Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education, June 16 – Board finalizes plans for HSEA structure, approves 2025-26 budget

Home School Enrichment Academy structure
2025-26 budget approved
Election participation
Recognitions
Career and Innovation Center update

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education approved a contract for the construction of a permanent structure to house the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA), approved the 2025-26 district budget, approved participation in the November election, and recognized a number of individuals at its June 16 meeting.

Home School Enrichment Academy structure

Because the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA) is currently housed in Grace Best Education Center and that facility is scheduled for demolition, a new facility is required.

Over the past few months, district officials have met with representatives of manufacturers of prefabricated structures with the intent to erect one on district property south of the administration building on the current site of a playground.

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews presented a history of the project and projected expense.

Andrews explained that, since the building will be on a permanent foundation, a site development plan will be required. The proposed structure, consisting of two prefabricated units, will include several classrooms, a large area for multiple uses, and separate restrooms for students and staff. There will also be a security vestibule and an enclosed hallway between the two units.

Andrews said that the district decided in a past meeting that the building will be level to the ground and not require a ramp or stairs to enter. Because of this, and the fact that pipes for plumbing will be below ground, significant excavation is required and insulation is needed to avoid frozen pipes.

To view the PowerPoint on the project, please see boarddocs on the district website, lewispalmer.org, under the board of education tab.

In the course of the discussion, it was estimated that the total cost of the project, including the site plan and services of engineers and all permitting, will equal about $2.9 million.

The approved vendor is Palomar with Wells & West acting as general contractor.

During discussion, board Secretary Dr. Patti Shank expressed concern at the expense considering the relatively small number of students who will use the structure and the limited number of hours per week it would be in use. She suggested considering a previously built commercial building which could be renovated for this use.

Shank said that she home-schooled her son for several years and recognized the need for the HSEA but hesitated at the expense.

Ridgway said that requirements for a building to house students are very rigorous, especially with respect to ventilation and safety features and that renovating an existing building to include these features would exceed the cost of building new.

Following further discussion and the desire of the board to not further delay beginning the project, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract.

It is estimated that the structure will be completed and ready for occupancy beginning the second semester of the 2025-26 school year.

2025-26 budget approved

Before the regular meeting of the board, Ridgway offered a presentation on the district budget for 2025-26. He pointed out that he had updated the budget at each meeting of the board for the past several months.

The presentation was part of a legally required public hearing on the subject. There was no public comment offered during the hearing. To view the PowerPoint presentation, please see boarddocs.

The board voted unanimously to approve the budget.

Election participation

Two seats on the board are up for election this November, from districts 1 and 3. To see a map of the districts, please see the website under the board of education tab.

The board passed a resolution to notify El Paso County of its intent to participate in the Nov. 4 election and notified the public that a call for nominations will be published in August.

Vicki Wood was appointed as the district’s election representative to the county.

Aug. 6 is the first date for circulating petitions. To appear on the ballot, an individual must have resided in the district for at least 12 months and in the district they represent for 12 months. Signatures must be those of electors in the district.

A resident is ineligible to run if convicted of a sexual offence against a child.

Recognitions

The board recognized the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club for its participation in the club’s Champions program.

Rotary Board members Christy Smith and Owen Schoolsky explained that the program recognizes student athletes in the Pikes Peak Region who excel in their sport, academic excellence, and community service. One male and one female in each sport is recognized. To view a list of athletes from D38, please see boarddocs.

About 150 student athletes are recognized each year and 27 Medallion winners chosen. The highest honor is the Rotary Champions Scholar-Athlete of the Year Scholarship of $10,000. Two athletes from D38 received scholarships, Connick Goodwin, a tennis player from Palmer Ridge High School, and Amara Langstaff, a Lacrosse player from Palmer Ridge High School.

An additional local recognition went to Palmer Ridge High School Athletic Director Lance McCorkle as the top athletic director in the Pikes Peak Region.

Superintendent Amber Whetstine, in her update, said the district was once again accredited with distinction for the past year. Kilmer Elementary School received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award and Kilmer and Palmer Ridge High School were named John Irwin Schools of Excellence in recognition of exceeding expectations in academic excellence in math, language arts, and science.

Three district teachers were awarded STEM grants from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. These were Paula Perconti of Prairie Winds Elementary, Amy Robinson of Lewis-Palmer Middle School, and Vicki Nalley of Bear Creek Elementary.

Ted Bauman and Rich Strom of Monument Hill Kiwanis introduced Ruby Taylor of Palmer Ridge High School, an award winner at this year’s Stars of Tomorrow competition. Taylor sang a selection for those assembled.

The Stars of Tomorrow competition was founded to recognize achievements in the performing arts.

**Above:** At its June 16 meeting, the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education heard Ruby Taylor, a Palmer Ridge senior, perform a special number from her Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show in March. Taylor sang a song about a girl who moved to Broadway dealing with her neighbors. Taylor won the second-place high school prize. Ted Bauman and Rich Strom from the Kiwanis Club introduced Taylor. Kiwanis created the talent show to showcase the performing arts students in the district. Photo by James Howald.

Career and Innovation Center update

Director of Innovation Programs Jessica McAllister and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews provided an update on the Career and Innovation Center.

McAllister reported that the center had received a $240,000 grant from Innovations in CTE and a donation of equipment from the Adams 14 school district worth about $188,000.

Andrews reported on progress in construction at the center, saying that all inspections are going well and structural work on the interior has begun.

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The Lewis-Palmer D 38 Board of Education generally meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of the month in the district’s learning center, 146 Jefferson St. The board does not meet in July. The next meeting will be on Aug. 18.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Home School Enrichment Academy structure

2025-26 budget approved

Election participation

Recognitions

Career and Innovation Center update

Other Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education articles

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