Op-Ed: Asking for Just One More Year

Dear Rocky Mountain Head Start Board of Directors and Whom It May Concern,

My name is Melissa Einboden, and I am writing with a sincere and heartfelt request on behalf of our local preschool program's families, children, and supporters. In the past year, I have been in the classroom a lot. Just ask Whitehall classroom staff. I have developed a passion for these kids and just like the Head Start kid I was, my mom would have told you- I have a hard time accepting, uh, not getting my way....

We understand the board is leaning toward closure, and we respect the seriousness of that decision. However, we are asking-humbly and with hope-for one more year. One more year to transition. One more year to organize, fundraise, and build the foundation to carry this program forward as a nonprofit, community-based early education solution.

This preschool has meant so much to so many. While we may not be able to stop the changes ahead, we are asking for the opportunity to navigate them in a way that protects the children and families at the heart of it all.

Our community is responding. Families are stepping up. I am fully committed to doing whatever it takes to support this next chapter, but we need time to do it right.

Please consider granting a one-year extension. With your help, this can be a turning point, not an end.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Melissa Einboden

P.S. I will volunteer as a teacher aide 3-4 days a week for the entire year. I do not want a salary. I'm just asking for a little more time.

P.S.S. Numbers aren't my thing, but is that roughly an annual salary of at least $20,000?

P.P.S.S. I will plan a fundraiser with the help of our community once a month in hopes of covering overhead operational costs, with all proceeds directly going to the Rocky Mountain Headstart 501(c)(3).

How else can I help? Look what our community has done in a week! Just think what we can transition into with "Just One More Year."