- Non-academic fees for 2024-25 approved
- Approval of preliminary 2024-25 budget
- Staff and student recognitions
- Parent and Community Advisory Committee annual report
- Human Resources update
By Harriet Halbig
The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education discussed and approved a contract to purchase a structure at 1200 Synthes Avenue in Monument and the adjoining unimproved lot to create a facility for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming. This concept has been under discussion for over a year.
Currently a small structure near Grace Best Education Center is being used for this purpose.
As proposed, the existing concrete warehouse structure will be reconfigured for this new use. Because there is sufficient electrical capability and compressors are present, the primary design changes will be largely architectural. It was also determined that a second interior level could be added later if needed. The adjoining lot could be used for parking or future expansion.
The purchase includes the requirement of professional inspection of the property and the hiring of architectural and contracting consultants.
At its special meeting on May 24, the board discussed ways to include the community in making decisions about the property. There will be a meeting on June 20 to encourage community members to participate in a task force regarding the project. At that time a survey will be created to be circulated to the community.
In discussing the source of funding for the project, Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway reported that as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 24-017, the district has acquired the one-time use of $8.3 million in additional revenue. In addition, there is more than $2 million in a fund deriving from cash in lieu of land from developers.
It was estimated that if the district were to build a new structure it would delay implementation by three to four years.
Because the $8.3 million is a one-time revenue, it could not be used for salary increases as it would not be sustainable. This decision also makes it unnecessary to approach the community for a mill levy override or bond funding for the project. It is therefore hoped that the facility could be in use as soon as the 2025-26 school year.
The district heard a presentation by Tatiana Bailey, executive director of the nonprofit Data-Driven Economic Strategies, regarding the present and future workforce. Bailey listed the most-needed skills in the workforce and which of these were well adapted to high schools, such as various computer software. This information could help inform planning for the new facility.
Programming in the building would include carpentry, technical skills, and business management. Students would be able to create and manage small businesses independently to do such things as manufacture T-shirts, trophies, and other items. Other programs will be offered that would result in certification in various areas.
Many other districts in the state offer comparable programs.
Generally, students would spend half of their day at this site and the remainder at Lewis-Palmer or Palmer Ridge High School.
Non-academic fees for 2024-25 approved
Ridgway explained a list of non-academic fees for the upcoming schoolyear. These include fees for athletic, art, and music programs as well as transportation.
Ridgway explained that in creating the budget, all students contribute a certain amount to such fees as food service or transportation whether or not they use the service. Those who use the transportation service will be charged $265 per year or $50 for a punch-card entitling the holder to 20 rides.
To view the entire list of fees, please see the district website lewispalmer.org, go to boarddocs under the Board of Education tab and select the meeting date of May 20.
Approval of preliminary 2024-25 budget
Ridgway explained that the board is required to approve a budget for the upcoming school year by June 30.
He said he is working toward a budgeting process based on the individual student. This year, he is heading toward budgeting on a school-by-school basis. This spring, he circulated a form to all schools asking their funding priorities. The effort was not entirely successful as members of building advisory committees felt that principals should determine priorities. It is hoped that next year the concept will be more acceptable.
One point made by Ridgway in explaining the general source of revenue is that, although individuals are paying more in property taxes this year, the additional funds will not go to local schools. Instead it will reduce the amount the state contributes to funding.
He continues to estimate that the increase in funding will be about 6% for the coming year.
To view the details of the budget, please refer to boarddocs as explained above.
Staff and student recognitions
The board heard a presentation from the Bearbotics robotics team about how it is configured. The program is growing, and a student representative said that the team could use more space for its practices and manufacturing of robots. He said that of the 11 graduating seniors, 10 have chosen to major in engineering, demonstrating the value of the program,
Sixth-grade science teacher Val DeLello of Bear Creek Elementary School reported on the participation of nine of her students in the recent Pikes Peak Regional Science and Engineering Fair. DeLello received an award in Teaching Excellence in Elementary Education. This is a state award from the Colorado Association of Science Teachers.
Acting Superintendent Amber Whetstine recognized Lewis-Palmer High School tutors Larry Bryant, Dave Cantwell, Ton Koehler, and Tony Saglembeni for their many hours of service.
D38 Secondary Program Coordinator Jessica McAllister was one of five national recipients of the You Science Innovative Educator Award. She was recognized for her entrepreneurial leadership and forward-thinking approach to integrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) with academic programs. McAllister led in the renovation of an existing building featuring carpentry classes and rallied community support to create space for student-run businesses.
Parent and Community Advisory Committee annual report
Outgoing co-chair Holly Rollins reported on the activities of the Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) in the past year.
Rollins said that she strove to emphasize the advisory capacity of the group by having interactive meetings which encouraged maximum participation by members.
Goals of the committee are to maximize community engagement, provide input on implementation of the board’s strategic plan, and seek feedback about schools and programs.
The group has several subcommittees including the Financial Transparency Committee, the Staff Collaboration Committee, the Special Education Advisory Committee, the Gifted Education Leadership Team, the Wellness Committee and the Calendar task force. Each of these reports at each PCAC meeting.
Primary activities of the committee in the past year included monitoring school performance, developing the Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait of an Educator, developing the Consent Task Force, participating in the formation of the D38 Foundation, analyzing results of a survey, and monitoring CTE initiatives.
In the coming year, the committee will further encourage parent involvement in committee activities, continue to include Monument Academy in meetings, and participate in reviewing the application for a new charter school in the district, the World Compass Academy Charter.
Human Resources update
Director of Human Resources Alicia Welch reported on activities in her department, including new hires, vacancies, and internal transfers.
Welch said that hiring is going much better than it did the past year with a turnover of about 8%. She said she endeavors to provide good customer service to all employees by responding promptly to any concerns and added the use of the exit interview to determine the reasons why employees leave the district and how conditions can be improved.
For details, please see boarddocs for the May 20 meeting in the lewispalmer.org website under Board of Education.
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The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month in its learning center at 146 Jefferson St., Monument. The next meeting will be on June 17.
Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.
Other D38 articles
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, April 22 – Board announces finalists for superintendent, approves construction and location of Home School Enrichment Academy (5/3/2025)
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 8 – Discussion of Priority 2 academic excellence, superintendent search (5/3/2025)
- Monument Academy School Board, April 10 and 24 – Proposed high school dress code draws concerns (5/3/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, March 17 – Board posts superintendent position internally, receives updates on Home School Enrichment Academy and Transitions Services (4/5/2025)
- Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 26 and March 13 – Board returns focus to gender ideology, hears concerns about discipline enforcement (4/5/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Feb. 18 – Board recognizes achievements, hears about Arts Education and Career and Innovation Center (3/1/2025)
- Monument Academy School Board, Feb. 13 – Board expresses interest in Grace Best building (3/1/2025)
- D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 11 – Selection of new superintendent, treatment of Grace Best Elementary School, budget process discussed (3/1/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 21 – Superintendent resigns; Grace Best School to be demolished (2/1/2025)
- Monument Academy School Board, Jan. 6 and 9 – Board hears bond refinancing, action plan (2/1/2025)