Mobs and gobs of cash
You’ve heard of flash mobs, but perhaps lesser known to local residents is the concept of cash mobs. This latest trend to hit main streets across American entails nominating one lucky business to be “mobbed” by cash wielding patrons looking to spend their dollars locally.

The newly but somewhat loosely formed Durango Cash Mob is currently seeking cash mobee nominations via www.durangocashmob.com for a mobbing on Sat., May 19. Voting ends at 9 a.m., Mon., May 14. Votes will be tallied, and to keep the suspense going, information on the business to be mobbed as well as a time and place to meet before the mob will not be released until the morning of May 19.
For more info, email Durangocashmob@yahoo.com

Mr. Ackerman goes to Washington
Animas High School’s Head of School Michael Ackerman headed to Capitol Hill this week to represent Colorado during National Charter Schools Week, which was held in Washington, D.C., May 7-9.  Traveling with Colorado League of Charter School’s Vice President Vinny Badolato, Ackerman served as an advocate for schools of choice nationwide.

Ackerman was among 90 educational leaders representing 40 states in congressional meetings. In addition to sharing his experiences at Animas High, Ackerman articulated key positions related to the upcoming reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Specifically, leaders focused on policy changes in three programs: the Public Charter Schools Program, State Facilities Incentive Grants and the Credit Enhancement for Public Charter Schools program. Additionally, advocates called on congress to consider increasing appropriations for the Federal Charter Schools Program in the 2013 fiscal year.

“It is an incredible opportunity to have been selected,” says Ackerman. “Not only am I excited to represent our state, I’m humbled to have been asked to advocate on behalf of the 5,600 charter schools across the country!”  

As Head of School for Animas High, Ackerman says he has seen the success and impacts charters can make firsthand. “I’m inspired to share what’s working with our nation’s leadership and challenge them to do more. There’s no reason why any student in 2012 should not have access to an education that works for them.”