EN LA PRENSA

On behalf of the Eagle County Education Association, I would like to thank the Eagle County school board for placing the mill levy override question on the ballot this November. ECEA has been working with ECSD to make this happen over the past several months through a truly collaborative process.

Thank you, Mark Lewis, for supporting 5B. Public education helps children build futures as educators, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and community leaders. Supporting that opportunity is common ground worth celebrating. I would like to offer context for the financial questions raised in your column.

We should ask not only, “How much more must we pay teachers to keep them?” but also, “How can we make classroom teaching sustainable enough that good teachers want to remain in it?”

If passed, 5B for Eagle County Schools will invest in the heart of our community, our schools. Start with a “Yes” vote for our kids. Then work your way up. The issues facing us this year are varied and controversial. Voting can be fun. It will definitely be thought provoking.

I’m here to tell you — the budgets have been scrubbed to the penny (while we still have pennies); our school board and administration have worked valiantly to save schools from having to shut down, or going to a shorter school schedule. A “Yes” vote on 5B would move us to third behind Aspen and Steamboat Springs in per pupil revenue. Let’s come together, Vail Valley, warm up the pens and vote “Yes” on 5B!

When it comes to Ballot Initiative 5B, a mill levy override question, and Proposition NN, an increase to the TABOR cap, Brendza believes additional funding is critical for helping Eagle County schools.

VVP also supports Eagle County School District ballot question 5B, a mill levy override focused on attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and support staff, strengthening reading, writing, and math instruction, restoring art, music, and physical education and maintaining student access to mental health professionals.

I believe strong schools are essential to a strong community. Our schools educate our children, support families, employ local residents, prepare our future workforce and contribute to the vitality of our local economy. When we invest in our schools, we invest in the future of Eagle County.

Sometimes the best place to reach a child who needs help is right where they go to school.

If passed, the measure would reduce or eliminate TABOR refunds for Colorado taxpayers in exchange for improving teacher salaries and classroom conditions

VVP also supports Eagle County School District ballot question 5B, a mill levy override focused on attracting and retaining high-quality teachers and support staff, strengthening reading, writing, and math instruction, restoring art, music, and physical education, and maintaining student access to mental health professionals.

As a parent of two students who went through Homestake Peak and Battle Mountain, I know that the people working inside our schools can change the course of a child’s life.

Every year, Eagle County shows up for its public schools. You donate, volunteer, sponsor and attend EFEC’s Project Funway to help educators give students opportunities they might otherwise miss.

The Eagle County School District's is looking for a new source of funding for teacher salaries.

Putting 5B on the ballot gives our community a choice. I voted to give voters that choice. And as a voter, I will vote “yes.”

When we think about what makes a school strong, we consider what students learn, the opportunities available to them, and the progress they make. Behind each of those things are talented and dedicated people: a teacher who recognizes when a student is ready for a greater challenge, a bus driver who greets a child by name, and a counselor who has earned a family’s trust.

Saddle up, Eagle County! Wild West Day is back for another year of family fun, community spirit and fundraising for local public schools — and this year, the beloved tradition is growing.

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On behalf of the Eagle County Education Association, I would like to thank the Eagle County school board for placing the mill levy override question on the ballot this November.

Voters will see a mill levy override question from the Eagle County School District when they go to the polls for this upcoming election.

On behalf of the Eagle County Education Association, I would like to thank the Eagle County school board for placing the mill levy override question on the ballot this November. ECEA has been working with ECSD to make this happen over the past several months through a truly collaborative process.

Colorado is ranked the fifth most-educated state overall in the United States, and yet in recent years the state’s education funding has taken hard hits. A recent study funded by the state legislature reported that Colorado was falling around $3.5 billion short annually on funds adequate to support schools across the state.

But in which election could Eagle County voters see it?

After 22 incredible years with the Eagle County School District, including the last seven serving as superintendent, the time has come for me to say goodbye. Serving this district and this community has been the greatest honor of my professional life.

Do you believe the community should give back financially to teachers and other workers? Things are very expensive in the valley, and many important people are leaving because of housing costs. I think we need a solution so we don’t lose these citizens.

As we near the end of May, there’s one thing on the minds of students across Eagle County School District: summer break! However, before we jump forward, I think it is always important to look back and appreciate the many amazing accomplishments that happen every day across ECSD.

It is about care, belonging, safety, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Vail Health has been a dedicated partner to EFEC’s STEM grants since 2015, helping ensure local classrooms have access to innovative science, technology, engineering and math instruction.

I have been with Eagle County School District for 14 years and have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the Education Foundation of Eagle County’s classroom grants on our students.

Funding empowers teachers to grow professionally

“At Eagle County School District (ECSD), technology is more than just infrastructure,” said CTO Jack Donnelly. “It’s a vital enabler of learning, connection, and operational excellence in our schools and community.”

Kate Bordeaux models “Rise Up” during Project Funway Saturday in Vail. The outfit featured more than 8,000 folded pieces of paper. The outfit also won the adult category.

[Julia Vlaar] models "Rising from the Ashes" during Project Funway on Saturday at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail. The annual event benefits the Education Foundation of Eagle County.

Get ready to be wowed by the fashions at Project Funway, which returns to Dobson Arena again this Saturday. One of the most creative fundraisers in the Vail Valley, Project Funway asks participants to craft designs out of “anything but fabric” and in the past 13 years the event has been held, there have been some interesting creations.

'The creativity is infectious' as students assemble designs made from anything but fabric, model in front of their classmates

Nearly half of Colorado educators are considering leaving the profession, according to a recent survey. Their reasons — insufficient funds, autonomy and safety — are precisely what the Colorado Education Association intends to ask from lawmakers in 2025.

We are extremely fortunate to work with community partners that provide an unyielding amount of resources for our district. While that list starts with the Education Foundation of Eagle County, an organization that goes beyond advocating for our schools with events like Wild West Days and Project Funway and supports our teachers with their Apple Awards and classroom grants...

This year, the Education Foundation of Eagle County received an unprecedented 58 classroom grant applications totaling $98,395 — over three times the number of applications we normally receive.

Spa Anjali and The Athletic Club at The Westin are excited to once again support the dedicated staff of the Eagle County School District this September with discounts on spa treatments and a community benefit class for the Education Foundation of Eagle County.

Decision made after polling data indicated low support for measure

After it failed in 2023, district is gauging community and staff sentiment before the school board makes a ‘go or no-go decision’ in July

Spring has finally sprung. And while I do not doubt that another snowstorm could show up in the next few weeks, I am at least confident that summer is just around the corner, which means another school year is in the books.

Thirteen years ago, Project Funway made its debut. Since 2016, they have raised over $4 million in support of the Education Foundation of Eagle County (EFEC). Before a fashion show, it was a way to bring together friends and show off everyone’s creations.

On behalf of the Education Foundation of Eagle County, we sincerely thank our wonderful community for your overwhelming support of Project Funway.

Project Funway returns for its 13th year while Hawk's Nest Cabin in Beaver Creek makes its debut this season

In Colorado, EFEC leads the fight against educational underfunding with initiatives for teachers and students, setting a new standard in educational advocacy.

Since 2012, EFEC has been a powerhouse non-profit enriching local education and supporting educators and staff with Distinguished Teacher Scholarship Awards, monetary Apple Awards, and recognition celebrating educators’ unwavering commitment and excellence.

As mental and behavioral health challenges continue to persist for students, an Eagle County coalition of nonprofits is bringing youth voices into the conversation to find solutions.

As part of a series of community partner presentations for the Eagle County School District Board of Education, at the board’s Jan. 10 meeting, B.E. Partners shared insight from local students in the areas of mental health, substance use, maturation and more.

January is Board of Education Recognition Month. Our seven Board of Education members volunteer their time, which means they are not compensated. If you know any of these folks or see them out in our community, please be sure to show them your appreciation. The work they do is important to our entire community, and most importantly our youth.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County and Citizens for Exceptional Eagle County Schools thank you for voting in this November’s election. We feel fortunate to live in a country where we can exercise our voice through voting.

Eagle County School District voters were split in their opinions about a pair of ballot questions, 5A and 5B, on Tuesday’s ballot. As of 9 p.m., 5A, a mill levy override, was trailing, while 5B, a bond issue, was leading.

As the Eagle County School District seeks to pass two separate ballot initiatives, two primary citizen issue committees have formed — one to support the measures and the other to oppose them.

Olympic ski racer Mikaela Shiffrin took time out of her busy preseason training schedule on Tuesday to address the community at the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon. The Westin Riverfront teamed up with the Education Foundation of Eagle County to host a discussion entitled “Innovation & Success” in a packed lobby full of Shiffrin’s fans of all ages.

Mikaela Shiffrin gave the parents and schoolkids of Eagle County a boost yesterday when she answered questions about life, challenges, failure, success, and the bigger pictures in life in a Q&A session at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley.

For more than 30 years, Wild West Day has been a fall highlight for local children and families who look forward to spending a crisp, fall day at 4 Eagle Ranch enjoying games, food, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County is gearing up for the 33rd year of one of its largest fundraisers, Wild West Day. The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 24, at 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott with the goal of bringing in $160,000 to support Eagle County School District’s eight elementary schools and preschools.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County awarded many of our local educators with Apple Awards, which are $500 endowments given to staff that exemplify EFEC’s mission of supporting the intellectual and emotional growth of our students.

For 12 years, the Education Foundation of Eagle County (Efec) has hosted Project Funway, one of the largest fundraising shows in Vail. This generates support for local schools by raising money for in school programs, mental health support and recognizing teachers. Over 40 designers participate where every look is made from “anything but fabric,” and judged by six judges — one being Project Runway runner up Mondo Guerra.

Come enjoy a imaginative, brilliant, one-of-a-kind fashion designs of “anything but fabric” parade the runway in this unique fundraising event. No single runway look is ever the same! The show celebrates and supports creativity, art, and design along with raising money to support the Education Foundation of Eagle County.

The Eagle County School District each year is required by the state to convene an accountability committee to evaluate its top challenges and give recommendations for creative solutions.

Students will apply their STEM skills to various challenges, aiming for a place in the National competition

While the Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway has been a predominant event in the valley for over a decade, in recent years local schools have begun to duplicate it, bringing fashion design into their curriculum.

Addressing school finance and the educator shortage top the to-do lists of local education leaders, legislators

For over 30 years, Wild West Day has been a fall highlight for local children and families who look forward to spending a crisp fall day at 4 Eagle Ranch enjoying games, food, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, crafts and more.

Proposition 123 will ask voters to set aside a portion of state income taxes for affordable housing projects, grants, initiatives and more

Petitioners and volunteers across the state — including members of the local Education Foundation of Eagle County — were working to get an education funding measure on the November ballot, but that effort fell short of the required 125,000 signatures necessary for it to reach voters in November.

While school may be out for summer, the Education Foundation of Eagle County, E•ƒ(ec), is busy working on solutions so that every teacher, school, family, and student can thrive in our community.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County is currently collecting signatures to get an initiative on the November ballot. As proposed, Initiative 63 would help channel an additional nearly $900 million, without raising taxes, to K-12 schools in Colorado.

The 11th Annual Project Funway fundraiser for the Education Foundation of Eagle County is taking place this Saturday evening at the Dobson Ice Arena in Lionshead. The runway competition features outfits crafted by 65 local designers of all ages and skill levels, who have each been challenged to create a one-of-a-kind clothing design for the catwalk. The catch: no fabric can be used in the making of these outfits.

Amid the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, local nonprofits are asking the community to give back

The three directors leaving have served on Eagle County Schools’ Board of Education for a collective 22 years

Candidate wants to continue giving back to education and ensure implementation of equity goals

Incumbent wants to continue work in advancing public education

District seeks creative solutions as teachers step up to fill classroom vacancies

It’s hard to believe how a little idea to do a fashion show for charity has blossomed into an event that typically gathers hundreds of people and last year raised over $220,000. Project Funway celebrates 10 years of fashion, fun and fundraising efforts to help the Education Foundation of Eagle County with its virtual event Saturday at 7 p.m.

As we enter the holiday season amid the turmoil of COVID-19, the Education Foundation of Eagle County would like to extend our deepest gratitude to this community for continuing to make education a top priority. Local support passed the 5B ballot issue with 72% approval, according to Eagle County precinct reports, ensuring consistent funding for our schools, teachers, staff and students for decades into the future despite what happens with education funding at the state level.

Project Funway 2020 is bringing “Project Runway: All Stars” winner and season 8 finalist Mondo Guerra to deliver the best in show award.

Education Foundation of Eagle County, a nonprofit that helps fill the funding gaps in Eagle County education, was recently awarded $277,200 over the span of two years by the Colorado Health Foundation for prevention and resiliency programming in local schools. The funding will facilitate capacity growth of p

Kirchner, who will rotate off the board at the end of the year, says she'll still remain involved with local schools

The evening of May 18 may have seen snow dumping on our winter-fatigued community, but that didn’t stop an outpouring of appreciation for local teachers, school support staff and volunteers in Eagle County Schools.

Now that the glue guns, duct tape and dust have settled, the Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway has once again impressed a growing audience with the creativity, talent and generosity that flows throughout this mountain resort community. The Saturday, Feb. 9, event, hosted at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail, featured an evening of fashion, food and fun, grossing approximately $160,000 in support of efforts to put a therapist in every school in Eagle County.

A Vail Valley education advocacy group won statewide honors for its work promoting equity in local schools.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County has announced a new mission and focus for the organization, along with four new board members. A fundraising campaign in support of these new initiatives launches Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Words such as professional and glamour rang true at the Project Funway fashion event at Dobson Ice Arena in Vail on Saturday, Feb. 10.

For the seventh year in a row, Education Foundation of Eagle County’s Project Funway event provided a spark of creativity and an evening of fashion, food and fun, all in the name of raising money for teacher and classroom support throughout Eagle County.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County Board of Trustees recently announced 2017-18 school year grant awards in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); equity and staffing; and arts and music benefiting students at seven Eagle County Schools and district wide.

Two candidates will square off for the only contested Eagle County Schools Board of Education seat in this year’s election.

Thank you for your school budget transparency story (“New school budget includes bond dollars,” Tuesday, June 20). As an advocate for education in our community, I’m extremely impressed with how our local citizens stepped up to support a living wage for our teachers. Seeing as how Eagle County Schools is the second largest employer in Eagle County, if we want our community to continue to thrive, then this is the responsible approach to make it happen — local money supporting local jobs.

On Saturday, April 8, Dobson Ice Arena in Vail was transformed into a festive venue for the 2017 Project Funway fashion event. There were huge magenta orbs illuminating the arena and a handmade bar built by Karl Krueger. The space was a far departure from the chilly ice rink and held hundreds of fans of fashion and education. The designers, models and hair and makeup talent worked throughout the afternoon and early evening to prepare for yet another amazing show.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County exists to support the creation and delivery of an excellent learning experience for Eagle County Public School students. Since 2011, after a failed mill levy and tremendous losses in state funding to our public schools, the Foundation has invested more than $500,000 in grants, teacher scholarships, community organizing and legislative advocacy in support of Eagle County public schools.

A new foundation launched to offset education funding cuts is gaining momentum and message, its leaders say.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County’s goal is to help offset some of the funding cuts the school district over the last year.