By Harriet Halbig
The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education held a public hearing before its June 17 regular meeting to offer the public the chance to comment on the proposed budget before the vote.
Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway offered an overview of the budget, explaining that revenue for the district comes from various sources including funds from a 1999 Mill Levy Override (MLO), per pupil operating revenue (PPOR) from the state, cash in the general fund, and funding from local and federal sources such as grants, nutrition services, and special education funding.
The Taxpayers Bill of Rights (TABOR) requires that the district also maintain a 3% separate fund.
Ridgway said he tries to present a balanced budget at the beginning of each year, but changes can be made during the year due to unforeseen events.
He said that due to Senate Bill 2024-017, there is an additional $8.5 million to work with. This funding has been designated to create a center for Career and Technical Education (CTE). The site for this center has been approved for purchase and public forums to collect information on priorities and potential use are planned.
This $8.5 million has been placed in a separate capacity fund along with $2 million available funding for a total of $10.5 million.
For details on this project, please see the June issue of OCN.
Ridgway said it is important to understand the source of all district revenue and presented detailed pie charts to demonstrate this. Please see boarddocs on the lewispalmer.org website under the Board of Education to view these charts.
Ridgway said although there has been a large increase in property taxes this year, that does not translate to a larger amount coming to the district. Instead, it means that the portion of funding provided by local sources is increased while the portion provided by the state decreased.
Regarding student count, Ridgway said that student count numbers have remained stable over the past few years. Although there is a great deal of construction underway in the area, it is too soon to see how many students will move to the area.
Taking all information into account, Ridgway estimates an additional 6.2% in revenue for the coming year. Considering that 80% of the district’s expenditures involve compensation and benefits, this would translate to a potential increase in compensation of an average of 6%.
Ridgway also explained that the MLO passed in 1999 provides $4 million per year which, when adjusted for inflation, now would equal about $2.4 million.
Monument Academy’s board has approved its budget, but the D38 board must also do so as the chartering entity.
There were no public comments.
Recognitions
The board recognized Monument Hill Kiwanis for its Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show, offering performing arts students the opportunity to perform in front of an audience. Third-place winner in the high school division Rowan Vaughn spoke of the value of this experience and performed her award-winning song. She also sang the national anthem at the beginning of the meeting.
Kiwanis President Scott Ross thanked the board for their support and partnership and showed a video of the auditions for this year’s contest.
The board also recognized Silver Key Senior Services for its activities in the district. Silver Key President Jason DiaBueno thanked the district for its partnership and the use of part of Grace Best Education Center for the new area Senior Center. He also introduced other members of the Silver Key administration.
Budget approved
The board approved the 2024-25 budget as presented.
Real estate discussion
Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented a map and explanation of a recent surveying of the district’s property between Second Street and Santa Fe Avenue and between Jefferson Street and Adams Street in Monument.
Ridgway explained that the board had requested this action to determine whether there was a way to subdivide the property and sell portions of it for other uses. He said that there is a 2-acre site in the area which could be sold and still allow access to the bus barn area and playing fields. He said that Tri-Lakes Cares has expressed potential interest in this site.
Ridgway said the Town of Monument currently lacks an official planner and therefore any action would probably be delayed up to six months.
In the following board discussion, it was asked whether the surveying efforts could be applied in the future if a decision could not be reached at the meeting.
Ridgway said that the results of the survey would remain valid.
Director Todd Brown said he would prefer to wait until there is a potential buyer before proceeding. He suggested that Ridgway contact Tri-Lakes Cares on the board’s behalf.
Ridgway said the work thus far was intended to create a marketable parcel ready to act on. He wished to isolate Grace Best in the process due its service as the location of the Home School Enrichment Academy and to isolate the playing fields as they are maintained by the town.
He also said he did not want to combine the current enterprise center with Grace Best.
Ridgway agreed that he will contact Tri-Lakes Cares regarding its interest.
Palmer Ridge High School turf fields approved
Ridgway reported that the board has received a proposal from donors to fund the purchase of artificial turf for the football, baseball, track, and softball fields at Palmer Ridge High School.
These fields have posed a problem due to drainage issues causing muddy conditions. This has robbed teams of their practice time and prevented them from hosting games.
As owner of the property, the board must approve such action.
The board passed a resolution to accept the donation of funds for the purchase of turf.
The board approved a calendar of meeting dates for the 2024-25 school year. The meetings in January and February will be held on Tuesdays due to federal holidays on the third Monday.
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The Lewis-Palmer District 38 Board of Education meets on the third Monday of the month at its learning center, 146 Jefferson St. in Monument. The board does not meet in July. The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19.
Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethlbig@ocn.me.
Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Oct. 21 – Board approves Unified Improvement Plans, selects contractor for Career and Innovation Center (11/2/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Sept.16 – District performance framework, bullying policy revision (10/5/2024)
- 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, May 20 – Board approves purchase of property for use in Career and Technical Education programs (6/1/2024)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Feb. 26, March 5, 18 & 20 – New hires in leadership positions; superintendent search and farewell (4/6/2024)
- 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)