HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02 Supporting the Eagle County School District and Requesting Keeping Red Sandstone Elementary School OpenRESOLUTION NO. 2, SERIES OF 2012
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE EAGLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT (the
"District ") AND REQUESTING TO KEEP THE RED SANDSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(the "RSES ") OPEN FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN OF VAIL AND EAGLE
COUNTY, COLORADO, AND SETTING FORTH DETAILS IN REGARD THERETO.
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail (the "Town'), in the County of Eagle and State of Colorado,
is a home rule municipal corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Colorado and the Town Charter (the "Charter';
WHEREAS, the members of the Town Council of the Town (the "Council') have been
duly elected and qualified;
WHEREAS, RSES is known for its excellent academics and achievement, consistently
performing in the top tier of all Eagle County schools on State Assessments. The teachers and
administration over the years have been outstanding and dedicated. It would be extremely
detrimental for the District to close one of their best and most unique schools;
WHEREAS, RSES has a great history in the Town of Vail, and the community considers it
to be one of its most treasured assets;
WHEREAS, most other schools have to rely upon a valley -wide organization (such as
Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District or The Youth Foundation) for after -
school care, while the town has a Vail- specific governmental entity (the Vail Recreation District)
fully invested in the school with their Kid Zone After - School and School's Out programs;
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail has a stated goal of having 30% of the community
workforce living within the Town of Vail boundaries. It has changed zoning codes and invested
significant resources in planning and building affordable housing to achieve this goal including
its investments in Timber Ridge, Vail Commons, Middle Creek and planning for a tract in West
Vail on the Chamonix parcel;
WHEREAS, having a public elementary school within the Town of Vail boundaries is
important to attracting young professional families, thus achieving this goal. Beyond being a
magnet to attract the professional workforce, having a public school is important to our sense
of community. The Town of Vail is working hard to attract young families back to Vail;
WHEREAS, a school is one of the most important pieces of "infrastructure" needed to
make a town a community. The Council's Vision is "To be the Premier Mountain Resort
Community!" Their Mission is to "provide the citizens of Vail and our Guests superior services,
outstanding environmental stewardship and an abundance of recreational, cultural and
educational opportunities;"
WHEREAS, the Town of Vail is the major economic engine of Eagle County and its
property values are very much part of the funding mechanism of Eagle County schools. In fact,
$21.5 million annually is raised through Town of Vail property taxes, thus the town is a major
contributor to the school district;
WHEREAS the Town has clearly demonstrated its long -term commitment to the school
by our ongoing participation in projects that have been a benefit to the school including
securing grants, construction playground improvements, addition of athletic field and the
gymnastic center; and
WHEREAS, RSES is currently occupied by 279 students (out of an overall capacity of
400) so is at almost 70% capacity.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF VAIL,
COLORADO THAT:
Section 1. The Council has a clear expectation that Red Sandstone Elementary
School will serve this community for decades to come.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
INTRODUCED, PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the
Town of Vail held this 3rd day of January, 2012.
Andrew P. Daly
Town Mayor
A
iforeyi Donaldson,
Town Clerk
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