Dear CM Families,

As you may know, BVSD is currently facing budgeting challenges due to the broader impact of the Colorado State Budget and lower districtwide enrollment. Unfortunately, this has directly affected our school's staffing for the upcoming year.

In both lower and upper elementary, we traditionally have one paraprofessional per classroom for 4 hours a day, supporting our Montessori model by assisting during the work cycle. This vital support allows our lead teachers to focus on individualized and small group lessons. However, due to reduced funding, we will not receive the usual FTE (full-time equivalency) allocation for paraprofessionals next year.

As it stands, we will need to cut 4 para positions. While we typically have 8, next year we will only have 4 provided by BVSD. Thankfully, our PTA has generously committed to funding one additional para, bringing us to 5. We will carefully distribute their time across all 8 classrooms, but it will be a challenge.

In previous years, I’ve been able to appeal to the district for additional support and then ask the PTA to help bridge the gap. This year, unfortunately, BVSD has no appeal funds available.

Here’s how you can help:
We are aiming to raise $105,000 to hire 3 more paraprofessionals and return to our usual staffing levels. Every dollar brings us closer, and every contribution helps maintain the high-quality Montessori experience we all value.

If you’re able to donate, please visit:
ColoradoGives.org – Support Our School

Thank you for your continued support of our students and staff. If there is ever a year we need support, this is it! Together, we can keep our classrooms strong.

Warm regards,
Shannon Minch
Principal

Relevant Information:

2025-26 Preliminary Budget Presentation - Final - 04-08-25.pdf (961 KB)

https://coloradosun.com/2025/04/01/colorado-education-school-funding-bill-mccluskie/

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2025A/bills/2025a_1320_ren.pdf