EDMOND — Executive Director of Rubicon School and Learning Center Paul Boer announced Friday afternoon that it will be business as usual for Rubicon this summer.
Rubicon is a school that answers the needs of families of children with autism spectrum disorders.
“Thursday the board announced that we are going to have school this summer as originally planned,” Boer said.
Last Monday school officials were afraid there would be no summer school with the possibility of school classes being canceled for the fall school term as well because of rising costs.
“We received a great deal of support and positive encouragement from the news stories that ran last Tuesday,” Boer said. “On Thursday the board said it is business as usual. They are committed to seeing the school keep going.”
Boer said there were three factors that happened last week making it possible to keep the school doors open.
Firstly, the school received donations in excess of $45,000 to help get the school through the summer.
Secondly, new members have joined the board.
“We have four new members on our board,” Boer said. “The board is energized, enthusiastic and committed to helping Rubicon have a successful future.”
Boer said the members have brought a breath of fresh air and leadership to board, and in one week they nave made a huge difference in the momentum of the school.
Boer said Chris Wilson, a parent of one of the students, brought three other new board members with him, and they bring talent and skills the board previously did not have.
Wilson, Robert Brown and Damian Rodriquez own CDR Global and Wilson said they are in the business of making money.
“Not only are we partners, but we have been best friends for a dozen years,” Wilson said. “I felt the school needed some business direction, and I believe we can help raise money for the school through smart business practices.
“We joined the board so Paul could do what he does best — teach the children.”
Wilson also brought another friend onto the board, Marc Siemens.
“Marc is tireless,” Wilson said. “He has a personal interest in my son as do my business partners. Marc will help us find state agencies and people within those agencies to help us.”
Wilson said he had lost sleep about Rubicon closing.
“I couldn’t sleep at night knowing I hadn’t done everything I could,” Wilson said.
Thirdly, an individual came forward and said he would build a new building for free if the school can come up with 10 to 12 acres of land on which to build.
During the weekend an architect donated his services to design the new building, which will increase the facilities from 4,000 to 8,000 square feet with room to grow as the number of students grows.
Boer said the larger building would allow for the therapy rooms and group work rooms that are needed.
“I am so very excited. Our staff is pumped. But most importantly, our students will continue to receive services. Life is indeed good,” Boer said.
He said in one week his emotions have come from the depths to heights.
“The parent community rallied around the school, realized it is something the community needs, and they are going to make it happen,” Boer said.
Boer said you hear about the people of Oklahoma and how generous they are.
“You hear it first-hand, but when you see it first-hand it is inspiring, humbling even,” Boer said.
The 12-month school is in the process of bringing on new staff assistants and beginning to enroll students for summer and fall.
THE DETAILS
What you need to know
Rubicon’s summer schedule is as follows:
Students will be out of school May 26-30. The First Summer Session begins June 2 and continues through June 20.
Students are out of school June 23 to July 7. The Second Summer Session begins July 8 and continues through Aug. 1.
Students are out of school Aug. 3-15 with the new school year scheduled to begin Aug. 18.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Drew Harmon
-
Drew Harmon
Discussion
May 20, 2008
Rubicon doing business as usual
- Local News
-
PHOTO PROVIDED Colton Fees and his mother Jan Fees pause for a photograph in Texas. Colton serves on the Edmond Bicycle Committee. Jan works with the City of Edmond Planning Department.
-
Edmond family takes to cycles
It’s got a daunting name — the Hotter’n Hell Hundred — but an Edmond bicycling family was up to the challenge.
The event, put on last month during just about the hottest time of year, starts in Wichita Falls and winds along a 100-mile route through Wichita County and Clay County in north Texas before ending back in Wichita Falls. The rolling course includes some long inclines accentuated by incessant wind. - PSC Panel to produce report
- Commission delays rezoning request
- Golf event to raise funds for lupus
- Schools announce bond issue items
- Edmond Elks honor MIA soldier, daughter
- Panel explores funding options for Edmond Police station
-
Edmond family takes to cycles
- Sports
- Opinion
- Business
- Obituaries
