Ascent Classical™ Academies enters a dispute with the ACACS Governing Board over contract breach

December 13, 2023 • Golden, Colorado

Ascent Classical™ Academies enters a dispute with the ACACS Governing Board over contract breach for management of four Colorado-based campuses 

Ascent Classical™ Academies (Ascent) announced today it has been forced to lay off over 300 of its school-level employees at four Colorado-based campuses effective Dec. 31, 2023. The decision comes after the schools’ governing body, Ascent Classical™ Academy Charter Schools (ACACS), unlawfully terminated the management contract for Ascent as the operator, effectively obstructing funding for the employees’ salaries. 

Ascent attempted to avoid this unfortunate circumstance by offering to negotiate with ACACS for a resolution whereby ACACS would honor the contract through its termination in June 2024. Unfortunately, the ACACS Board did not accept Ascent’s offers or even engage in good-faith negotiations, creating the potential for chaos and disruption in the middle of the school year.  

“The timing of this ongoing dispute is unfortunate and unnecessary,” said Derec Shuler, ACA founder and executive director. “These contracts are intended to expire during the summer to allow our teachers and support staff the ability to focus on their important work. We remain capable and willing to fulfill the obligations outlined in our management agreements.” 

Ascent’s lawyers are drafting a lawsuit that will be filed in federal court seeking damages based both on breach of contract and a variety of trademark violations.