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OCN > 2505 > Monument Academy School Board, April 10 and 24 – Proposed high school dress code draws concerns

Monument Academy School Board, April 10 and 24 – Proposed high school dress code draws concerns

By Jackie Burhans

The Monument Academy (MA) School Board received student and parent feedback on proposed high school dress code changes at its regular meeting on April 10 and returned to the discussion at a special meeting on April 24. The board also heard a report from its Library Review Committee and approved numerous other policies.

High school dress code changes debated

During Citizens’ Comment, students voiced concerns about proposed dress code changes. While praising MA’s community and academics, they opposed the changes, citing financial burdens, loss of self-expression, and blurred distinctions between middle and high school. They feared the uniform-like code could hurt enrollment or lead to student departures. Others suggested better enforcement of the current code and urged the board to reconsider. Board President Ryan Graham commended the students for speaking.

Executive Director Collin Vinchattle announced the first reading of the proposed policy, noting that the board could consider changes in future meetings. He shared results from 100 responses to the dress code survey sent to students and families and acknowledged students’ strong interest, demonstrated by their attendance and comments. Vinchattle proposed collaborating with Principal Angela Duca to engage students further.

The proposed policy refines the structure and wording, acknowledging the Colorado CROWN Act and outlining a process for applicable cases. It removes gender-specific annotations, stating that students must wear attire aligned with their gender. A new section on tattoos and markings prohibits drawing on skin, requires tattoos to meet respect guidelines, and prefers that they remain covered. Pajama bottoms are explicitly banned.

The survey asked students and parents about removing sweats and hoodies from the high school dress code. Comments echoed concerns raised at the meeting, noting that “smart casual” mentioned in other communication felt more restrictive and punitive.

Vice President Lindsay Clinton questioned whether parents understood the differences among prior communications, the survey, and the proposed wording. Vinchattle explained that “smart casual” was introduced at a “new high school” event. Clinton also expressed concerns about removing gender annotations, especially around makeup. Vinchattle acknowledged that dress codes often feel more punitive toward females and noted some respondents preferred business casual.

Board President Ryan Graham highlighted the policy’s ambiguity and requested changing “gender” to “sex” in the first paragraph, removing markup, and itemizing changes in a clean draft. Board Member Jilinda Dygert suggested discussing the changes with students, which Vinchattle agreed could be done during study hall, and the board could review the policy again in two weeks.

Library Review Committee report

Secondary Assistant Principal Jesse Davis reported that the Library Review Committee held initial meetings to review the form submission process and book scoring rubric. With seven books queued before its formation, the committee has reviewed three so far. The following books were examined:

  • A parent, citing Facebook groups focused on children’s innocence, deemed Smile by Reina Teigemeier inappropriate for elementary students due to topics like attracting boys, bras, puberty, and kissing. They argued it conflicted with MA’s classical philosophy and noted that hygiene discussions for fifth-graders require parental permission. The committee removed the book from West Campus, placing it at East Campus for better alignment with middle school audiences.
  • A parent found Cat Kid on Purpose by Dave Pilkey inappropriate for a third-grader after her sixth-grader raised concerns. She cited sections showing characters screaming and appearing on stage in underwear. She argued it conflicted with MA’s character-building values. The committee retained the book at West Campus, citing its positive teamwork, conflict resolution, and perseverance themes.
  • A parent reviewed Cat Kid Collaboration by Dave Pilkey after reading Cat Kid on Purpose, citing similar concerns about detrimental character-building themes, including characters and parents screaming. The reviewer labeled the author’s message on “global sameness” and references to the deaths of Batman’s and Superman’s parents and Spider-Man’s uncle as adult topics. The committee retained the book at West Campus, highlighting its alignment with MA’s moral vision and positive themes.

Vice President Lindsay Clinton noted all the books were graphic novels and asked about future purchasing priorities. Librarian Kelly Huffman emphasized supporting teacher curriculum while addressing gaps in graphic novel series and ensuring balance. Graham clarified that the board votes only to override the committee’s recommendations, with a two-year wait before a book can be challenged again.

Additional policies discussed

The board reviewed and unanimously approved the following policies:

  • 1500A Board of Directors Governance Policy renamed BA-MA; 1500B executive director renamed to CED-MA.
  • JG-MA Enrollment and Placement: added a lottery process and aligned with D38’s proof of residency requirements.
  • IKE-MA Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Student: merged IKE and 1527 policies, added definitions, and aligned with MA’s mission and vision.
  • KE-MA-E(1) Promotion, Retention and Acceleration of Student: retention form used in the IKE-MA policy.
  • 1527 Student Retention: rescinded, as it merged with IKE-MA.
  • IJ-MA Selection of Instructional Materials & Textbook Policy & Procedures: removed the statement requiring alignment with federal and state standards but emphasized monitoring standards through state/national assessments.
  • IJ-MA-E Selection of Instructional Materials & Textbook Policy & Procedures: Governance Committee flagged rubric “Eduspeak” for clarification and requested an additional, parent-friendly rubric.

MA’s board policies can be found at http://bit.ly/ma-boarddocs

Highlights

Board meeting highlights include:

  • Board member Craig Carle spotlighted the Monument Academy Gala team for their contributions.
  • Finance Director Laura Polen reported that the February financials show that MA is well-positioned to meet bond ratios. She credited People Operations Director Krista Pelley for staffing projections and noted collaboration with the registrar on FTE enrollment tracking for budgeting.
  • Graham requested the removal of the Highway 105 Committee report, as the work around West Campus is complete.
  • Clinton reported that the Curriculum East Committee reviewed last month’s approved policy and proposed edits for a vote. It will present the History and Leadership rubrics to the board in May.
  • Board member Jilinda Dygert said the Student Accountability and Advisory Committee (SAAC) for East Campus reviewed survey results and will share recommendations at the May board meeting. She urged parents to attend the final meeting on May 5, 3:30-5 p.m., or email saacsecondary@monumentacademy.net for details.
  • The board heard a presentation on the upcoming graduation activities, reviewed the gala and other fundraising activities, got an update on the enrollment numbers, and reviewed progress on academic goals.
  • The board approved a Reimbursement Resolution to reimburse itself for $15 million in capital expenses ahead of bond refinancing. Interim CFO Glenn Gustafson highlighted a $26 million balloon payment due June 2026 and plans to refinance $60 million in bonds to consolidate campus debt and fund East Campus projects.
  • The board unanimously signed a letter to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) demanding rules barring boys from competing in girls’ sports, warning of escalation to state and federal authorities if demands are unmet.
  • After an executive session on property acquisition, the board approved a Letter of Intent to purchase Grace Best Education Center for $100,000, directing Vinchattle to present it to D38 Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine.
  • The board approved an updated Staff Handbook, incorporating audit-recommended wording on the Seven Tenets, revising Title IX and leave policies, and updating renamed policy references.
  • Clinton announced that board applications closed in March with only one applicant, Craig Carle, eliminating the need for an election. The board unanimously re-elected Carle by acclamation.
  • Graham shared a community letter on House Bill 25-1213, which mandates that MA accommodate students’ chosen names, pronouns, and cross-dressing, while defining misgendering and dead-naming as discriminatory. He urged families to engage by signing petitions, contacting officials, and preparing to testify. Graham stated that if Gov. Jared Polis signs the bill, the board will discuss next steps, but he encouraged a veto if Polis plans a presidential run.
  • Vinchattle provided the board with a first draft of policy AEP-MA Educational Philosophy for its review. It describes MA’s philosophy and instructional approach and emphasizes parental involvement. The policy references several supporting documents.
Above: At the April 10 School Board meeting, Executive Director Collin Vinchattle recognized the Monument Academy Gala Team—Allena Baker, Vice President Lindsay Clinton, Operations Manager Jake Dicus, and Amanda Peters—for organizing a seamless event at Falcon Stadium. He highlighted the year-long planning to secure vendors and volunteers and praised their dedication to this unique tradition. The photo features, from left, board member Matt Ross, Dicus, Baker, Clinton, board member Jilinda Dygert, and board President Ryan Graham. Peters was absent. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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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, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the East Campus. The agenda and packet are available at bit.ly/ma-boarddocs.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

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