The transformational power of learning

Board member Ann Cooper’s commitment to public education

Born and raised in Washington, Georgia—a small town of about 5,000 people—Impact on Education board member Ann Cooper grew up facing the challenges of poverty, a segregated school system and limited opportunities. Thanks to the encouragement of several teachers, but two particular ones, Ann defied the odds, traveled the world, grew a successful business and has become a passionate advocate for quality public education for all students.

Born in 1956, the odds were stacked against Ann and her sisters. “We lived in public housing, and before that, in a home without plumbing or running water,” she said. “My mom was one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet in your whole life and she taught us to help people,” said Ann. “But the reality is she became a parent at 14 years old and didn’t have a lot of choices in life.” 

Despite these hardships, two exceptional teachers and a loving, caring community, expanded Ann’s world and nurtured her potential.

Her faith in my abilities motivated me to work incredibly hard throughout my school career and I graduated at 16 years old.

Ann was five years old when she met the first teacher that would impact her life. At the time, Washington’s schools were segregated, and Black children didn’t have a kindergarten but her mother worked and Ann needed to go somewhere during the day. Her mother’s friend, Ms. Gunby, who taught first grade at the local Black elementary school, allowed Ann to sit in her classroom while she taught. Despite being younger and having no prior schooling, Ann quickly absorbed the lessons. By the end of the year, Ms. Gunby confidently advanced her to second grade.

“Ms. Gunby believed in me,” Ann says. “Her faith in my abilities motivated me to work incredibly hard throughout my school career and I graduated at 16 years old. I knew how much she loved me and I wanted to make her proud”

When she was a high school junior, Washington schools were integrated and Ann attended a new high school. It was there where she found another mentor who would leave an indelible mark on her life—Ms. Bolton Lunceford. A tall, striking woman with red hair and a penchant for pencil skirts and long cigarette holders, Ms. Lunceford had traveled the world and shared her experiences with her students, sparking Ann’s desire to explore beyond her small town.

“Ms. Lunceford taught me how to shake hands and make eye contact—skills I use to this day,” Ann remembers. “I think she would be proud to know that her influence led me to travel the world, and marry an Englishman.” 

Armed with the education and confidence instilled in her by Ms. Gunby and Ms. Lunceford, and others, Ann left Washington, Georgia after graduating from high school. She moved to Chicago, then Wisconsin, where she met her husband Geoff, and later to Scotland before settling in Boulder, Colorado. 

Looking to help bridge the gap between students’ needs and the resources available, Ann joined the Impact on Education board of directors.

Now a successful realtor, Ann sees the high cost of living in her community every day. In Boulder Valley School District, 7,000 students qualify for the free or reduced price lunch program, with their family living on $58,000 per year or less — a sharp contrast to the area’s perceived affluence. Ann also knows there’s also fewer resources to go around. Despite Boulder’s hot real estate market, higher property taxes as a result of rising home values don’t provide extra funding for public education.

Looking to help bridge the gap between students’ needs and the resources available, Ann joined the Impact on Education board of directors five years ago to support its work to ensure all students receive an education that is excellent and equitable. As a board member, she draws on her own experiences to help every child thrive, regardless of their background.

“In Boulder County, we have the nation’s most educated community, but there is still a huge disparity in wealth that affects our students every day,” Ann says. “Public education is the great equalizer, and organizations like Impact on Education ensure that every student has a chance to succeed.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Impact on Education is an independent non-profit supporting the Boulder Valley School District. We depend on the generosity of our community to put our mission into action.

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