- New hires
- Position of acting superintendent approved
- New curriculum approved
- Stakeholder survey
- Superintendent search
- Board goals and assignments
- Financial planning
- Chess Tournament
- Student representatives
- New Middle School principal
- Superintendent farewell
- Finalists selected
- Correction
By Harriet Halbig
The February meeting of the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education was held late in the month, making it impossible to include in the March issue of OCN.
At that meeting, Commander Antonio Cruz of Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26 presented a plaque to the district thanking them for a $1,500 donation resulting from a Jeans for Veterans Day in November where staff could wear jeans to work if they made a donation.
New hires
The board approved the hiring of four individuals in leadership positions:
- Kim Briding as Palmer Lake Elementary School principal.
- Rachel Sellers as Prairie Winds Elementary School principal.
- Melissa Andrews as director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds.
- Danielle Holmes as director of Special Education.
Position of acting superintendent approved
Current superintendent K.C. Somers was scheduled to leave the area on March 31. Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine was approved to fill the position of acting superintendent until June 30.
New curriculum approved
The board approved the following new curriculum following public review
- National Geographic World Cultures and Geography Eastern Hemisphere for grade 7.
- National Geographic U.S. History American Stories beginnings to 1877 for grade 8.
- Houghton Mifflin Science Dimensions Biology for grades 9-12.
Whetstine explained that the district reviews curriculum on a six-year cycle.
Stakeholder survey
Board President Tiffiney Upchurch reported that a stakeholder survey resulted in over 1,000 responses as part of the superintendent search. Stakeholders include members of the community, employees, parents, and students.
Superintendent search
The superintendent search was a major subject of conversation at the March 5 work session and the March 18 regular meeting of the board.
To view details of the process, please go to the district website, lewispalmer.org, and superintendent search 2024. There you can view several videos of presentations by Dr. Walt Cooper of McPherson-Jacobson, the firm conducting the search.
In brief, there was first a survey sent to stakeholders in the district asking about individual priorities to take into account while selecting a new superintendent. These would include community involvement, conservatism and traditional values, academic excellence, safety of students, financial responsibility, and quality and dedication of teachers. To view the ratings in detail, please see boarddocs.
The top three critical issues expressed by the stakeholders were staff recruitment and retention, teacher quality, and financial management.
At the March 18 regular meeting, Cooper reported that a committee of stakeholders had been formed to compile a list of questions for candidates based on the findings from the survey. He also asked each board member to submit three or four questions.
In explaining the terms of McPherson-Jacobson’s contract, Cooper said that its participation includes not only the search for a new superintendent but assistance during the transition process and a two-year guarantee. If the selected candidate does not remain for two years, a new search will be conducted without charge. Additional assistance in the transition would be provided by the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) and the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE). These two associations had previously administered searches in the state.
Board Treasurer Ron Schwarz commented that the selection process is subjective. It is critical to find a candidate with the right fit for the community.
Cooper agreed that it is important to consider a good fit and not just the presence of the appropriate skill set. He offered a rubric to help the board organize its thoughts while considering candidates. He added that each candidate would be provided with a question that they would answer in the form of a three-minute video. These videos would become part of the file for each candidate.
He stressed that many candidates will probably research the district and its priorities. As part of the announcement of the vacancy, there was an explanation of the district’s strategic plan and its role in organizing the district’s activities. The video question would be something that could not be researched, such as why a candidate views himself or herself as the best fit for the position.
Cooper recommended that there will be two days of interviews. The first, on the evening of April 4, would consist of a public forum at which each candidate would be asked a few questions and attendees could respond in person or online as the event would be livestreamed. This interview would be held in a round-robin format. Candidates will not get the questions ahead of time. The second, on April 5, would be interviews in executive session. On April 6 the board would meet to decide on a finalist and begin contract negotiations. The finalist would be confirmed at the board’s regular meeting on Apri1 15.
Board goals and assignments
As part of the work session, the board went into a detailed discussion of what actions they would like to take based on the district’s strategic plan.
Two board members were assigned to address each category.
To view the proposed actions and assignments, please see boarddocs.
Financial planning
Another ongoing discussion involves preliminary planning for the 2024-25 district budget.
Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported that his development of the budget pivots on the assumption of a 6% increase in funding from the state School Finance Act. Funding has not yet been finalized but is expected sometime in April.
Regarding compensation, Ridgway has developed a budget which would offer an average salary increase of 5.85% with a larger percentage going to lower-paid individuals and a smaller percentage going to higher-paid individuals. This budget includes only the traditional schools, with an appropriate amount set aside for the use of Monument Academy. This also does not include funding from such sources as the Transportation Fund and the Nutritional Services Fund.
Ridgway also proposed setting aside $3 million for capital maintenance funding in the coming year. He said that a new inventory of facilities will soon be underway. A 10% contingency fund is built into this line item in case of unexpected expenses, such as with the Lewis-Palmer Elementary School corridor project, he said.
When asked whether BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant money would be available for any of the proposed projects, Ridgway responded that funding for that program is decreasing.
The next step is to discuss the proposed budget with the Staff Collaboration Committee and the Financial Transparency Committee.
Ridgway also announced that the state Senate bill which he has written, Senate Bill 24-017, has passed unanimously in the Senate and the House Education Committee. This bill will change the timing of payments from the state. At present the district must hold $15 million in cash during January and February to cover district expenses until property tax payments begin in March. It would shift the timing away from March-June to earlier in the year. This would free up $8 million to benefit the students during January and February.
Schwarz commented that bipartisan support at this level is very unusual and the bill may become law before the end of the month. The board will announce when it becomes law.
Chess Tournament
Steve Waldman spoke of the 17th annual Chess Tournament held Feb. 4 at Bear Creek Elementary School. This year there were a record number of participants, 127 students from grades K through 12. This is the first- or second-largest tournament in the state.
Waldman thanked Bear Creek Principal Donnell Potter, school custodians, Key Club and National Honor Society students, reading teacher Cindy Waldman, and others for their help in setting up and refereeing the tournament.
The tournament was divided into three groups: grades K-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12. The first three places received trophies. Several winners were present at the meeting. To see a list of participants, please see boarddocs under the Board of Education tab at the district website, lewispalmer.org. Select the date of the meeting.
Student representatives
The board now welcomes two student representatives at each of its meetings. These students are welcome to participate in discussions and present information about their schools. They do not receive a vote as they were not elected to the board.
The students at the March 18 meeting were Maren and Aaron from Lewis-Palmer High School. To view their presentation, please see boarddocs.
New Middle School principal
The board approved the hiring of Courtney Harrell as principal of Lewis-Palmer Middle School.
Superintendent farewell
The board and several individuals expressed their gratitude for Somers’ contributions to the district during his tenure.
His ability to guide the district through the pandemic while maintaining school performance was recognized. He went to Washington, D.C., to explain how the district was able to maintain student participation hours and was interviewed by The Washington Post. He implemented a campaign to improve literacy at a time when many districts were declining. He demonstrated an ability to listen deeply to those he encountered, notably during his listening tour at the beginning of his tenure.
Several members of the administration, teachers, and community members thanked him for his leadership and contributions to the district.
Somers responded that he felt the key to his success had been through relationships within the district and the community. He said it had been an honor to serve and that he will not be a stranger. To view the farewell, please see the livestream of the meeting on lewispalmer.org.
Finalists selected
At its special meeting on March 20, the board announced the selection of four finalists for superintendent. They are:
- Dr. Stacie Datteri, assistant superintendent of Academic Achievement and School Leadership. District 6, Greeley.
- Michael Freeman, community superintendent of schools, Jefferson County.
- Alicia Welch, director of Human Resources, District 38.
- Amber Whetstine, assistant superintendent and acting superintendent, District 38.
To view the resumes of the candidates, please see the website under superintendent search 2024.
Correction
In last month’s article about a meeting of the Parent and Community Advisory Committee, we said that Board President Tiffiney Upchurch traveled to Washington, D.C, as part of a coalition from the Colorado Association of School Boards Federal Relations Network. The purpose of the visit was to lobby for promised funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), created in 1975.
At its inception, Congress pledged to fund education for individuals with Individualized Education Plans at the rate of 40%. This funding was never achieved. At present, the funding is at a rate of 13%. The district funds the remainder.
The article stated that the delegation achieved the full funding. This was not the case. Although some bipartisan support was achieved, there was also a degree of disinterest.
OCN regrets the error.
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The Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in the district Learning Center, 146 Jefferson St., Monument. The next regular meeting is on April 15.
Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Photo caption: The March 18 D38 Board of Education meeting marked the last board meeting for outgoing Superintendent KC Somers, whose last day with the district was March 31. Somers, who started in July 2019, had a tenure of nearly five years. Leadership team members from administration, principals, and board members spoke about Somers’ impact and support. Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services Rick Frampton highlighted Somers’ leadership during the pandemic, and board member Ron Schwarz listed some of Somers’ signature accomplishments. Somers gave a nod to everyone in the audience and all in the community and district. He emphasized the importance of relationships, noting the South African term “sawubona” which translates to “we see you” and saying it had been a privilege and an honor to serve. From left, board President Tiffiney Upchurch, board members Ron Schwarz and Todd Brown, Somers, and board members Patti Shank and Kris Norris. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Photo caption: Julie Race is a Strategies for Teaching based on Autism Research (STAR) teacher at Prairie Winds Elementary School. Race is this year’s winner of the Fox21 Remarkable Woman of Southern Colorado for 2024. Seven individuals nominated Race for this prestigious honor, recognizing her profound impact on children’s lives. Race thanked her principal and the district, saying she loves the families and appreciates the paraprofessionals who help. From left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Superintendent KC Somers, Race, and Exceptional Student Services Executive Director Rick Frampton. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Photo caption: At the March 18 D38 Board of Education meeting, the board celebrated Music in Our Schools Month. Members recognized that musical arts are vital to the well-being of students at every level, providing a positive impact on academic, personal, and professional growth. They also noted that Lewis-Palmer School District 38 music instructors work diligently to ensure a comprehensive program from kindergarten through graduation. Lee Meyer (Lewis-Palmer Middle School vocal music teacher) and Nathan Nors (Prairie Winds Elementary School general music teacher) also spoke briefly about D38 music programming. From left are Meyer, Nors, board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Monument Academy Strings Teacher Christin Patterson, and Superintendent KC Somers. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Photo caption: Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine introduced Courtney Harrell to the school board for its consideration and approval. Harrell has over 18 years of experience in education from science teacher to assistant principal championing support for students and creating a welcoming environment for staff and families. Harrell said she was eager to lead LPMS with wisdom and strength. Whetstine said Harrell was so excited to start that she showed up on the 18th to unofficially meet the staff. Harrell spoke briefly, saying it was an honor to meet everyone.The board unanimously approved the appointment of Harrell. From left are board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Harrell, and Whetstine. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Other D38 Board of Education articles
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept.16 – District performance framework, bullying policy revision (10/3/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Aug. 19 – Recognitions, revised Monument Academy contract, Human Resources report (9/7/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 17 – Board approves budget, discusses real estate options (7/6/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, May 20 – Board approves purchase of property for use in Career and Technical Education programs (6/1/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 9 and 22 – Mill levy certified; staff recognized for work during weather emergency (2/3/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education, Dec. 5 and 11 – Board installs members, discusses four-day week and fall surveys, and announces departure of superintendent (1/6/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Nov. 13 – Departing board members recognized, Lewis-Palmer High School update, financial update (12/2/2023)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 23 – Monument Academy annual report; enrollment and financial update (11/4/2023)
- Letters to Our Community – Tom Olmstead? No thanks (11/4/2023)
- Letters to Our Community – Vote for Tom Olmstead (11/4/2023)