Our Board
Our five-member Board is made up solely of Guffey community members. The Board functions under the Carver Model of Policy Governance. Under this governance model, all school operations are handled through written policies that were developed by this Board. These policies include how the board operates, how it interacts with the staff and students, and how the fundamental ends are achieved.
Colorado charter schools are quasi-governmental in structure. Although we are a public school in every sense, we are incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, which is governed by a Board of Directors. While there is no requirement for charter school boards to be elected, GCCS was established from the beginning with an elected Board, as this is vital to the community-centric design of the school. The details of our Board structure are defined in our Bylaws and in GP-14.
Community members are encouraged to attend our board meetings which are held at 5:30 PM the second Wednesday of every month.
Chris Peterson, Board President, Seat 1
I'm a physicist and astronomer, who moved to Guffey in the 1990s for its dark skies. I became involved with the school in 2002 when I introduced a meteor analysis project developed by myself and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I've been a school board member since 2002. I also mentor the middle school students in science, keep the school's computers running, manage the computerized testing required by the state, and maintain this website. In my spare time I operate Cloudbait Observatory and ride, hike, and snowshoe the local mountains.
Email: clp@guffeyschool.org
Beth Hall, Board Secretary, Seat 2
Education is a great passion of mine, for it holds the power to transform lives and the world. In my former life, I was a teacher for twenty years. In the summer of 2021, seeking escape from the city, my husband and I found this high-mountain haven nestled amongst the pines. We purchased the old Bull Moose, and since then, we've been renovating the space, building a business and getting to know the unique community of Guffey. Along the way, we've developed connections with people, and it's really beginning to feel like home.
One of the things that initially attracted me to Guffey was this little community school. I read about how learning often happens outside of the classroom and authentic connections are formed throughout the community to support hands-on, real-life learning. This past year, the middle school class lost its teacher suddenly, and I was one of many who helped fill the gap until a new teacher was hired. During that time, I taught science and math, and I gained an even deeper appreciation for our Guffey Community Charter School. It's an honor to be a part of this special place.
Email: bhall@guffeyschool.org
Dean Wilson, Seat 3
Having arrived in Colorado in 1966, I have experienced many changes to the towns, neighborhoods and especially the mountain communities. The influx of people and building and commerce have changed the nature of much of the area. The unique quality of mountain communities as a place of acceptance for those wanting to share this natural beauty has remained in Guffey. I came to the school first as its bus driver and cook having retired as the owner of a trucking company and instead of supervising drivers, dispatching and scheduling routes, have enjoyed the change in working with the teachers and staff to make the school successful and safe for the students. I continue to be amazed by the ability of the Guffey Community Charter School to adapt to the changing societal and regulatory environment while keeping its student centered focus and is privileged to serve as a member of its Board.
Email: dwilson@guffeyschool.org
Amy Owen, Seat 4
I moved to Guffey in the Summer of 2000 for the Guffey Community Charter School. Each one of my four children were in a different multi-age classroom. My oldest was in the first Middle School class graduating with the second class of 8th graders. My youngest started in the Preschool class and was in all three classrooms after that. I learned to snowboard while my kids participated in the GCCS Snowboard Program and it is the reason why, 20 plus years later, we all still enjoy our sport. The Halloween parade, holiday performances and Pie Palooza are some of my favorite community traditions. I love this Community School very much and continue to volunteer on a regular basis.
Email: aowen@guffeyschool.org
Lawrence Epps, Seat 5
I became a resident of Guffey in 1999. Since then I have been a member of the South Park County Fire Department. I have helped to coordinate a number of events in Guffey, and helped create and organize the Guffey Steampunk Society, which contributes to and helps promote the town of Guffey.
The small town atmosphere and people make this a fantastic place to live and raise a family. I have had the privilege to watch this town change and grow.
Email: lepps@guffeyschool.org