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2Once Upon a TimeEducation was highly valued and well-funded. Schools were vibrant centers of learning and creativity, where teachers were celebrated, and students dreamed boldly. Communities thrived, and every child had the opportunity to reach their potential.

3But dark clouds began to gather. In Colorado, the magic of well-funded education started to fade. Budgets tightened, schools faced impossible choices, and teachers—once the guardians of this magical realm—struggled to stay. e students, caught in this storm, bore the brunt of the challenges.e Education Foundation of Eagle County rose as a beacon of light, determined to restore the promise of education. With every program launched, grant awarded, and teacher supported, E•ƒ(ec) rekindled the belief that education could once again be the bright foundation of our community’s future.Amid this growing darkness, a spark of hope appeared.

4Educator Exoduse storm is a crisis of values and investment. Long-term educator retention is key to student achievement and school improvement.Shockingly, according to the Economic Policy Institute, Colorado ranks 51st in competitive teacher pay, behind all 50 states and Washington, D.C. ese problems are pushing our education crusaders out. e 2025 Colorado Education Association Survey Observations:Teacher and Licensed Sta Shortages are more severe than in previous yearsof Educators know someone who has le the profession in the past yearof Educators are considering leaving the profession soonShortage of Essential Support Sta including paraprofessionals, bus drivers, oce support, and custodial workersLack of Substitute Teachers further straining classrooms and impacting student learningStatewide Teacher Shortagese Great National Teacher Exodus52%69%56%The torm...82%47%

5StreSS & SafetyEducators Dream of Sunnier DaysToday’s teachers and education support sta are in the thick of the storm. ey are under-supported, underpaid, and feel undervalued. Feel Less SafeFeel UndervaluedSay Politically Divisive Issues Aect MoraleCan’t Aord Housing43%87%76%55% Smaller class sizes Increased planning timeTime for one-on-ones with studentsTOP 3 THINGS that teachers would like to improve in student’s day-to-day lives:Sources: Colorado Education Association Economic Policy InstituteGreat Education Colorado

6e Education Foundation of Eagle County exists because Colorado has a big problem when it comes to properly funding education. Colorado and Eagle County continue to face signicant challenges in attracting and retaining teachers and school sta. Studies show that teachers are the most signicant in-school factor aecting student success. It is impossible to overstate the importance of our educators. At E•ƒ(ec), we are proudly the #1 teacher retention eort in Eagle County. We support continuing education, provide resources, and recognize excellence among our community’s educators and school support sta to foster retention.BOARD OF DIRECTORSWendy Rimel, President & Executive DirectorTessa Kirchner, Vice PresidentLori Pohl, TreasurerLouise Funk, President EmeritusKelly AlterElisabeth GartWilliam HarrisShelly JarnotLearn more about our BOD warriors here: efec.org/boardIN THE HEART OF THE TEMPESTA Guiding LightPavan KruegerJennifer LawSara ManwillerCharles OveryJuan PeñaPhilip QualmanMatt ScherrKatherine SmithWarriors

7Local Initiative Campaigns $313+ MILLION IMPACT YES for ECSD Ballot Measures• 2016: 3A & 3B - WIN• 2020: 5B - WIN• 2023: 5B - WIN State Advocacy • Great Education Colorado Board of Directors since 2015• Campaigned for state ballot education funding initiatives in 2018, 2020, & 2022Community EngagementDistinguished Teacher Scholarship AwardsSchool Support Staff CorpsApple Awards & Teacher AppreciationClassroom GrantsWild West DayProject FunwayEvening of StarsMusic & Arts Summer CampsPlay Like LilyCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTHOW E•F(EC) EMBARKS ON THIS QUEST Wendy Rimel, President & Executive DirectorTessa Kirchner, Vice PresidentLori Pohl, TreasurerLouise Funk, President EmeritusLeadership Development• E•ƒ(ec) School Support Sta Corps• Student Internships, Volunteer Opportunities, & Engagement OutreachFiscal Sponsorship• Eagle County Gives• BMHS Project Graduation

8DISTINGUISHED TEACHERSCHOLARSHIP AWARDSSCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF CORPSE•ƒ(ec)’s Distinguished Teacher Scholarship Awards promote teaching excellence by providing financial support to educators and aspiring educators for licensure, professional development, and advanced degrees or certifications. Recipients must commit to three years of service in the Eagle County School District following completion of their studies.We are making a dierence in the lives of our local teachers, students, and community with these great and rewarding programs! We fund programs that enrich the learning experience, provide mental health support, and attract and retain top teacher talent.Our community and state face significant challenges in attracting and retaining teachers and support staff. E•ƒ(ec)'s School Staff Support Corps employs a network of paid individuals, primarily grandparents, to cover recess and lunch duty, allowing teachers to focus on what they do best.$197,303$512,764IMPACTIMPACTThe Education Foundation of Eagle County was founded in 2001. The statistics on this page reflect impact since 2012. Our financial reports and 990s are available at efec.org/financial-transparency. Our Programs

9APPLE AWARDSCLASSROOM GRANTSSTUDENTMENTAL HEALTHE•ƒ(ec)tive Apple Award is a monthly school year program that recognizes staff members throughout the Eagle County School District who have gone above and beyond to positively impact students and rewards them with a $500 prize. E•ƒ(ec)’s Classroom Grant program invites principals and teachers to apply for funding to support equity, STEM, and arts & music initiatives. This program helps teachers create engaging and innovative lessons that ensure all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to succeed.E•ƒ(ec) is dedicated to fostering a more equitable approach to social-emotional learning by coordinating a team of in-school providers, known as the Behavior Education Providers. This collaboration ensures that services are efficient, non-overlapping, and effectively address the full range of students’ social-emotional needs.$67,500$443,962$713,420IMPACTIMPACTIMPACT

10Our wild western fundraising event kicks off the school year and raises funds for our pre-K through elementary schools' parent organizations. Our premier fundraising event, sparks creativity and astounds audiences with one-of-a-kind, anything-but-fabric fashion that raises money to support the Education Foundation of Eagle County across all areas of its mission.Our district-wide, year-end celebration recognizes educators, support staff, volunteers, and district staff. Distinguished Teacher Scholarship Awards are awarded at the event!E•ƒ(ec) raises funding for arts & music in Eagle County public schools bringing equity into the arts and igniting young creative minds!Supporting 9 Schools, 270 Educators & 2,250 Students$500,000+$152,6452024 IMPACT2024 IMPACTRecognizing over 1,000 Educators & Support StaPriceless$61,316ANNUAL IMPACTIMPACT SINCE 2012Supporting over 1,000 Educators & 6,600 StudentsOur Events

11Slaying the DragonsJoin the Questanks to the generous support of our donors, we are able to make a lasting impact on the lives of students and educators in our community. Your contributions help us slay the dragons of inequity and challenges in education, paving the way for brighter futures. BECOME AN ANNUAL PARTNER, AN EVENT SPONSOR, OR DONATE TODAY!Visit: efec.orgEmail: info@efec.orgCall: 970.445.4544For a complete list of our contributors, visit efec.org/partners.

The Education Foundation of Eagle County is committed to supporting public education and the intellectual and emotional growth of students, specifically focusing on in-school enrichment, mental health support services, and efforts to retain top teacher talent. E•ƒ(ec)’s top priority is to maintain an excellent learning experience for students by supporting teachers and schools in Eagle County.Our MiSsionVisit: efec.orgEmail: info@efec.orgCall: 970.445.4544