Parent's Letter

As a Parker parent I always find myself discussing the positive attributes of the Parker Essential School with neighbors and friends who have children in our public school system. During these discussions the topic usually gets around to the “cost of tuition”.  Since many parents do not understand how a charter school is funded, most are shocked to find out that there is no tuition, and even though the expense is paid for out of their taxes, it is not uncommon for them to respond:  “So it is free to go there?”  I usually pinch myself at this point, and say: “Nothing in life is free, but not paying a tuition is a wonderful bonus we Parker parents enjoy.”

With that said, the funding formula used to fund charter schools only provides for the basic needs of the school.  The founders of Parker realized that this funding would not completely support the type of educational and cultural enrichment that they had envisioned.  Thus the Parker Essential Fund (PEF) was established.  This fund is not “nice to have”.  It is at the backbone of the Parker success story.

Over the next few weeks, I would encourage every Parker parent to learn more about the PEF, and to reflect on how important the contributions made through PEF grants are to your children and to all the other students at Parker.   Once you have reflected on this, please take a moment before the November deadline to write out a check and send it in knowing that it will be put to good use.  As a Parker parent I would like to thank you for doing your part in helping to make Parker the best school for our children to attend.

Phil Holman, parent of Sean, Div2 and Cassie, Div1

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