Paying it Forward: Rob and Debbie Cutler

The moment their son began his journey at Rundle Academy, Rob and Debbie Cutler knew they had found something truly special. 

“It’s very nurturing, it’s engaging, it’s enriched,” says Debbie, a former public school teacher. “The whole school is focused on empowering these children to be the best that they can be. Self-advocacy and community are at the heart of all that they do. And I can tell you, every single time I’ve walked into that building, it’s vibrant and joyful.” 

The Cutlers—whose son is now in grade 8—first noticed him becoming frustrated in school five years ago in the public system, and soon learned he had a reading and writing learning disability. They immediately turned to Rundle to begin the transition process. 

“As soon as he walked through the doors at Rundle, he felt like he was a part of the community,” says Debbie. “All those frustrations, all the things he would bottle up, that all disappeared.” 

With small class sizes, individualized technology and personal supports and a close-knit community, their son thrived, and they knew they wanted to give back to support other families in similar situations. 

The Cutler family generously donated $50,000 to the school’s Building Futures campaign, helping to fund a brand new and innovative learning space that will also accommodate 175 additional students. 

“We always had it in the back of our minds that we needed to do more to support the school, financially and otherwise,” says Rob. “This new building is not only going to provide a world-class environment, but it’s going to allow so many other kids to take advantage of Rundle’s supports. We wanted to pay it forward for others to enjoy it, and we encourage all our families to do what they can to help. Everything makes a difference.”