HomeMy WebLinkAbout9.H Letter from Association of Colorado Independent SchoolsAssociation of Colorado Independent Schools
October 16, 2013
Garfield County Commissioners
108 e Street
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to support the proposal to vacate an unused road through the campus of
Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS). Such a road currently appears on the maps of
Garfield County. Colorado Rocky Mountain. School is an important asset to the county.
Vacating that road would enhance the long-term vitality of CRMS, with many resulting
benefits for county citizens.
Successful independent schools help attract residents and keep them in the county, while
providing valuable business to local service providers. The positive impact of CRMS on
the local economy is significant, especially if one considers the cumulative effect of how
the school has influenced the county's growth.
In less tangible ways, the school enhances the county's appeal to anyone with an interest
in the natural environment and the quality of community life. The school's undeveloped
acreage contributes to the beauty of the local area. The educational program at CRMS
develops a life-long interest in outdoor sports, which is an important part of the local
economy. Many employees at the school play active roles as county citizens. Service
learning programs at the school also contribute to the strength of community life in the
county. These benefits merit careful attention when county leaders deliberate about the
school's road vacation proposal.
It would be difficult to maintain the special character and educational purpose of the
school if the county were to develop that road. In particular, boarding school students and
their parents would probably find the school much less welcoming, and might prefer a
school with a more cohesive student -centered campus. The challenging market for
boarding schools makes campus preservation strategically important for sustaining the
school. By vacating the road Garfield County would strengthen the school leaders'
flexibility in using the property, while helping them maintain the appealing character of
the campus.
I understand that school leaders have no plans to restrict pedestrian traffic along that
road, but they would like to have more control of how it is used. Vacating the road would
also give school leaders greater control in case a perceived threat (perhaps from a
dissatisfied former employee or student) made it prudent to close the road on a temporary
basis.
1702 Sumac Avenue • Boulder, CO 80304 • (303) 444-zzoi • Fax (303) z65-9776
www.acischools.org
In short, Colorado Rocky Mountain School is one of the county's most stable and
successful enterprises. It helps anchor the local economy and contributes to the high
quality of life enjoyed by its citizens. The small opportunity cost of vacating an unused
road through the CRMS campus would have positive results for everyone concerned,
both now and in the future.
Since
e Quinby
Executive Director
Cc: Jeff Leahy, Head of Colorado Rocky Mountain School
2