you of what we have all accomplished over the last three years. That is an inclusive "all", as I am referring to our students, teachers, staff, administration, parents, grandparents and our growing list of friends in the larger community. Some of you have served on the board of directors or board committees; some of you have served on the PTO, or as room parents or coaches or volunteers for countless activities. Together, we have reversed an enrollment decline to nearly double the number of students enrolled next year. Together, we have more than tripled our annual fundraising to more than $200,000. Together, we have seen the Scholars' Academy ranked number one in the state for the past three years. Together, we have increased the depth and breadth of our academic, enrichment and athletic offerings while significantly improving our financial strength. Together, we have made the Scholars' Academy a place where joy and challenge fill our halls and classrooms.
Now is not the time to stop working together. The board of directors will continue do its job, including the provision of facilities. We ask that you continue to do the many large and small things that you have done to make this school what it is today and that will be required to make it even better in the coming years. And, if I have not said it enough times or with enough emphasis - thank you.
Sincerely,
Evan Kettler
Chair, Board of Directors
evankett@carolina.rr.com
704.577.4901
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