General FAQ
What is going on with the roof?
The roof was designed to code and built to the architects specifications. Unfortunately even when taking care, problems happen: it is a design flaw and will be fully addressed this summer. The roof has leaked due to ice dams and the construction company is repairing the leaks and replacing damaged insulation and other components. Everything is insured and under warranty. Hogan has taken full responsibility for this at no cost to the school.
Are we buying our building?
We hope to purchase our school. The Finance Committee, working with our outside lawyers, are applying to the federal government for low interest, long term financing to buy our building and campus outright from Hogan Construction, who advanced the nearly nine million dollars it cost to build our facility. This is, of course, only in the application process. We have a reasonable lease with Hogan, but it does escalate, especially after three years. Owning the building outright decreases our overhead, eliminates our property taxes, creates a fixed payment, and saves us millions of dollars over the next decade.
Why buy our building? Why not simply move to a new building with a flat lot and lots of parking?
This state of the art building was built at WSD’s request and design at the builders expense and leased to us on a thirty year lease. Our location, near Parley’s Summit , is central to both Summit and Salt Lake County allowing us a broad base from which to attract and serve students. We have a beautiful Park City campus and starting over from scratch is not a viable option. Lessening our overhead by buying the building will free up tens of thousands of dollars in the short run to address current needs. In the long run, owning over renting will save us millions.
What about grants and outside funding?
The fundraising committee, administration and parent volunteers have been applying for grants, large and small, since before school opened. We have had mixed success with this even though we have many parent volunteers with experience both in writing grant applications and approving grant applications. One hurdle we have encountered is that Park City is considered a rich school district and that other schools in inner cities are more needful of funds. We are undeterred, however, and will continue to apply for any and all grants available to us. Anyone who is willing to help with the grant application process please contact the Fundraising Committee.
What are we doing about Parking and Playground?
The school has established parent volunteer committees to deal with each of these challenges. We will continue to update our website with our progress in these areas.
What can I do to help the school financially?
The Fundraising Committee is reaching out to the entire community with the Premier Year fundraising campaign. They are planning several events and several avenues for people to make contributions, large and small. Anyone can contribute any amount online.
How much has the fundraising Committee raised?
Nearly seventy thousand dollars so far directly from parents.
Who is our school management team?
Charter Solutions headed by Lincoln Fillmore. Last spring, after our interim principal, Robert Ralphs had recruited Mary Kimball and Cindy Phillips; it became clear that we would need a professional Educational Management Organization (EMO) to handle the day to day running of the school. Over a period of weeks, the board vetted four different organizations. With our contract, we get a full time in-house business manager, Chris Ord, and access to all of Charter Solutions specialists in accounting, IRS compliance, State regulation compliance, HR, benefits and payroll. Lincoln is always available for consultation and attends all board meetings.
I’m unclear on who I should contact with questions about the physical state of the building, i.e., snow plowing, leaks, ice, etc.?
If parents have concerns about the building they should e-mail email hidden; JavaScript is required. FYI – Chris will pass issues along to the Board Chair if they need to be brought to the attention of our landlord or the builder.