D 49 Board of Education meeting wrap-up
By Deb Risden
The El Paso County School District 49 Board of Education held its monthly meeting on Jan. 16. All board members were present.
Superintendent’s update
Peter Hilts, the superintendent, stated that student assessments indicate that the implementation of the curriculum, with an increased emphasis on writing, is positively affecting student performance. He mentioned that the Colorado Legislature has convened and is reviewing the governor’s proposed budget revisions. There are indications that additional revenues are being reassigned, which could impact the district’s share of state funding. Hilts noted that it is possible the governor could accelerate the rollout of the new School Finance Act. The final budget is typically published in May. The district’s lobbyist, Amy Atwood, is monitoring the situation closely and will keep the district informed.
Student Board of Representatives’ Update
Mariah Voeks, a student from Patriot Applied Learning Campus, and Anessa Guevara, a student at Sand Creek High School, attended the meeting and reported that the Student Board of Representatives has been working to gather as much input as possible from students. They mentioned that there has been considerable discussion about transgender bathrooms and budget cuts. Voeks expressed that the SBOR is saddened by the loss of teachers and has discussed ways in which students can help.
Board update
Lori Thompson, the secretary, attended the December Colorado Association of School Boards conference and participated in sessions on career and technical education, Robert’s Rules, artificial intelligence and the future of career opportunities. She also attended the Student Board of Representatives meeting, where students discussed fiscal exigency. Thompson said the students suggested they could help the district by organizing fundraisers.
Holly Withers, the vice president, also attended the December CASB conference. She took classes on law, elevating student voices and school finance. Withers participated in judging a speech and debate tournament at Sand Creek High School and observed a pre-kindergarten class at Stetson Hills Elementary. During a meeting with community stakeholders, they suggested she should vote a certain way as a board member. She emphasized her intent to listen and learn so she can make informed decisions for the district.
Mike Heil, treasurer, focused on financial meetings and community engagement at the CASB conference. He attended an investment-grade meeting as part of the Schneider Electric audit and mentioned that they are in the process of visiting buildings and interviewing staff. They are also working on project schedules, and Heil participated in the transportation department’s Santa’s Toy Express in December.
Action items
The Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the following:
- New courses at Vista Ridge High School: advanced and intermediate dance classes, music composition and songwriting and advanced guitar
- Expansion of the Partners Series and new courses at Sand Creek High School: medical assistant, jewelry design II, project management in organizations and contemporary media literacy
- A contract with Honor Charter School, A Marzano Academy
- Suspension of Policy JBAA, which pertains to access to sex-segregated facilities, passed by a majority vote of 4-1
- Adoption of a statement of fiscal exigency
Discussion items
Paul Anderson, executive director of people and culture, presented a recommendation to suspend Policy GBAC (job descriptions) for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The policy states that any new or revised job descriptions must be approved by the BOE, a process that can take six weeks. Anderson noted that workforce planning might require consolidating some job positions or creating new positions due to changes in responsibilities. The ability to swiftly define a new position and send it to legal counsel and a compensation consultant for review will be beneficial. He mentioned that the administration will record all positions created and report back to the BOE at the first regular board meeting of the new fiscal year. The BOE moved the matter forward for a vote at the next meeting.
Rebekah Brooks, the chief financial officer, presented a resolution for the appropriation and expenditure of excess D 49 Certificate of Participation funds to be used for one-time technology and curriculum purchases. The fund holds revenues from the 2018 mill levy override. Brooks stated that these funds cannot be utilized for general fund expenses to relieve budget constraints. The BOE moved the resolution forward for a vote at the next meeting.
Kelly Dias, the assistant principal of Power Technical, provided a summary of PTEC’s mission and achievements, along with a request for the district to renew the charter’s contract for five years. PTEC is a member school of the James Irwin Charter School Network. Dias explained that the school is for students interested in pursuing careers in skilled trades such as welding, engineering, plumbing, construction, management, masonry, automotive and woodworking. She emphasized that the school focuses on character development with its pillars of respect, responsibility, honesty, integrity and excellence. Dias mentioned that since its inception 10 years ago, the school has implemented strong internal systems and is committed to accountability and collaboration. The school is requesting a five-year contract to allow for stability and long-term planning.
Brytni Brennan, coordinator, stated the district’s recent review of PTEC was exceptional and recommended renewal. The BOE moved the renewal contract forward for a vote at the next meeting.
Shubham Pandey, the superintendent of Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy, and Shannon Houston, the principal, provided a summary of the school’s mission and achievements. The school emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education, focusing on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and innovation. Notable changes from the last renewal include advancements in artificial intelligence, prompting updates to include artificial intelligence research, ethics programs and integrations. The school is close to obtaining permits for a new facility that will house grades seven through 12; the current campus will maintain grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The school is requesting a five-year contract renewal. Brennan stated that the school’s application is exceptional and recommends renewal. The BOE moved the renewal contract forward for a vote at the next meeting.
Board members reviewed a draft agenda for the February Annual Planning Summit.
The next regular meeting of the BOE is scheduled for Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in Peakview Hall at the Creekside Success Center in Colorado Springs.
