Speakers
Laurel Dumas
Laura Noto
Shannon Gossard
New Schools & Development
From Proof to Practice: Lessons from Building a Community-Rooted Charter School
There isn’t a blueprint for starting a school — especially not one rooted in community, outdoor learning, and a model that grows from the ground up. In this session, we’ll share the honest story of High Rockies Community School: beginning with a homeschool enrichment pilot, building a coalition of families and community champions, navigating release to CSI, and developing the operational and financial systems needed to sustain the work.
We’ll reflect on the turning points, the tensions between “start small” and “go big,” the questions that kept us up at night, and the tradeoffs that shaped our decisions. We’ll talk about what surprised us, what stretched us, and what helped us stay aligned to our mission when the path forward wasn’t obvious.
You’ll hear how our outdoor, place-based model lives in daily practice, and how we’re thinking about growth in a way that protects both culture and sustainability.
This session isn’t a how-to guide. It’s a candid look at the human side of building something new — shared in the hope that our lessons learned might spark reflection and courage in your own journey.
Download the slide deck here: https://coloradoleague.org/asset/9E57366A%2DA4C9%2D43CA%2DA7BFE874D56910C8/
Laurel Dumas is the Executive Director of High Rockies Community School and brings over 20 years of experience in education. She began her career as a paraeducator and has served as a teacher, Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Principal. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics.
Laurel is passionate about building mission-driven schools rooted in community and authentic learning. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and rock climbing with her family, live music, reading, and experimenting with new vegan recipes.
Laura Noto is a Special Services Coordinator with more than a decade of experience serving diverse learners. She holds a BA in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Psychology, and a Master of Education in Literacy from Wagner College. She began her career in Brooklyn, NY, and later taught in rural Colorado mountain communities before joining HRCS.
Throughout her career, Laura has served as a classroom teacher, Special Education teacher, literacy coach, and interventionist. She is a published author and lifelong learner who is passionate about supporting students and educators alike. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, skiing, sailing, and spending time with her family.
Shannon Gossard is a mission-driven operations and finance advisor who partners with charter schools and nonprofits to build sustainable systems aligned with their vision and community. Through her firm, VAO Collaborative, she supports leaders in developing financial models, operational infrastructure, and funding strategies that strengthen long-term success.
Previously, Shannon served as Chief Operating Officer of Minga Education Group, supporting charter schools across Colorado—from startups to established campuses navigating complex transitions. She began her charter career as Director of Business & Operations at the Academy of Arts & Knowledge, where she led a transformational turnaround during a probationary renewal. Shannon’s work is rooted in collaboration, clarity, and a belief that strong systems empower strong communities.
Katie Stamp is the Board President of High Rockies Community School and a longtime Park County resident. Originally from rural Maryland, she moved to the Colorado mountains in 2007 and quickly made Alma her home.
A homeschool mom of two, Katie is passionate about outdoor, play-based learning and has seen firsthand how nature-centered education helps children thrive. Her background includes work as a snowboard instructor, raft guide, mountain biking coach, and Real Estate Broker in Park County. Katie brings collaborative leadership, community connection, and a deep love for mountain life to her role in guiding HRCS.