On March 28, we will host an all school meeting at which we hope that each of our students will have a family representative. Before then, we’d like to offer you an update on the financial state of the school and our fundraising efforts to date.

In a veritable whirlwind of activity, we sure have raised a lot of money. Nearly $90,000 has been brought in since the beginning of the school year. The outpouring of generosity and support has been a creative group effort that is truly moving. Essentially, enough contributions have been generated for us to feel comfortable saying, “Watershed is going to survive”. Every donation served to buoy the spirits and lift up the vision of the faculty and staff. When students made their commitment known, that strengthened the resolve to persevere.

We had a fundraising goal of $123,000 that we had aimed to reach by January 31. While our totals to date fall short of this number, we have made considerable cuts and trims to the budget to keep things in balance. We are also pursuing a loan from an agency that supports non-profits to insure our ability to pay our bills and make payroll while we weather the storm. The Board of the City of Lakes Waldorf School, from whom we rent space, have agreed to reduce the amount of rent we owe for this year by $19,000. We will be negotiating with City of Lakes, as well as considering other suitable spaces to rent for next year. The goal there is simple; to pay what we can afford based on enrollment numbers. The state uses a formula based on enrollment to calculate lease aid payments to the school. Our lease must be negotiated with this in mind.

One economic goal of every school must be to establish a positive fund balance. On March 3, our board received a day-long training on financial controls and management to help insure that we don’t end up back in the position of having an excessive negative fund balance ever again. The level of support we have received from the Department of Education has been immense. Our three-year financial plan, collaboratively written by members of the Board & Faculty, was recently reviewed and approved by Education Commissioner Alice Seagren. It sets out the financial structure for the next 3 years and projects WHS as having a positive fund balance in 2010. Until then, it’s our job to maintain a quality program and the integrity of our financial data.

Do we still need to raise money? Yes. Are we out of the woods yet? Not quite. Is the future of Watershed bright? Most definitely. Why? Because our students tell us in every way they know how that Watershed must continue, must thrive, must become what it is capable of becoming. Enrollment numbers have increased steadily throughout the year. This trend contributes to our sense that Watershed’s mission is vital and that our financial goals are attainable.

Sincerely Yours,

The Administrative, Board, and Faculty Co-Chairs
Christina Beck, Keith Dunder, Ingunn Henrikssen, Debra Pelinski, and Leslie Wilson

Your immense outpouring of support around the metro and across the nation raised $11,085. Not only did Watershed benefit from your donations but the excitement surrounding Rock on Water attracted the attention of Minnesota Public Radio, the Star Tribune and Kare 11 news. Between the radio segment, the newspaper article and the TV interview with the Alarmists, interest in the school is up and new students are starting almost weekly.

As promised, a selection of recordings will be available in the near future. The preliminary mix down is finished and we hope to have the CD and a download available very soon.

The state has approved our three year financial plan which means they will not force us to close the doors. We are still about $40,000 short of our goal. This month the board will meet to decide how and where we’ll need to adjust to cover this gap. Part of the conditions from the state requires that we maintain our educational program if any cuts are decided. This translates to between a 4-8% salary cut depending on the fiscal benefit of the new students.

Given all the setbacks this year morale is still high, the students have a new perspective of their abilities and the parent community is working creatively with the faculty on a regular basis. Watershed is not your traditional school providing the traditional education. It is wonderful to see that our community approaches adversity with a cohesiveness to get things done and prevent similar pitfalls in the future.

With sincere appreciation,
Jamie Hepner,
Dean of Students

(The total has been corrected from the amount posted yesterday to include recent PayPal donations.)
More details soon.

1. What is the problem?
2. What’s being done about it?
3. How can I help?

Minnesota Public Radio aired a piece about the school and this event on Morning Edition, January 18. There’s a transcript and several photos here:
Minneapolis Charter School Rocks to Raise Money

ROCK ON WATER is a benefit concert for Watershed on Sunday January 14 at Stella’s Fish Cafe in Uptown, from noon to 10pm. There will be music and food and more food and lots more music - of every description - acoustic, rock, hip hop, jazz - something for absolutely everyone. The venue can hold 800 people - bring your friends your family - anyone, everyone. It will be a wonderful event with music on two floors, food on three floors. To enter there is a suggested donation of $5.-$10.00. The restaurant will be giving a portion of their profit for the day. Bands will have merchandise - tshirts and cds for sale - And we will be making a CD of the event for sale at school after the event. There is a great variety of food (not just fish) - come for brunch, stay for the music, have dinner, listen to the music, hang out, meet other Watershed supporters.The bands are donating their time, the Cafe is donating the space - the least we can do is show up and give the school a boost.

If Watershed does not meet its financial goals by January 30, there will be cuts at the school. Rock on Water will be a great event and your presence will support the school.

Can I help? Yes, we need people to take money on each floor. Contact Leslie Kallas if you can work a one hour shift. (Email ljkallas AT gmail.com)

Click the thumbnail below for a larger version of the poster that you can print and post or pass around to friends:

Bid on a Sailboat!

Auction closes at noon, Friday December 22

Proceeds go to Watershed High

You may send cash or a check to Watershed High School - just mark the check or the envelope Holiday: CC - a certificate will be given to the faculty/staff member with your name - if you do not wish your name to appear, please make a note on the check or note.

The certificate reads: A donation has been made to Watershed School this holiday season in your name in acknowledgement of your dedication and service to students.

Please send your contribution to the faculty by December 20

——— Please give generously ———