Teachers, Parents Rally to Save Ambleside

SAN ANGELO, TX — A group of educators and parents vow to save Ambleside School of San Angelo, said Rebecca Ridge who is a science and math specialist for grades 6-12. She and others wanting to save the school have called for a meeting Today (Tuesday, May 10) at 5:30 p.m. at the school, 511 W. Harris Ave. Tomorrow, May 11, representatives of the the Ambleside Schools International will meet with parents and teachers at the school at 3:30 p.m.

The board of directors sent an email to most parents announcing their intentions to close the school due to financial difficulties Monday.

The San Angelo school founded in 2003 was the third Ambleside teaching school launched in the U.S. The first was in Fredericksburg and a second school is in Virginia. A fourth school was established in Boerne.

“Nothing has been signed or agreed upon (concerning the closing),” Ridge said. “There are still people at Ambleside who think we can save this.”

A principle issue is the cost of the mortgage at the current location, 511 W. Harris Ave. The 8,086-sf building is owned by Ambleside School of San Angelo, a registered non-profit. Although the property is property tax-free, Ridge believes most of the equity has been tapped as collateral to keep the school operational over the years.

“I realize the board is attempting to be financially responsible (by announcing the school’s closure),” she said. But Ridge and a growing group of parents, administrators, and teachers are not convinced.

“Parents can rally,” Ridge said.

To overcome the anchor that the school building has become, Ridge and company are seeking a donation of a facility to use to continue the school’s functions next year rent-free. The current building can be sold.

“Ambleside is a trend that is nationwide. It’s a wonderful school that isn’t like the public school systems,” Ridge said. “We want parents to know there are other options (to closing).”