D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 10 – Update on Priority 3, Valuing Our People; introduction to Lewis-Palmer High School; discussion about report to board

• Board of Education liaison report
• PCAC report to the board
• District Priority 3: Valuing Our People
• Discussion and sub-committee reports

By Harriet Halbig

The Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) met at Lewis-Palmer High School on Feb. 10, following a special meeting of the Board of Education that morning.

Principal Jeffrey Zick, in his first year at that location, spoke of his own background and several unique programs at the school. Among the programs are:

• Snacks and Solutions, where students have lunch with the principal and discuss school issues.
• Ranger Round Up, a program for incoming freshmen in May, when they can see where their classes will be held.
• Student-led tours for those entering the district and those deciding between Lewis-Palmer High School and Palmer Ridge.
• Ranger Connection Center to familiarize incoming students with clubs and other extracurricular activities.
• Ranger Tutor Center, where students tutor peers. Since 2021, there have been over 4,000 tutoring sessions.
• Painted senior parking spots.
• Responsible Rangers—those with a 3.75 or higher grade point average get a study hall off. Starting the second semester of freshman year.

The school’s Student Council was recognized by the Colorado Department of Education. Gifted/talented students develop their own advanced learning plan with a course planning guide, a separate study hall, independent study for juniors and seniors, and a student-developed e-portfolio that includes a resume and showcases the student’s best work.

Several staff members also were recognized for their innovative work in adaptive physical education, music education, and building trades.

Students conducted a tour of the building before the meeting.

Board of Education liaison report

Board liaison Dr. Patti Shank reported on the board meeting held that morning. She explained how members of the committee could view livestreams of board meetings on the district website to familiarize themselves with board discussions and decisions.

She also referred to the presentation by PCAC to the board. The primary topic was communication between the committee and the board.

Beginning this school year, an additional member of the board will attend each committee meeting, and at least one committee member will attend each board meeting.

She said that the board wants to be more in touch with the committee due to its diverse representation from all schools and the community.

New board member Ginger Schaaf was also in attendance.

PCAC report to the board

Committee Co-chairs Renee Butler and Kirsten Zook reported on their presentation to the board on the morning of the meeting.

They said they did not wish to wait until the final board meeting of the year to report on committee activities. They said it was important for board members to attend committee meetings to hear unfiltered commentary on the actions of the district. The committee is required by state statute to exist.

Butler and Zook asked what information the board required from the committee and board priorities regarding subjects to be addressed.

Regarding the Financial Transparency Committee, a subcommittee of PCAC, they said they did not understand the structure of the committee and what happens at its meetings.

Zook also commented that outsiders think representation on the committee isn’t broad enough, as many members serve for several years. She said that it is understandable as members wish to serve while their children are in school in the district. A possible remedy would be to impose term limits and to change the process for selecting new co-chairs.

District Priority 3: Valuing Our People

Human Resources Director Michaela Vanderheiden reported on her department’s goals and activities to improve staff responses to recent surveys. Staff retention is a major subject being addressed.

Of primary concern are staff dissatisfaction with their work being recognized and the allocation of resources.

Strong points are staff saying they are proud to say where they work and that they are making a difference in the lives of students and the community.

To view the PowerPoint on this subject, please go to the district website, lewispalmer.org, select family resources, community, district committees, meeting content, and meeting date. This subject was also covered in the January issue of OCN in the article on the Board of Education.

Discussion and sub-committee reports

A member of the Lewis-Palmer High School Building Accountability Committee said the group has discussed the timing of lunches and a cellphone policy. He also said that informing the public about schools should be a priority.

A member of the Financial Transparency Committee reported that they discussed a bond for the construction of the new Home School Enrichment Center, whether individual schools should have a Financial Transparency Committee, and the possible impact of a statewide budget shortfall on schools.

Director of Assessment and Curriculum Dr. Michael Brom spoke of his presentation on assessment to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) at its last meeting. He said that at the next meeting, there would be a program on higher education opportunities for students with disabilities to attend college. He said that all are welcome to attend the meetings.

Special Education Parent Liaison Michelle Nay said that SEAC meetings are now virtual and to contact her for a link to attend. She also reminded those in attendance of the Aliorum Dei awards coming up in April to recognize students and adults who play a positive role in the lives of students with disabilities.

The Early Childhood Advisory Committee is seeking feedback from parents on what they wish to see in the preschool program.

The Gifted and Talented Leadership Team met recently, and the Colorado Department of Education recently conducted an audit of the district’s G/T program. The program received a favorable review and was recognized as high performing.

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The Parent and Community Advisory Committee meets six times per year. Locations vary. There will not be a meeting in March. The next meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 14 at Prairie Winds Elementary School, 790 Kings Deer Pt. E in Monument. A tour of the school will be conducted at 5:30. For information, please contact tmckee@lewispalmer.org.

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

Other D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee articles

• Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Jan. 13 – Continued discussion of board Priority 2, Academic Excellence, report from Monument Academy (2/4/2026)
• Lewis-Palmer D 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 18 – Accreditation discussion; post-election report (12/4/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 14 – Board goals feedback; work toward maintaining academic excellence (10/30/2025)
• Lewis-Palmer D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 9 – Committee discusses plans for relationship with Board of Education in upcoming school year (10/2/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, May 13 – Budget priorities, 2025-26 committee goals discussed (6/7/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, April 8 – Discussion of Priority 2 academic excellence, superintendent search (5/3/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Feb. 11 – Selection of new superintendent, treatment of Grace Best Elementary School, budget process discussed (3/1/2025)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Nov. 12 – Reports on school year calendar, safety and security, and social and emotional wellness (12/5/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Oct. 8 – Grace Best Elementary School, Career-Innovation Center plans discussed (11/2/2024)
• D38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee, Sept. 10 – Committee discusses strategic plan, assessment results, bylaws change (10/5/2024)