OCN

Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

OCN > d38 > Page 2

d38

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

**********

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.

Other D38 Board of Education articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 10 – Committee discusses strategic plan, assessment results, bylaws change

By Harriet Halbig

The first meeting of the Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) was held at the district learning center on Sept. 10. Presenters included the Assessment and Accountability coordinator, the district’s assistant superintendent, and new Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri.

Welcome and goal statement

Co-Chair Kirsten Zook welcomed committee members to the new school year and said the group would continue to stress its responsibility as an advisory committee by engaging all members to communicate on specific topics. She said she appreciates the scope of membership, which includes parents, teachers, staff, and community members, and said that training on the state’s School Finance Act and the district budget would be provided. She also thanked members from Monument Academy for their participation.

At future meetings, members would be encouraged to interact with members from other schools, and there will be reports from a variety of subcommittees each month. These groups had yet to have their first meeting of the school year.

Superintendent Forum

Superintendent Datteri introduced herself to the committee and thanked the members for their participation. She stressed that she welcomed two-way communication with district residents. She has attended a number of other committees since the beginning of the year.

Datteri said that one of the things that attracted her to the district was the fact that it had a strategic plan in place that was created recently and encouraged a three-year action format.

In this context, she wants to know whether residents feel that the district is doing the right things to apply the plan.

She enumerated the six parts of the plan:

  • Safe and healthy schools to ensure that students feel safe to learn and grow. Staff feels confident and equipped, and there is a culture to support students and staff.
  • Academic excellence to provide an exceptional education with a focus on achievement and growth through instruction, intervention, and enrichment opportunities.
  • Valuing our people by displaying care and respect for all, acknowledging and appreciating efforts of district staff.
  • Operations and facilities planning to provide clean, safe, and functional facilities with attention to infrastructure and physical assets which are well designed, and access to healthy meals and reliable transportation.
  • Fiscal stewardship to provide responsible management and oversight of resources through transparent financial practices with attention to legal and regulatory
  • requirements and taking care to identify and mitigate financial risks
  • Relationships and communication through building and maintaining beneficial relationships and creating an environment for clear and open two-way communication.

Datteri then distributed file cards to all members and assigned aspects of the strategic plan to each table for discussion for a few minutes. Each table then reported back on its discussions.

Board of Education update

Board President and liaison Tiffiney Upchurch introduced Dr. Patti Shank, the board member who will represent the board at future PCAC meetings.

The primary subject of Upchurch’s report was HB24-1001, which addresses property taxes in an effort to avoid rapid annual increases in real estate tax. The bill creates systems for use by school districts and other local government entities to levy taxes with a cap on annual increases. The cap for the 2023 tax year is 6%.

In exchange for passage of this bill, two others were withdrawn from November’s ballot.

Upchurch said this legislation will not affect the per pupil operating revenue this year, but it is impossible to predict the future impact.

Upchurch also reported on progress of the new Career and Innovation Center, which is due to open for the 2025-26 school year. It was funded by passage of SB 24-017, which made available slightly over $8 million by equalizing the distribution of tax revenue throughout the year. There have been meetings with community members, staff, and business owners regarding the types of training which would be made available, and it would make it unnecessary for students to leave the area for part of their school day to receive such training.

The center will prepare students for alternative post-secondary education in technology, healthcare, and skilled trades such as construction. The district is partnering with industry to develop the program.

Accreditation and District Unified Improvement Plan

Assessment and Accountability Coordinator Dr. Michael Brom reported on results of the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) and ACT and SAT testing from the spring.

Brom reported that the district was accredited with distinction for the 15th year in a row. The district was rated 74.5 out of 100. It is one of 17 districts in the state which are so accredited. The district’s score has been gradually declining over the past few years.

Brom commented that some reasons for the decline may include suspension of the testing during the pandemic and the addition of science at the high school level in the testing. Another possible factor is the difference between the use of online testing and paper and pencil, and the introduction of many new teachers with relatively little experience.

Some weak spots in the results included English language arts and math on the middle school level and inadequate math growth at the middle school level and at some elementary schools. Growth measures whether a student achieves grade level proficiency from one year to the next.

Some possible solutions include the addition of interventions in math instruction at the secondary level and increased stress on reading in elementary school.

One committee member commented that some students were at a critical age to learn reading during the pandemic and interventions are appropriate to accommodate for that. Another member commented that lack of participation in the testing due to opting out deprives the schools of important data.

To view the presentation, please see the district website lewispalmer.org, family resources, parent and community advisory committee, meeting materials.

Charter school application

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine reported on progress in consideration of an application for a new charter school, World Compass Academy.

The application was later withdrawn due to lack of enrollment.

Bylaws change

The committee voted to change the bylaws to allow an individual who is a chair of a Building Advisory Committee to also serve as a co-chair of PCAC.

**********

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times a year on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. The next meeting will be on Oct. 8 at Lewis-Palmer Elementary School, 1315 Lake Woodmoor Drive. A tour of the school will be offered at 5:30. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

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

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

Monument Academy School Board, Sept. 12 – Board discusses parental review of library materials, adopts management system

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board met on Sept. 12 to discuss its library materials parental review policy and adopt a new board management system. The board also heard a citizen comment on discipline, updated several policies, and spotlighted a teacher for her engaging and innovative lessons.

Library materials parental review policy

The board returned to discussing its policy KECL on parental review of library materials. Board member Karen Hoida said the Governance Committee had made some changes and wanted to discuss some new proposals that would allow more books to stay on shelves. She noted that the committee had received a lot of public comments, and many of the changes were related to those. Board member Jilinda Dygert said the review form and process were not yet available.

Board President Ryan Graham asked what a reasonable amount of time it would take for the Review Committee to review a book that a parent suggested. Dygert said it would depend on how often the committee meets. Executive Director Collin Vinchattle said the length would depend on how many books were submitted for review.

Dygert said that parents could volunteer for a two-year term on the Review Committee without a specified term limit as long as their kids were in school. Graham noted that the policy says parent members are appointed by Vinchattle, asking if they would have to be re-approved for an additional term. Vinchattle noted that many people are interested in the committee, saying he would have to work out the process.

Dygert added that the Governance Committee had removed item 22 because the library system cannot notify parents as their child checks out books. She said the librarian can show parents how to access the system and see their child’s checkout history. The librarian can also add a note if the parent prefers their child not access the library.

Graham said he wanted a summary of the parental feedback before approving the policy. He expressed concern that a book could not be challenged for five years and that limiting the number of books parents could challenge would limit their voice. He proposed that the board delay this approval until next month and have the opportunity to react to a redline version of the policy that shows its changes. Hoida and Dygert agreed to the delay with Hoida specifying that MA has a wonderful librarian, and she does not anticipate a large influx of books to review.

New board management system

Vinchattle and Vice President Lindsay Clinton reported that they had reviewed three options and preferred Simbli Board Management Software to help manage meetings, policies, and board documents. Vinchattle said all this information is currently on the board website but is not very well organized or easy to manage. Simbli would also host other essential documents, such as MA’s original charter and its latest charter agreement with the district. Clinton cited its security, organization, and efficiency, saying that staff and parents could find everything in one spot.

Vinchattle said that the software has different modules with different pricing. The company would prorate the costs and offer a 25% discount if purchased in September. He suggested using available funds for board professional development for this purchase.

Chief Financial Officer Glenn Gustafson confirmed that funds were available for professional development and technology. He said he came from an environment with a robust board management system and felt this was a great investment.

The board unanimously approved purchasing the Simbli meetings, policies, and documents modules. For more information on Simbli, see www.eboardsolutions.com.

Citizen comment on discipline

A parent spoke, first thanking the board and school for their efforts, about a growing concern with school discipline, especially the difference between West and East Campus. He said parents were aware of physical altercations involving teachers, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers. He noted that children knew the limits of discipline and consequences of breaking the rules and that he knew certain teachers who felt helpless.

He said that as a parent, it’s unnerving to know that children may be entering situations where adult intervention does not solve the problem. He said he wasn’t looking for strictness or authoritarianism, but if there was any decision-maker concerned about the impact on budgets or lawsuits, the school should know it had the support of parents whose kids wanted to attend the school.

He pointed out that losing one child because of discipline meant the loss of one child’s funding, but not defending the other children could result in losing the other 22 students. He noted that homeschooling had become much easier since COVID-19 but asked what parents could do better in their homes to align with classroom expectations.

Graham said he would share the parent’s email with Vinchattle to follow up.

Policy updates

The MA board unanimously adopted and updated several policies at the regular meeting. Vinchattle said new policies were adopted so they could be modified to fit MA. Hoida said any legal questions were brought to counsel for review. She said the Governance Committee would bring five policies to each monthly board meeting:

  • GBEB-MA Staff Conduct – new policy concerning rules of conduct.
  • GBGA-MA Staff Heath – speaks to how MA would cover the cost of required special physical exams.
  • GBGA-R-MA Staff Health regulation – placeholder in case MA wants to vary from the district policy.
  • GDE/GDF-MA Support Staff Recruiting/Hiring – minor edit on hiring guidelines such as non-discrimination and finalization.
  • GDE/GDF-R-MA Support Staff Recruiting/Hiring regulation – covers procedures for hiring, including background checks, credit reports, fingerprinting, and state reporting.

Board policies can be found on the MA website at http://bit.ly/ma-boe by selecting Board Policies.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Board member Craig Carle spotlighted eighth-grade history teacher Casey Heinbuch for creating engaging lessons and finding an opportunity to work with the El Paso County judicial system for students to participate in a mock trial.
  • Vinchattle said he had received the school performance framework for both schools and congratulated principals and teachers for increasing the schools’ ratings.
  • Vinchattle read a letter that was sent out to parents kicking off fundraising for a new field with a track to enhance students’ athletic experience. Families are invited to participate in fundraising; the initial goal is $100,000 to win a matching grant from the Daniels Fund. The initial bid totals $3.5 million broken out as $1.5 million for the field, $500,000 for the track and another $1.5 million for concessions, lights, and stands.
  • The board unanimously approved awarding a contract to Abacas LLC for accounts payable processing as requested by Gustafson, who noted that MA’s business manager would be retiring at the end of the month.
  • Vinchattle asked the board if there was additional information it wanted to ask in the Student Accountability Advisory Committee (SAAC) surveys. Vice President Lindsay Clinton suggested asking how parents feel about fundraising efforts and how they prefer to give.
  • Dygert suggested a combined presentation to East and West Campus SAACs on the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP). She said the two SAACs could review their bylaws separately and come together to make modifications, or they could do that in the reverse order.
  • The board unanimously agreed to revise the staff handbook to specify that classroom displays and decorations must have a connection to the curriculum or content of the coursework being taught. Any potentially divisive material must have a curricular purpose, be balanced, and be approved by an administrator in advance.
  • Vinchattle asked the board to perform its yearly review of the Emergency Operating Procedures and provide feedback, noting that it had minor modifications around school resource officers and the Fire Department.
  • The board approved a special meeting on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. to have consultant Lis Richard of Helping Schools Thrive present to the board.
  • The board held a short executive session to discuss specialized details of security arrangements and returned without acting.
Above: At the Sept. 12 MA board meeting, board member Craig Carle, right, spotlighted eighth-grade history teacher Casey Heinbuch for her engaging and innovative teaching methods. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

**********

The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 10, 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 Monument Academy articles

Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept.16 – District performance framework, bullying policy revision

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education discussed its district performance framework and a revised bullying policy at its Sept. 16 meeting.

District performance framework

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) accredits school districts which in turn accredit individual schools based on the results of testing in the spring. District 38 was accredited with distinction for its 2023-24 school year, one of 17 or 9% of districts to receive this rating. The district rated 74.5 of 100 points based on consideration of academic achievement, student growth, post-secondary readiness, and workforce readiness. This final category includes dropout and graduation rates and matriculation rates, meaning registration in a two- or four-year institute of learning or the military immediately after graduation.

Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine explained the results in a presentation which may be viewed on boarddocs under the lewispalmer.org website board of education, boarddocs by meeting date.

Some highlights of the presentation included the fact that the district generally did well in terms of academic performance, had some weak spots in terms of growth, and did well in post-secondary and workforce readiness. To determine growth, students are assessed on the basis of all of their peers in the state to determine whether they grow a year in progress for each school year. This is important because each category of students (free/reduced lunch, minority, and students with disabilities) is also rated among their peers throughout the state.

Whetstine pointed out that the post-secondary and workforce readiness did not account for the fact that some students attended college classes while in high school. She also commented that some students take a gap year before starting college or do missionary work during the year following graduation.

When asked whether military dependents who enter the district during the school year have a disadvantage, Whetstine replied that the district accepts all students. Board President Tiffiney Upchurch said that the Colorado Association of School Boards is considering counting those who receive a GED (graduate equivalency degree) to be counted as graduates if they achieve it within the four years allowed for high school.

Whetstine reported that the district and all schools within it qualified for performance plans this year. Last year, some schools received improvement plans due to lack of participation in testing and insufficient academic achievement.

Whetstine also commented that the overall score for the district has been declining slightly over the past three years and that school officials are addressing that fact. Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz asked whether this decline is an anomaly or a trend. Whetstine replied that there was no data reported during the two years of the pandemic and this is the first year when science test scores have been included in the scores. She assured Schwarz that district officials are aware of the decline and plan to address it. She said that the district is concentrating on finding the root causes of the problem.

For example, there is weak performance in math at the middle school level. It needs to be determined whether the issue is the curriculum, the amount of time spent per week on the subject, or the need for additional professional development.

Schwarz commented that the performance of operating schools in the district is good or excellent, but in some areas Monument Academy is falling behind. He asked whether there is interchange to improve Monument Academy’s results.

Whetstine responded that there is sharing of best practices and other information with Monument Academy.

Board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank commented that the Parent and Community Advisory Committee discussed this subject at a recent meeting focusing on improvement and how to achieve it.

To view the discussion of this subject by the Parent and Community Advisory Committee, please see page < 14 > of this issue.

The board passed a motion to accredit all schools in District 38.

Revised bullying policy

The board approved the proposed changes to board policy JICDE, bullying prevention and education.

The changes had their first reading at the board’s Aug. 19 meeting. To view a redlined edition of the policy, please see boarddocs. The policy addresses bullying, retaliation against those reporting bullying, and making knowingly false accusations of bullying

The policy includes definitions, prevention, intervention, and reporting.

Student and alumni recognition

Above: At the Sept. 16 D38 board meeting, the board recognized Shaeya Johnson. As a sophomore at Lewis-Palmer High School during the 2023-24 school year, Johnson won many state and regional trampoline and tumbling competitions, culminating in winning the Double Mini Level 10 national championship in July 2024. Johnson’s coach Terri Devries from Stars Gymnastics in North Colorado Springs discussed Johnson’s mental strength, noting that her parents, Davonne and Mark Johnson, had additional children coming up in the sport. Davonne Johnson is the principal at Lewis-Palmer Elementary School. From left, in front, are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, board member Dr. Patti Shank, Johnson, and Devries. From left, in rear, are board members Ron Schwarz, Todd Brown, Kris Norris, Superintendent Stacey Datteri, and parents Davonne and Mark Johnson. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

The board recognized Lewis-Palmer junior Shaeya Johnson for winning the national championship in double mini level 10 trampoline and tumbling in July.

Johnson had previously won various state and regional competitions and also competes in synchronized trampoline.

Johnson’s coach Terri DeVries from Star Gymnastics presented a brief video of Shaeya during her competition and said that her sport is administered under USA Gymnastics.

In her superintendent’s update, Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri recognized four district students who were honored as National Merit Semifinalists. They are Jaithan McEchron and Kai Jones of Lewis-Palmer High School, Charlotte Weitzel of Monument Academy, and Connick Goodwin of Palmer Ridge High School. Semifinalists represent less than 1% of those juniors taking the exam. They can now go on to apply for scholarships.

Datteri also recognized two Lewis-Palmer High School graduates who have gone on to achieve in athletics. Billy Cook is now playing baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Matthew Ragsdale is playing professional basketball in Germany.

Datteri also announced that the World Compass Academy charter school has withdrawn its application due to lack of enrollment.

**********

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St., Monument. The next meeting will be on Oct. 21. For information, contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.

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

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board or Education articles

Monument Academy School Board, Aug. 8, 16, and 29 – Board sets non-legal name change policy

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) board held one regular meeting and two special meetings in August. At its regular meeting on Aug. 8, the board discussed non-legal name changes, reviewed a proposed library policy, and accepted a board resignation. At its online special meeting on Aug. 16, the board met to discuss its charter contract with D38, which was subsequently approved by the district at its Aug. 29 meeting. See D38 board article on page < 12 >.

Finally, at its online special meeting on Aug. 29, the board authorized President Ryan Graham to execute documents related to acquisition of property next to its West Campus to be used for a parking lot.

Non-legal name change

Graham noted that MA must comply with recently passed legislation he disagrees with, known as HB24-1039 Non-Legal Name Changes. He noted that section five says that a local education provider shall implement a written policy outlining how [it] will honor a student’s request to use a chosen name and may include a process for including [that] on school records while complying with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974.

The law defines “chosen name” as any name that a student requests to be known as that differs from the student’s legal name to reflect the student’s gender identity. Graham said that MA’s policy, JNR-MA Non-Legal Name Change for Students, would ensure that parents are included. The corresponding regulation, JNR-R, lays out the procedure for appealing to the executive director should the name change be denied and includes a notice of nondiscrimination.

Executive Director Colin Vinchattle said he had communicated with the administrative team regarding this policy and that the regulation would be included in the student handbook so families would have access. Board member Matt Ross noted that the policy limited name changes to once per semester and required that students have the mental capacity and intent to forgo their legal name. Vinchattle said School District 11 had had an enormous number of name changes that impacted staff and that any concerns about capacity would require communication with the legal team.

The board unanimously approved these new policies, which can be found on the MA website at http://bit.ly/ma-policies. Read the House bill at https://bit.ly/co-hb24-1039.

Library policy

Board member Karen Hoida led the discussion of the new policy KECL Library Materials Parental Review, noting that a draft was in the board packet. The policy briefly outlines the process for reviewing library materials if a parent or legal guardian of a current MA student has an objection or concern. She said the librarian would make a review form available.

Materials would be removed from shelves or blocked while under review by a Library Review Committee (LRC). The LRC would consist of three parents or legal guardians of a current student (excluding board members) and serve a two-year term. One teacher of the appropriate grade level and one appointed administration member would also serve on the committee. The LRC would report to the board.

Parents and legal guardians may submit no more than three requests for review; after a book is reviewed, it will not be reviewed again for five years. The MA board also reserves the right to exclude books, magazines, or other papers they deem inappropriate.

Graham asked the board to take time to review the policy, send comments to Vinchattle, and be prepared to take action at the September meeting.

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Board member Emily Belisle resigned because her family is moving out of state. She thanked the board, staff, teachers, and parents, saying that representing them was an honor. The board unanimously agreed to run as a six-member board rather than replace Belisle and reorganized its board duties and committee memberships.
  • The board unanimously approved the East and West Campus Student/Parent Handbooks with minor edits to the bullying policy and parent communication.
  • The board approved the Athletic Handbook for Middle School and High School.
  • Vinchattle reported that Operations Manager Jake Dicus had recommended purchase of wireless microphones, an easily managed video recorder, and a visual board per the approved budget.
  • Vinchattle led a discussion about the new position of major gifts officer, noting the pros and cons of incentive-based, salaried, or hybrid compensation models. The position would report to the Dicus, as they both work on fundraising. The board asked Vinchattle to return with a tiered approach to compensation and a detailed description of the job duties to be voted on at the September meeting.
  • The board set its board retreat and meeting dates for fiscal year 24-25, maintaining the second Thursday of each month with some exceptions for conflicts and holidays.
  • After an executive session on Aug. 8, the board unanimously voted to replace its security training partnership with FASTER Colorado from Able Shepherd.

**********

The MA School Board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month.

The next regular board meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 12, 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 Monument Academy articles