- Superintendent finalists
- Relocation of Home School Enrichment Academy
- Budget discussion
- Priority 2 update: Academic Excellence
- Board recognitions
By Harriet Halbig
The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education announced two finalists for the position of superintendent, discussed options for relocation of the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA), and heard updates to its 2025-26 district budget at its April 22 meeting
Superintendent finalists
Following an executive session before the regular meeting, the board approved the announcement of Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine and Palmer Ridge High School Principal Adam Frank as finalists for the position of superintendent.
Board President Tiffiney Upchurch encouraged members of the board and selection advisory committee to submit questions to be used at interviews of the candidates on May 6. She said the questions should be submitted directly to Human Resources Director Alicia Welch.
The same questions will be asked of both candidates.
The final decision will be made at the board’s regular meeting on May 19, at which time a contract will be signed.
Relocation of Home School Enrichment Academy
Following the board’s decision to demolish Grace Best Elementary School, the district’s HSEA and Transitions program will need to be relocated.
It was decided that the Transitions program can be housed in available space in the new Career and Innovation Center.
Representatives of the HSEA have requested the use of seven classrooms, an art room, a science room, access to a cafeteria, space for gym classes, and office space.
Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews explained the process of analyzing space in existing buildings and determining the most cost-effective new construction options.
Ridgway explained that all existing school facilities were analyzed to determine whether the academy could be located in one of them.
The two most likely locations would be Ray Kilmer Elementary and Lewis-Palmer Elementary School.
In both cases, classrooms would be reallocated from their current use to offer access to contiguous rooms. At Kilmer, analysis revealed that five classrooms could be made available. In addition to this being fewer rooms than requested, population fluctuations in that part of the district made it unlikely to be a permanent solution.
The fact that the academy does not meet every day also could pose scheduling problems.
At Lewis-Palmer Elementary, four rooms looked possible. Palmer Lake Elementary was not considered as it will soon house a preschool.
Ridgway showed a slide detailing the comparative costs of various solutions, including purchase of an existing building, building a stick-built structure or a steel structure, or building a prefabricated pod structure.
Of these alternatives, the pod is by far the most affordable. The pod would consist of seven classrooms, a dedicated art room, a dedicated science room, and a multi-purpose room which could be used as a gym. Office space would also be included.
In addition to the lower expense, Andrews and Ridgway pointed out that some of the spaces could be made available to the community for rent when not in use by the academy.
Two possible locations on district property were considered for the structure.
The first would be immediately south of the district administration building. Access to utilities exists as there had been a previous modular in the space. The existing playground would be replaced as it has reached end of life. Ample parking is available.
The alternate location would be on the grounds of Bear Creek Elementary School, where provision was originally made for construction of a second school. Again access to utilities is provided and the structure could be expanded if needed.
This site would require construction of parking and road access.
In answering questions, Andrews said the project lifespan of a pod building is 40 to 50 years if it is well maintained and not moved. When asked what the resale value might be in 10 years, she said it would be about $1 million of the original $2.5 million. She said that the district often receives calls asking if we have modulars available for purchase.
Andrews also pointed out that at additional cost there are various surface options and that the pod could be at ground level rather than requiring stairs or ramps.
The board voted to construct a pod structure at the location near the administration building. To view the presentation on this subject, go to boarddocs under the board of education tab on www.lewispalmer.org.
Budget discussion
Ridgway reported on the current state of the district’s budget, saying that it is spending 98.5% of the budgeted revenue.
Reminding the board that 72% of the district’s revenue comes from the School Finance Act, he said there will be a projected 2.5% increase in revenue for the 2025-26 year. In addition, by reducing district budgeting for capital improvements from $3 million to $2.5 million, this should allow for a potential salary increase of 2.8%. Those in the lower-paid categories would receive a higher percentage increase than those in administration.
The cost of the health benefit plan is projected to rise by 13.5%. Historically, the district paid 70% of the cost and employees 30%. Ridgway said that this year there would be a choice of three health insurance plans rather than the previous four. The district is considering shifting to a self-funded plan through a statewide Colorado Employees Benefits Fund.
He said that by moving to the fund, the district would see less volatility in rate changes from year to year.
Ridgway reminded the board that the cost of the Career and Innovation Center was offset by funds freed by SB2024-17.
The board must vote on a budget for the coming year at its June meeting. To view the presentation on this subject, go to boarddocs under the board of education tab on www.lewispalmer.org.
Priority 2 update: Academic Excellence
Director of Assessment Dr. Michael Brom and district Literacy Specialist Peggy Griebenow reported on district efforts in support of Priority 2 of the district’s strategic plan.
To view the presentation, please see boarddocs and the article on the Parent and Community Advisory Committee on page < 7 > of this issue.
A concern of Brom’s is the fact that district students do not receive matriculation credit for earning college credit during high school. An additional concern is the relatively low participation in state assessments, which could threaten the district’s accreditation with distinction if current legislation succeeds. We currently have an 83rd percentile participation of the 85th percentile required.
Board recognitions
The board recognized athletes from the D38 Unified Basketball Team who earned second place at the Special Olympics State Championship in March. Team coach Brandy Doan introduced team members and fellow coaches.
The board recognized staff members Robyn Hudson (postsecondary counselor at Lewis-Palmer High School and Angela Dawson (career and college counselor at Palmer Ridge High School) for planning and executing career fairs at their schools.
The events were supported by grants from the School Counseling Corps, the HER Society, and the D38 Foundation.
Hudson and Dawson were also recognized by the Colorado Department of Education for receiving the School Counselor Corps Grant.
The board recognized recipients of Advance Grants from the D38 Education Foundation and thanked the Tri-Lakes Lions Club for their contributions.
Student representatives at the meeting were Maren Stickrath and Jonathan Lilly of Lewis-Palmer High School. Student representatives may ask questions and participate in discussions but may not vote.
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The Lewis-Palmer Board of Education usually meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center at 146 N. Jefferson St. The next meeting will be on May 19. For information, please contact vwood@lewispalmer.org.
Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriesthalbig@ocn.me.
Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles
- 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)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Feb. 18 – Board recognizes achievements, hears about Arts Education and Career and Innovation Center (3/1/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Jan. 21 – Superintendent resigns; Grace Best School to be demolished (2/1/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Dec. 16 – Board learns about Information Technology Department; Career and Innovation Center update; annual mill levy certification (1/4/2025)
- Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, Nov. 18 – Board reviews revision of district boundaries, approves lease/purchase agreement for Career and Innovation Center (12/5/2024)
- 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, 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)
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