More Info

A lot of time and some research later, here are some updates:

- Starting a new school is difficult. It's not like starting a business. Schools have too many cooks in the kitchen, even if it is a private school.
- We have an alternative MD interested in this project. He also has contacts he feels would be interested.
- We've found a local CSA to provide food. We need to go take a look at the farm and talk with owners. Maybe get a break on price?
- Waldorf school might be able to help us with housing until we're more stable. However, what about using First Free Evangelical in Ona? Will tie in with our spiritual component.
- Have someone interested in helping with funding. Amy.

More info:
Found the following links that have really re-light the fire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go_QOzc79Uc
http://www.creators.com/opinion/john-stossel/education-too-important-for-a-government-monopoly.html

The second one really hit home. Government is much too involved in our schools. It places way too many limits on what we can do for kids. It's a shame. Our school will not have government involvement.

Other info:
- Talked with the startup guy from Black River Green School (www.brf.org/brgs). What a great guy!! Super helpful! He talked about 2 different ways to apply for a charter grant, $150,000. Both ways require support from a school district. This goes against what we want to do, but it might be a place to start. This conversation led to the name Barry Golden at DPI who is (according to brgs) the "guru of charter schools." Left him a message to call me back.
- Talked with the small business association of La Crosse. I have a meeting with them at 3:30 on Tuesday to bounce some ideas. They want me to take a class - not gonna happen! I don't have time or desire.
- Also have another teacher VERY interested in this idea. She would like to join us. Her specialty is working with kids with behavior problems. She might be a good resource for parent education. She has a MEd in social work/family counseling.
- Talked with the owner of Holistic Health of Viroqua (www.hhc.com). He was also a great resource and offered to help us in any way we need. He started his business 2 years ago. Just bought a building and it took off. Very inspiring! We all hope it's so easy.

What to do now:
- Talk with the DPI guy. Is there anything out there where we can get start-up funds but not have to be affliated with a public school.
- Amy needs to check into other grant opportunities. Ann, would you please ask her to look around? Thanks.
- I also want to check into the possibility of starting off as a "day care" or "tutoring services." I need to call the B-3 program in LaX.
- As the start-up group, we need to look at how much money we might be willing to invest in this venture...
- We need to potentially find other resources that might give us money.