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Articles from Vol. 24 No. 11 - November 2, 2024

Monument Town Council, Oct. 7 and 21 – Council discusses finance, nonprofit work, employee survey

By Chris Jeub

The Monument Town Council meetings on Oct. 7 and 21 covered the unanimous approval of a new revenue and finance ordinance, updates from local nonprofits Tri-Lakes Cares and the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the results of the town’s first employee satisfaction survey, and public feedback on council stipends and council feedback on a new playground at Limbach Park.

Revenue and finance ordinance

The Monument Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to approve a comprehensive ordinance updating the town’s tax and business regulations. The new rules introduce several changes aimed at improving compliance and streamlining administrative processes. One key change caps the vendor’s fee at $100 per return while maintaining the current rate of 3.33% for timely tax filings. To further encourage digital submissions, the town will begin charging a $25 fee for manual paper filings, which were previously free.

The ordinance sets a fixed interest rate of 1% per month on overdue taxes, replacing the former rate tied to the Colorado State Banking Commission. Penalties for fraud will also be revised, with a new penalty set at either 50% or 100% of the unpaid amount, pending final determination. For repeated violations, a special penalty will be enforced, requiring payment of the greater of 25% of the unpaid tax or $250.

The ordinance also allows the town to recover audit costs by billing taxpayers directly for the time and resources involved. The newly passed regulations repeal and replace existing sections of the municipal code, adding new provisions to better align the town’s business licensing, revenue management, and finance operations with its current needs.

Tri-Lakes Cares updates

Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) representatives Haley Chapin and Bill Lyons provided an update on the organization’s efforts to address the growing needs of residents in northern El Paso County. TLC is a nonprofit that offers essential services such as food assistance, rent and utility support, car repair aid, medical help, and financial counseling to families and individuals in crisis. The organization serves as a lifeline for those facing unexpected hardships, ensuring that basic needs are met with dignity and care.

Chapin and Lyons emphasized the increasing demand for these services, noting that 58% of households enrolled in TLC programs live below the federal poverty line—$31,200 annually for a family of four. Rising housing costs, rent, and a growing population have added strain to many residents, highlighting the importance of community support. One success story shared involved a mother of two who, after losing her job, was able to stay in her home thanks to TLC’s rent assistance and eventually secured full-time employment.

Both Chapin and Lyons expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Town of Monument for its continued financial support, stressing how critical it is to the organization’s ability to serve the community. “This funding goes a long way,” they said, noting that it helps cover essential costs like rent and utilities for struggling families. They also pointed to TLC’s recent community needs assessment, which aims to keep the organization ahead of emerging challenges in the region.

Pikes Peak SBDC updates

Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Pikes Peak SBDC, provided an update on the center’s activities and impact. SBDC offers free consulting, training programs, and events to help local businesses grow and thrive. Eldridge mentioned its collaboration with the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, where it provides coaching and educational presentations to businesses throughout the area.

Eldridge highlighted the Veterans Small Business event held at Great Wolf Lodge on Nov. 1, as well as the popular “Year of AI” presentation, which provided valuable insights into artificial intelligence for the business community. He emphasized that SBDC’s consulting hours—126 so far this year—are offered at no charge, making a significant impact on the success of local entrepreneurs. Eldridge encouraged attendees to sign up for the SBDC’s newsletter to stay connected with future programs and resources. Mayor Mitch LaKind also commented on the presentation, noting several photos featuring Danny Meyer, a friend and entrepreneur, which reflect the center’s deep ties to influential community members. Eldridge closed by thanking the Town of Monument for its ongoing support, stressing that such partnerships are essential to SBDC’s mission of empowering businesses and fostering economic growth.

Employee satisfaction survey

Emily Trujillo, Human Resources manager for the town, presented the results of Monument’s first employee satisfaction survey, conducted from Sept. 5 to 12 using software BambooHR. Designed to ensure anonymity and encourage honest feedback, the survey asked two simple questions: employees’ likelihood to recommend the town as a place to work and suggestions on what makes the workplace great or how it could improve. With an 80% participation rate, the survey provided valuable insights, Trujillo said. Key positives included people, culture, community, atmosphere, and leadership, while areas of concern focused on compensation, communication, recognition, and processes.

Following the survey presentation, Trujillo outlined upcoming action plans, including a compensation survey to be completed by early 2025, initiatives to enhance communication, improved employee recognition programs, and a focus on accountability for policies and procedures. This presentation also set the stage for a discussion on seeking professional vendors to conduct an evaluation of the town manager position. Trujillo mentioned that five evaluation companies were approached, with two submitting proposals. The council discussed which vendor to select but had not reached a decision by the end of the meeting.

LaKind called the survey “a step in the right direction” but requested more detailed data, such as employee comments, and Councilmember Marco Fiorito encouraged the inclusion of longer surveys in future evaluations. Trujillo confirmed a follow-up survey with more depth would be conducted in March.

Public and board comments

Executive Director of Tri-Lakes Cares Haley Chapin spoke again voicing her support for council stipends during public comments not on the agenda. She emphasized how compensation could encourage broader participation and equity in local government.

“A stipend helps level the playing field. Without it, only those with financial flexibility might consider running,” Chapin explained. She noted that serving on the council often comes with personal costs, such as lost work hours, childcare, and transportation, which stipends could help offset. Compensation, she added, could also improve retention, reduce burnout, and attract a more diverse pool of future candidates, ensuring the community is fully represented. Chapin acknowledged that members could donate their stipends to causes like the Police Department or nonprofits but urged the council to consider the broader community benefit.

Councilmember Steve King remarked on the successful launch of the new playground at Limbach Park. He thanked Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek and the park and public works staff for their hard work. “Every time I drive by, there’s a zillion kids out there, and it’s good to see them outside,” King said, reflecting on the playground’s popularity.

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The Monument Council usually meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month at Monument Town Hall, 645 Beacon Lite Road. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday Nov. 4 and 18. Call 719-884-8014 or see www.townofmonument.org for information. To see upcoming agendas and complete board packets or to download audio recordings of past meetings, see http://monumenttownco.minutesondemand.com and click on Town Council.

Chris Jeub can be reached at chrisjeub@ocn.me.

Other Monument Town Council articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 8 – Grace Best Elementary School, Career-Innovation Center plans discussed

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee met at Lewis-Palmer Elementary School (LPES) on Oct. 8. Among the subjects discussed were activities at the school, potential treatments of the Grace Best Elementary School building, and ongoing development of the new Career and Innovation Center

LPES report

LPES Principal Davonne Johnson conducted a tour of the building before the meeting began. She explained that each school day begins with a greeting and opportunities to introduce oneself to others and mingle. She then involved the committee members in a left-right story reading where members passed balls back and forth when the words left or right were read.

The school was built in 1974 and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. It now has 409 students. Its vision is that all students matter and belong.

LPES offers several programs for those with disabilities including those for students with significant support needs and Affective Needs.

The theme for this school year is LPES is staying on track, all aboard, using the motif of a train throughout the building.

Board of Education report

Board liaison Tiffiney Upchurch reported on recent discussion of the Grace Best Elementary School building during the board’s work session on Oct. 1.

The facility was assessed in 2020 regarding the suitability of its use for students and other community members. Among current uses are the Silver Key Senior Center, Palmer Ridge Robotics, the Transitions program, and the Home School Enrichment Academy.

At the board’s Oct. 1 work session, it was told that during a recent fire walk Monument Fire Chief Andy Kovacs had been unaware that there were students in the building over the past few years. As a result, when he conducted his walk this year he created a list of issues which would need to be addressed for the building be used for students.

Among these was the storage of combustible materials such as boxes and wood and damaged or missing fire resistant ceiling tiles.

Upchurch said that the chief did not submit a documented report to the Colorado Department of Education but said that he required the district to develop a plan to address the list of problems by the time he visited next year.

The board had passed a resolution in June 2021 to demolish the portion of the building built in 1959 and the gymnasium and retain the two-story portion built in 1988. No action was taken.

To hear the discussion, please see the livestream of the Oct. 1 work session on lewispalmer.org, Board of Education, livestreams of board meetings.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank reported on subjects to be addressed at the Oct. 21 board meeting.

Career and Innovation Center

Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister reported on progress in developing programs and determining use of space in the new Career and Innovation building on Synthes Drive. To view her PowerPoint, please see Family Resources, Community, Committees, meeting contents, and the date Oct. 8.

Planning for the center began in 2022 with a series of meetings and surveys including community members, industry representatives, students, and families. Then the building became available and with the passage of Senate Bill 24-017, $8 million became available for one-time use by the district. This enabled the district to plan the center without using reserve funds.

In the past year, meetings have focused on curriculum, technology needs, prioritization of occupations within categories, and continued solicitation of feedback from industry partners and post-secondary institutions. Potential funding sources are being identified and plans for water, storage, and electrical needs are being examined.

Plans include a course proposal to the Board of Education in November, vertical alignment for the program of study in March, and staffing plans in April.

Courses of study will concentrate on information technology, engineering, manufacturing, and health sciences. Students in grades 9 through 12 will be involved in two double blocks of classes each day. Courses will vary from beginner to advanced levels in content.

Following her presentation, McAllister involved committee members in viewing various options for the use of color and spaces within the building.

Superintendent Forum

District Superintendent Stacie Datteri said she is using feedback from last month’s meeting to determine her priorities in her new position. She said she is determined to get things right with regard to the strategic plan. She has met with staff and departments and asked for suggestions about values for the district.

She said she views what is best for the kids as her primary consideration. She stresses that students and staff must be respectful with each other and all have an equal chance for success.

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The Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year. Locations vary. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle, Colorado Springs. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Monument Academy School Board, Oct. 17 and 24 – Board hears financial audit, improvement plan, internal review

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board held two meetings in October. In its first meeting on the 17th, the board heard its financial audit, unified improvement plan, and October enrollment count report. It passed several policies.

At its second meeting on the 24th, the board heard an internal school review audit from a consulting firm and entered an executive session to discuss possible actions.

Financial audit

Tom Sistare of Hoelting & Co. Inc., MA’s audit firm, dialed in to remotely present a summary of the financial audit presentation, giving MA an unmodified or clean opinion. Sistare said his team had been on-site in July testing internal controls and believes MA’s financial statements are presented fairly.

He said the audit covers both fund statements, which are how the school keeps its books on a day-to-day basis, as well as government-wide statements that roll all funds together and add capital assets, debt, and other liabilities.

In the government-wide statement, the statement of net position is the balance sheet for the entire school, Sistare said, indicating that cash and investments were up, capital assets decreased due to depreciation, and grants receivables were down due to fewer grants being available. The long-term liability is $55.5 million with a $39.1 million loan balance. MA paid $922,000 in debt service through the building corporation fund which manages the bonds for the West Campus and has $16.2 million in liability due to the Public Employees’ Retirement Association (PERA) unfunded liabilities. MA’s net position decreased by $798,000 primarily due to PERA.

For the fund statements, Sistare said the ratio of ending general fund balance to total expenditures for the year was similar to last year, maintaining a balance equal to 80 days of expenditures. For the current year’s activities, he said local revenues increased due to increases in donations and state per pupil revenue. Federal revenue fell as COVID grants wound down. Revenue was up about 4% with expenditures up 5% with a resulting $243,000 increase in fund balance. This compares favorably with a budgeted $790,000 decrease in fund balance. Sistare concluded by saying there were no findings of deficiencies on internal controls or other areas.

Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson added a three-year high-level comparison. He noted that for government agencies MA uses full accrual, while for day-to-day purposes it uses a modified accrual. Over three years, Gustafson said, the general fund revenues increased from $10.8 to $13.8 million due to School Finance Act revenue or per pupil revenue (PPR) while enrollment has been flat. Expenditures have grown due to hiring and raises, but the difference has gone from a $131,000 loss to a $243,000 profit. MA is trying to come into full compliance with its bond covenants, he said, and ending fund balance, which is the reserve, has increased by $653,000, which is a good position for a bond refinance.

The preschool fund had a small loss, but MA has made changes to bring it back to financial stability. It drew down the balance from $99,000 to $66,000. The building corporation and the foundation funds handle the bonds for the West and East Campus respectively and function with a fairly straight flow through from the state’s intercept program. Bank balances are invested aggressively and have seen good interest returns. Finally, the Student Activity Fund totals $125,000, has had a lot of cleanup, and is used only for Student Council expenses. He said he was very pleased with Hoelting, a local firm that has done a lot of work with charter schools.

Non-financial audit summarized

At a special meeting on Oct. 24, Lis Richard of Helping Schools Thrive LLC (HST) delivered a summary of her internal review audit which she emphasized was focused on academic, operational, and governance review rather than a financial audit. A more detailed presentation will be presented at the Nov. 21 meeting.

Richard, who served as MA’s principal until 2017, said her objective was to compare current practices and policies with the original intent of the school charter and philosophy documents and offer the board and leadership some tangible reflection and resources. For her summary, she focused on academics, philosophy, and student achievement.

For philosophy, she said PK-12 staff has only a basic understanding of the philosophy of MA and that no one could give an elevator speech explaining it. The foundational principles, practices, and virtues are not trained annually nor understood by leadership, which she found concerning. Understanding philosophy could aid in ensuring that it is a pillar of practice, she said.

Her greatest area of concern was that PK-5 did not have a solid curriculum direction and had too many supplemental materials that do not follow Core Knowledge (CK) practices. There is a strong implementation of core subjects in secondary school, which was a stellar start, she said while noting that the arts curriculum could better follow the CK sequence and work to support interdisciplinary practices. CK is spiraling and vertically aligned, Richard said. Training on curriculum is lacking for staff and leaders, she said.

Regarding student achievement, she said there are no current methods for new student assessment, which would be a good practice to provide to teachers. The assessment data has fallen to lead teachers or administration and is not used as a method of accountability for instruction and utilization with students and parents. The purpose of assessment is not clear in PK, Richard said, and MA’s elementary schools are no longer competitive with other district schools. There is a spirit of “That may be OK,” she added. Middle school achievement is in the upper quadrant but has room to improve, she said, and it was encouraging that the high school has performed well in its few years of existence.

In respect to operations, Richard said there is adequate room for PK-5, but that obviously the secondary school needs more room. Documentation of standard operating procedures are in progress, she said, and handbooks need to become cohesive across the campuses. Graduation requirements meet statutes. Enrollment has remained stable but does not reflect growth, Richard noted, displaying a screen show depicting that the Tri-Lakes area from 2010 to 2021 had grown 50%. MA’s enrollment trends show the highest growth when the school expanded to K-8 and had a large class size in 2018, after which class sizes started to go down.

This year is the lowest class size since 2013, she said. Population in the Tri-Lakes area has increased by 67% while class size at MA has dipped 7%, she said, with enrollment increases being due to adding grades. D38 saw a growth of 9% over that same time frame, she said. With an increase in full-time equivalent (FTE) students, there has been an increase in staff and debt. The greatest need for sustainability in the future is to increase student enrollment, Richard stated.

On governance, she noted that MA board members are parents dedicated to the current and future success of the school. Board roles and responsibilities should be reviewed annually, and new member training should be consistent, she said. The board needs a better understanding of governing by policy and setting direction. She noted that the board had begun reviewing policies and said that an academic policy is needed that includes penmanship. Teacher representatives should be inducted as was done in the past, Richard advised.

Overall, Richard gave academics a mixed score of green, yellow, and red while operations was mostly green with some yellow and governance was 1/3 green with the rest mostly yellow and just a little red. She recommended that leadership identify an action plan, involve staff, and establish a timeline, saying that HST has a system for developing an excellent school and could return for quarterly benchmarks or annual reviews.

The board went into executive session for one hour for advice on specific legal matters regarding the external audit report and for discussion of personnel matters arising from the report. Upon returning, it took no action.

Unified Improvement Plan

East Campus Principal Angela Duca presented a draft of MA’s secondary school Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) for the board’s approval at its Oct. 10 meeting. The intent, she said, is to create goals based on student data as required by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The process began by attending a workshop with D38 and analyzing the data from the school performance framework to inform academic goals. By evaluating the SPF, NWEA, and Pre-Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) data, MA identified the need to improve math growth in middle and high schools. The principals met to determine priorities and challenges.

For middle school, there has been a high turnover of math teachers and therefore inconsistent implementation of curriculum Duca said. She said the major strategies to improve include teacher retention and data-informed instruction. MA plans to use mentor teachers throughout the school year and provide support through frequent check-ins and monthly instruction and revised teacher training. MA will partner with colleges to recruit highly effective teachers, and math teachers will work together to create vertically aligned curriculum.

For high school, schedule constraints and lack of access to student data before the school year mean that instruction was not tailored to student needs, Duca said. The root focus is limited math programs and placing students in the right class. MA will implement data-informed instruction and work to vertically align curriculum and content. Duca said MA will use PSAT and NSMQT scores to help and will re-evaluate its math placement tests. Executive Director Collin Vinchattle had a 13% teacher loss rate, which sounds high but is about average, she said.

Elementary Principal Kurt Walker said West Campus improved by 18 points, moving from an “improvement” to a “performance” category, which is the highest category. The school rose in all areas except for math growth where scores went down, as did all D38 elementary schools, he said. Last year’s UIP goals were two-year goals, he said, so they would continue with those. They focused so much on English and Language Arts that they neglected math. The West campus started trainings on data analysis of the math scores and had a professional development session with both campuses, which opened his eyes to what was missing, he said.

The board unanimously approved the UIP plans for MA elementary and secondary schools. The plans go to D38 to be approved and sent to the state.

October count presentation

Registrar Lena Gross presented on the final enrollment after the October count. She explained that the October count encompasses Tuesday, Sept. 24 to Tuesday, Oct 8. If a student is absent on Oct.1, the official count day, MA could review the attendance record to prove a student was in attendance for five consecutive days before or after. If that wasn’t possible, MA gathered letters on extenuating circumstances from parents or letters from teachers affirm their attendance. The following week, MA was scheduled to present its numbers to D38 for submission to the CDE.

Gross explained that the homeschool partnership had 30 students, who are counted as half of a student for a total of 15 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. West Campus was just under the budget projection of 546 at 544.5 FTE including half-day students. East Campus was seven below the projection of 547. Middle school was budgeted for 407 and had 408 while high school was budgeted for 140 students and had 132. Overall FTE is 1099.6, which is 3.9 under the budgeted target of 1103.5.

Gross said it was possible that MA would be entering arbitration and was under discussion with two other districts about two students. This would bring the final FTE to 1097.6, but MA won’t know the final CDE determination until December.

There were a lot of additions and withdrawals during the October count, Gross said, with West Campus growing by two but then losing seven, and East Campus growing by one and losing seven. She said MA had been in touch with families who left and sent them exit interviews to capture as much data as possible to understand their reasons for leaving. Gross noted that last year about 26% of K-12 students resided outside of the district, and that had increased to 27% this year with more districts being represented in MA’s population. Gross said MA would use that data to inform its marketing strategy going forward.

Gross said that MA had held its first Community Connections night at its West Campus and were encouraged that several families attended. The team was hard at work planning events for the upcoming enrollment season including moving students to middle and high school, she said.

Policy updates

The MA board unanimously adopted and updated several policies at its Oct. regular meeting:

  • KECL-MA Library Policy – As discussed in previous meetings.
  • GBGG-MA Staff Leave – Explains types of leave and how it can be used.
  • GBGH-MA Sick Leave Bank – Placeholder as MA does not have a sick leave bank.
  • GBGH-R-MA Sick Leave Bank Regulation – Placeholder as above.
  • GBGI-MA Staff Military Leave – Updated to reference executive director.
  • GBGJ-MA Staff Bereavement Leave – Through paid or sick leave, not separate.
  • GBGK-MA Staff Legal Leave – Standard modified to suit MA.

Board President Ryan Graham said he was grateful to have a library policy in place and that, if revisions are identified during implementation, it can be brought back to the board. Board policies can be found on the MA website at http://bit.ly/ma-boe by selecting Board Policies.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Graham spotlighted outgoing West Campus school resource officer (SRO) Dustin Williams. He expressed gratitude for Williams ensuring safety while building impactful and heartfelt relationships.
  • Vinchattle reported that the field fundraising campaign had raised over $70,000 so far.
  • Gustafson said there was a $68,000 loss in August due to upfront expenses, but that year-to-date MA is $285,000 ahead with $3.5 million in the bank and investment accounts. Finances are looking good, and he feels MA has turned the corner.
  • Graham reported that, with MA’s completion of its recirculation construction, parents should sign up for project updates by emailing hwy105aconstruction@gmail.com.
  • Board member Matt Ross and Vice President Lindsay Clinton reported for their respective campus curriculum committees that both are looking to focus on vertical alignment after they get the results of the school audit due in November.
  • Ross and board member Jilinda Dygert reported for their respective campus School Accountability and Advisory Committees (SAAC) that they were working on an annual parent survey. Dygert said the East Campus SAAC is focused on providing support on the UIP and asked that input on direction, board priorities, goals, and survey topics be emailed to saacsecondary@monumentacademy.net or communicated to Vinchattle. She asked that parents consider volunteering for lunch duty and car line to free up teachers’ time.
  • The board unanimously agreed to modify its Integrity Bank signature cards due to the departure of MA’s business manager Diane Smith. They removed Smith and added Finance Assistant Dawn Bartlett, who has agreed to pitch in, picking up the financial slack in addition to her human resources duties.
  • The board unanimously approved changing its November meeting from the 14th to the 21st so consultant Lis Richard can present the full non-financial audit.
  • The next district Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) will be held at MA’s East Campus on Nov. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m., with an optional tour starting at 5:30 p.m.
Above: At the Oct. 17 Monument Academy school board meeting, board President Ryan Graham spotlighted outgoing West Campus School Resource Officer (SRO) Dustin Williams. Graham is on the left, with Williams on the right. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The November meeting has been moved to accommodate a detailed school audit presentation. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ma-boe.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other D38 Monument Academy articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 21 – Board approves Unified Improvement Plans, selects contractor for Career and Innovation Center

By Harriet Halbig

There was no livestream available of the Oct. 21 meeting of the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education. This article is based on information in boarddocs. To refer to this source, please see the district website, lewispalmer.org. Go to the Board of Education tab, boarddocs, meetings, and select the meeting date. Click on view the agenda to see the PowerPoint presentations from the meeting.

Unified Improvement Plan discussion

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine presented on the subject of the annual Unified Improvement Plans (UIP) for the district and each school. This document details information on academic achievement and growth in such categories as math, English Language Arts, and (this year for the first time) science.

Within these categories data is further broken down in demographics such as English Language Learners, those qualified for free/reduced lunch, and students in special education or the gifted/talented program. Graduation and dropout rates are included as are statistics regarding the number of students attending two- or four-year colleges or entering the military immediately after graduation.

The district must transmit these forms to the Colorado Department of Education in October, including proposed action to improve performance. All schools received performance plans rather than improvement plans this year.

Growth is measured by comparing this year’s assessment scores with the previous year. The goal is to be in the 50th percentile or higher each year so students remain at grade level.

Whetstine reported that the plans had been reviewed by principals, school teams, the Parent and Community Advisory Committee, and Building Accountability Advisory committees.

Even when assessment results are strong, district officials determine possible steps to improve them.

Performance priorities identified were inadequate growth in elementary math, and inadequate growth in math and English in middle school.

Proposed solutions were to provide professional development to literacy across content areas and especially to meet the needs of preschoolers, multilingual households, and those on Individual Education Plans or in the gifted/talented program. Programs for monitoring progress would be implemented for those performing below grade level, and instructional coaches would aid in training teachers to address the problem. The goal for literacy is to have 90% of students in grades K through 3 reading at grade level by 2027.

With regard to math, professional development would be provided for teachers at all grade levels, there would be a targeted emphasis on number sense, instructional materials will be reviewed at the elementary level, and an effort will be made to determine the influence of time spent on the subject.

The board voted to transmit the UIPs to the Colorado Department of Education.

Contractor chosen for Career and Innovation Center

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported on the selection process for a general contractor for the Career and Innovation Center now in development.

Ridgway reported that over a thousand firms were notified of the project. One hundred and two of these firms sought further information and 33 individuals attended a pre-bid walk-through of the site. Eleven contractors submitted bids by Sept. 23.

Contractors were evaluated on the basis of qualifications, teams availability and qualifications, innovation and project approach, cost of services, and project schedule.

Six reviewers, one of whom is from the architectural firm of Hollis and Miller on the project, scored each category.

Nunn Construction scored highest, including extensive experience in Career and Technical Education across many schools and districts with new construction and renovation.

The board approved the contracting of Nunn Construction as general contractor for the Career and Innovation Center.

Student recognition

Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank and science teacher Ms. Leslie Lantz recognized sophomores Casey Chau and Will Guttorman for their work on the school’s Outdoor Learning Lab.

These students, working toward their Eagle Scout award, raised funds, recruited volunteers, and completed two pathways in the Outdoor Learning Lab.

To view the project, please see boarddocs.

Above: On Oct. 21, the D38 Board of Education celebrated two Eagle Scouts who contributed to the Outdoor Learning Lab (OLL) at Palmer Ridge High School. Principal Dr. Adam Frank and science teacher Lesley Lantz described the projects performed by Will Guttormsen and Cashe Chau. Guttormsen built a pathway in the lab that took 220 hours, leveraged 26 volunteers, and raised $1,465 which was donated to the OLL. Chau’s project enhancing the OLL space in September leveraged 27 volunteers and took 182 hours. From left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, board member Todd Brown, Frank, Guttormsen, board member Ron Schwarz, Chau, board member Kris Norris, board member Dr. Patti Shank, Lantz, and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. Photo by Jackie Burhans

Staff recognition: National Principals Month

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri recognized D38 principals for National Principals Month, saying they are among the hardest working yet least recognized individuals in education. She said principals set the academic tone for their schools and provide the mobilizing force for achieving student success.

Above: At its Oct. 21 meeting, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education celebrated its school principals in honor of National Principal month. Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri called each principal in attendance to the podium to describe their contributions and give them a gift bag with items especially selected for them. From left, in the back, are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Ray Kilmer Elementary School Principal Greg Saunders, Bridget O’Connor, Lewis-Palmer Middle School Principal Courtney Harrell, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School Principal Davonne Johnson, Monument Academy (MA) Principal Kurt Walker, and MA Board President Ryan Graham. From left, in front, are Palmer Ridge High School Principal Dr. Adam Frank, Homeschool Enrichment Academy Principal Julie Jadomski, Prairie Winds Elementary School Principal Rachel Sellers, MA High School Principal Angela Duck, Bear Creek Elementary School Principal Donnell Potter, and D38 Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri. Kim Briding, Palmer Lake Elementary School principal, was unable to attend. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

October count announced

In his financial planning and analysis presentation, Ridgway announced that the October count was 10 students below the count on Oct. 1, 2023. It was 35 students fewer than those counted on Aug. 14 of this year.

Ridgway reminded those in attendance that students in the Home School Enrichment Academy and preschool count as less than the full-time students.

The October count determines the amount of per-pupil operating revenue the district receives from the state.

Literacy program update

Whetstine and district Literacy Specialist Peggy Griebenow presented an overview of the district’s literacy program, including assessment tools and a Comprehensive State Literacy Development Grant. To view the report, please see boarddocs.

Career and Technical Education update

Whetstine and Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister reported on the district’s Career and Technical Education program and progress on the Career and Innovation Center.

The Career and Technical Education program encompasses business, marketing and public information, health sciences, skilled trades such as construction, and digital media, engineering, and information technology.

Included in the presentation were slides showing funding sources, slides showing the use of color at the new Career and Innovation Center, and a programming update.

To view the presentation, please see boarddocs.

Monument Academy Annual Report

Representatives of Monument Academy Charter School presented the school’s annual report in accordance with the school’s contract with the district. Representatives included Executive Director Collin Vinchattle, Interim Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson, and board President Ryan Graham.

To view the report, please see boarddocs.

Corrections

The Board of Education article on the Sept. 16 meeting in the October issue regarding assessment results included a statement that board Treasurer Ron Schwarz felt that Monument Academy was falling behind in its results. Schwarz did not make a statement to this subject.

He said the operating schools and Monument Academy each excelled in certain areas and wondered if the difference in pedagogy between them could make a difference in results. He asked whether the operating schools and Monument Academy shared practices.

Schwarz was told that Monument Academy representatives attended meetings to share best practices with other district schools.

In addition, we misspelled Dr. Stacie Datteri’s first name in a photo caption.

OCN regrets the errors

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The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The next meeting will be on Nov. 18. For information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

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Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, Oct. 14 – Board considers ways to fund Loop

By James Howald

At its October meeting, the Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District (WWSD) board discussed options for funding the district’s portion of the Loop water reuse project. WWSD is one of four water districts participating in the project to divert water from Fountain Creek and return it to customers in El Paso County. Cherokee Metropolitan District and Donala Water and Sanitation District are committed to the project; the Town of Monument is considering participation.

District Manager Jessie Shaffer delivered a draft budget for 2025 to the board, and a budget workshop and public hearing were scheduled. The board heard financial and operational reports. The meeting ended with an executive session, after which no actions were taken.

Financing options for the Loop prove complex

Andrew Rheem of Raftelis, the company that advises WWSD on rates and financial modeling, attended the meeting to help the board sort through the options for financing its portion of the Loop. Shaffer said he had asked Rheem to consider whether WWSD should seek its own financing or have the Loop issue revenue bonds on WWSD’s behalf, and to analyze sensitivities around using general obligation bonds, raising the district’s volumetric rates for water use and raising tap fees.

Rheem said funding for the Loop is a medium to long-term decision and not about rates in 2025. WWSD can use group financing, which is based on the credit worthiness of the weakest participating district, or can “go it alone.” He explained there are several potential funding sources: cash funding from reserves and tap fees and rates; grant funding; general obligation bonds, which require voter approval; and revenue-backed bonds that do not require voter approval but that raise rates. General obligation bonds tend to get lower interest rates than revenue-backed bonds. The district could decide to use a combination of these sources, Rheem said.

Shaffer suggested the board might use a sinking fund, essentially a savings account that would allow the outstanding debt on the Woodmoor Ranch to be paid off early, saving interest costs. Those savings could be used to finance the Loop. He said there are other options that might be worth considering.

Board President Brian Bush said the Loop could not be financed with rate increases alone; higher rates would motivate customers to conserve water. Weather conditions could affect funding from water rates, he said. Financial reserves should be used carefully, he argued, because the district has ageing infrastructure that is subject to catastrophic failure.

“General obligation bonds are on the table,” he said, but the district’s Renewable Water Infrastructure Fee (RWIF) made it less likely voters would approve any general obligation bonds. He recommended a two-year marketing campaign to educate voters. “We need a composite,” he said, which would include rate increases, tap fees, use of financial reserves and perhaps general obligation bonds.

Shaffer said the board had time to consider its options and volumetric rates could be kept low if the board decides to do so.

Rheem said repayment in 20 years is common for infrastructure debt but the board could consider a 30-year repayment schedule, which would result in lower payments over a longer time.

Director Dan Beley argued for raising tap fees to make new development fund the Loop as much as possible. Beley has made the same argument at previous meetings. Director Tom Roddham agreed with Beley’s position on tap fees. Shaffer pointed out that tap fee revenue can be high one year and low the next due to economic forces that affect new construction.

Bush raised the issue of savings that would result from the need for fewer capital projects when the Loop is completed. Board Treasurer Roy Martinez said the district’s funding for renewal and replacement would likely increase in the short term due to the age of the district’s infrastructure. Shaffer said once water was available through the Loop, spending on new wells would drop, perhaps to zero. Operations Supervisor Dan LaFontaine said WWSD was currently spending about $1 million per year on renewal and replacement, and he was working on a long-term renewal and replacement plan. LaFontaine said the corrosive soils in the district caused the saddles that connect pipelines to fail, leading to increased renewal and replacement costs.

Summarizing the discussion, Shaffer said he would continue to work with Rheem to develop funding options for the board to consider, general obligation bonds seemed less likely to be useful, static fees might be part of the solution, and volumetric rates should remain unchanged or perhaps be increased by 1% above the cost of living. Bush said he believed the RWIF would remain in place beyond its current expiration date of 2031, and it was likely WWSD would have to use some of its reserves to finance the Loop. General obligation bonds at some point in the future were on the table, he said.

Draft budget for 2025 delivered

Shaffer gave the board copies of the proposed budget for 2025. The board scheduled a workshop for Oct. 23 to discuss it and a public hearing to be opened at the board’s next meeting on Nov. 11. The public hearing will remain open until the board’s meeting in December.

Financial and operational reports

In his financial report, Martinez noted higher water service revenue due to a dry September. He said the meter replacement program was spending about $100,000 per month. The board voted unanimously to accept the financial report.

LaFontaine, in his operational report, said that he had purchased a clamp-on electromagnetic flow meter that he was using to test the district’s other meters to identify discrepancies in water measurements. He said he had confirmed that the meter at the Southern Water Treatment Plant was adding about 3.8% to the true amount it was processing. He also noted two line breaks, neither resulting in large water losses. All the district’s lift stations had been cleaned, he said, and he was seeing good results from the use of enzymes to prevent the accumulation of grease in lift stations.

In her engineering report, District Engineer Cydney Saelens said the transmission line for Well 22 had passed its first pressure test. Shaffer added that the pipeline was nearly half completed.

Shaffer said bids had been requested for the construction of a 650,000-gallon concrete water storage tank and he anticipated construction would begin in late spring or early summer of 2025.

Executive session

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss negotiating positions regarding the district’s participation in the Loop water reuse project and discussions with Classic Homes. No action was taken following the executive session.

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The next meeting is on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of each month at 1 p.m. at the district office at 1845 Woodmoor Drive. Please see www.woodmoorwater.com or call 719-488-2525 to verify meeting times and locations.

James Howald can be reached at jameshowald@ocn.me.

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