001Welcome. This is the August 19th, 2026 Ess Park School District R3 Board of Education regular meeting. It is now 6:30 p.m. and this meeting is called to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. First, please conduct the board roll call. >> Director Furry >> here. >> Director Roberts >> here. >> Director Shocket >> here. >> Director Reedurski >> here. Director Wis here. >> Moving on to approval of the agenda. Board members have an agenda before you. At this time, I'll take any comments or amendments to the current agenda. >> Seeing none, is there a motion to approve the current agenda? I move to
002approve the agenda. I second. >> We have a motion and second. Chris, please conduct a board roll call. >> Director Furry, >> I. >> Director Roberts, >> I. >> Director Shocket, >> I. Director Rerski >> I. >> Director Wisp >> I carry the vote. Agenda is approved. Before moving on the next item, I'd like to welcome Superintendent David Grebs. This is his first meeting, so looking forward to a great year. Welcome. >> Thank you very much. It's good to be here. I'm learning the ropes. >> Moving on to agenda item two, public participation. We had no members of the community sign up to speak this evening. Moving on to agenda item three, discussion item. Agenda item 31, fourth quarter financials by Brian Lund, director of business services. Brian. >> All right. Good evening. Um, so
003in the packet is the financials through June 30 as of last Friday. Um, there's still some major outstanding items. That's why like revenue is only shown at 95%. Um, I still need to acrue back 60 days worth of property tax collections back to last year. So once we get our reports for um property taxes collected in Boulder, Number County through the end of August, I get those reports, then I can post those. So that revenue is not reflected in there. Um we also are waiting, we just got confirmation this afternoon, um the we're going to get our 6E funding for last year. We're still waiting on that for um we get some reimbursement for preschool and then also summer school at the elementary school. So we should hopefully be getting that next week or the
004week after. So that's not reflected in the revenue. Um but the big one that's not reflected is the PAR payment on behalf of um so the state at the end of every year if they have revenue they post it into parah on behalf of school districts and other entities that put into that so we don't have to increase our contributions. Um that has not I have not seen it. Last time I went out there last week they still hadn't posted what the dollar amount was if any for last year. So, a couple years ago, we didn't budget enough and we overextended or over spent what was appropriated just because we have to recognize the revenue and the expense because technically it's our money even though we never see it. So, that's why we budgeted about
005a half we budget half million dollars just because [snorts] it was a half million dollars that year and it bit us and we got trouble. But, it's typically about 100 to 200,000 but we budget that higher number just in case. So then that way we have the room to recognize it depending if if they have that big of a year. Um so that's kind of where the revenue stands. Then expenses, those are pretty much done. Um there's still some random invoices coming in. We got an invoice last week that was dated 6:30 and we got it sent to us last week. So we still have some of those. Um and then um there's some other revenues for facility uses and those types of things that are still trickling in that we will backdate. Um in
006fund 22 we also have some revenue that we have not received because we acrewed back expenses for um July and they're just processing those invoices now on the state side. So then we'll be getting those. But those are kind of the big outliers um for some of the discrepancies that you see within those numbers like especially if you see why are we half half million short in state revenue. because that pair payment on behalf is recognized as a state um contribution, but we got all of our other revenue associated with all the state funding um such as um co-ap and those types of things for Boys and Girls Club um and high cost reimbursement, those things. Um you can see capital, we did have some um expenditures in June. Um we did a phone system
007upgrade once everything was on site. We did the final payment and we got everything installed. Um, and then preschool pl the playground was resurfaced. We extended we extended that surface. So now there's no dirt. It's all soft surface for the preschool playground. So in theory, there shouldn't be rocks for them to be out there to play with and stuff, but um you never know, one might roll in there. Um and then right at the end of the year, we did purchase a school bus and a white fleet, a Suburban. Um and that was we just needed our fleet is getting older in the school bus side. And then with increased [snorts] transportation for um secondary we needed a white fleet. So that's what those are. And then you can also see in June um we
008did make a interest payment on outstanding bond principal and that's all budgeted and known for the next five years now. So we'll be done in five years. This the 07 bonds. So that's everything as of um like I said last Friday and then the final numbers will be presented to the board in December um once the audit is complete and submitted to the state. So any questions? >> So you talked a little bit about how the revenue 95% is going to creep up closer to 100%. Um, what about the expenses on the page is 92%. Several got real close, right? 97% spent. Uh, a few are over and one is under. So, like for the few over, is there a >> that that is tied to the retention incentive? We we recognized it within >>
009each school >> with within each school and tied it to the building, but >> and we didn't pull the um contingency that covered it, which lives in that centralized services. >> Okay. Okay. >> So that's why centralized services is down because that contingency number didn't get I didn't reallocate from centralized services to the buildings to offset that >> on the budget side. >> So so you may be answering my next question of in centralized services there was other objects for 800k. Is that the retention bonus? That's why that one was way under and each school is way is somewhere over. >> Yes, that is correct. >> Okay. Um and I can go back and reallocate to get those to line up with the actual expenditures. It's just I haven't done that yet. But that's why
010um centralized services is over because contingency is that big number. >> Okay. >> And then some of them are also down a little bit too just because utilities were down last year and some of those types of things just because we had a warm winter. >> So if the retention bonus is in there, that's what's causing the middle school to be over. Mhm. >> But the elementary and high school would have been then farther under their budget. >> Yes. >> Without it. Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, is there an adjustment for this year? Is there like a lesson learned here where either the budgets need to be adjusted or the principles need to know they actually could have spent a little more? They had more budget that they didn't use. >> Yeah. And like elementary
011school, she's gone back. I mean, she had stuff ordered. It just didn't show up. So I mean so there's some of those types of things that okay >> with some of those types of things because there's a lot of top field things that were purchased but like we still haven't received our shed you know some of those types of things as well. >> Okay. >> It's just because of Yeah. timing and those types of things. >> All right. Are we are we going to talk about any other documents or just now is the time for all of the different attachments? Yeah, there there's another one that showed a change in fund balance of plus 480,000. Just trying to understand that. Did we again not on this page on we're sharing on screen, but um >>
012is it done? >> It's not how do I zoom? >> Well, it is in the change in net assets. There it is shown, but uh in the summary, yeah, change in fund balance 4 plus 480,000 is the way I read it. >> Yep. So just trying to understand that is it at the end we think we're going to have an extra 480,000. >> Yeah. >> So it would be an increase in fund balance. This is the general fund. >> Okay. >> So and that Yeah. So we're running we didn't expend all of the money that was brought in. Correct. >> Okay. Understood. So this is the second third maybe maybe even fourth year in a row we've done that. Meaning we have not spent all our money. So our our fund balance is very healthy.
013>> Yep. >> We run >> about 98% usage. >> Okay. >> I mean it'd be very rare to be actually at 100%. >> Okay. >> Just because but we cannot go over for sure because then we get trouble without board approval to use the fund balance. Okay. So yep. Okay. And then kind of talking on the fund balance side too. Um if we go down to fund 43 um what's in there right now is less than what was approved because we didn't because of the timing of projects and those types of things. Um because in the resolution for the preliminary budget was use fund balance up to 1.25 million. But now that we know this number is smaller, we can adjust those expenditures to not go over the 844,000 even though it won't be reflected
014until the major budget resolution, but we know that for sure now. So we can not expend that those the funds up to that 1.25. So that's another adjustment we'll make knowing that it'll be adjusted at mid year. Okay. >> So yeah. So I think what I'm hearing then is for last school year's budget, we saved we we had an additional almost half million left at the end of the year. >> The 480. Yes. We had we had that amount left. So from you guys' perspective, is there a good use of that money? Is there a project we want to work on in this school year where maybe we do want to use up that amount that we saved last year. Again, our fund balance is very healthy. >> Yep. >> Right now. So, it's not
015like we need to be adding to it necessarily if we have a good use for that money. >> Yep. And >> like in the past, what we would do or the board at the direction of the board was maintain a set dollar amount and then spend down and use fund balance for capital projects and those types of things. Um, deferred maintenance. Uh when the first time we did that was when we went one to one with iPads. We bought them all outright. We didn't lease them. So we used fund balance to buy them. So then and that's when we started that trend of maintaining a dollar amount and then we do a spend down at midyear. And that's something we can if the board wants us to we can look at and bring the finance
016committee and go that route too. So, if there's a number that you think as a board you would like us to maintain. >> Yeah, I know. Um, when we've talked about this in finance before, we're at about 5 million. >> Yeah. >> Rounding there. So, does this make it 5.5? >> Yep. >> Okay. So, that that is a very healthy number. Uh, probably more like three. We do not want to go below. >> Yeah. So at three. So that's what I'm saying is we're not at three anymore. We've actually done some good saving over the last few years. We're far above that. >> So >> yeah, >> is there something that is a good use of that money now? Just gets more expensive every year, right? To do the next capital project, right? >> Yeah.
017We did cherry pick something off the capital list. >> Exactly. Yeah. We we finished the stadium. We finished the locker rooms. >> Yep. Or is there is there is there a handlers that need to be replaced? are those types of things. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Yep. And the state doesn't want you to have a fund balance lower than 25% of your operating expenditures or 20% of your operating your budgeted operating expenditures. You get dinged on that side of it too when we report. >> Okay. And our expenses are $18 million. So 3.6. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Roughly. So, we're we're 2 million above that. >> Yep. And the state kind of wants a healthier one, too, because that's what we use to reduce what we borrow in the no interest loan program,
018but that's beside the point. So, we are we are getting a little bit high in the fund balance. >> Then, Brian with the U proposed I think it's going to be Prop N coming up in November. Is that how's that going to impact us? Do we know that yet? >> Um, I haven't seen solid numbers because the state only sends out numbers if it's an actual if it's actually approved and it's a law they have to follow. Um, I know there's been some things out there that we would get a couple hundred thousand more in revenue. um we wouldn't get it from the state because we collect property taxes higher than what the program number states. Um if that's the number they're throwing out there, it would just increase our program number, we wouldn't get
019more revenue because our we're in the weird boat where our pots our pot. So whatever our assessed value is and what we assess for mills, that's what we get. So I think last time we ran the numbers was about 100 more students would have to come in before we start getting state funding. So um our revenue is going to stay pretty consistent. It the program number will go down just because of the averaging and that's based off your student count. But our total revenue we collect with our 20.549 mills is going to stay pretty consistent unless there's an adjustment within the SS values. So when they say there's going to be a increase in funding for all schools, it's just going to change how it's classified within the property tax revenue we collect. Um we're
020not going to get more in revenue. We're going to get the same amount. The only way it's going to change is if there's additions to the tax roles and those types of things. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> I'll do a quick PSA. Parking lots will be closed in the mornings this weekend for painting. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> thanks Brian. >> Moving on to agenda item 32, superintendent report, Superintendent Grebs. >> All right. Well, um, since your last formal meeting, some of the things I have to share are the facilities update. As Brian mentioned, uh, parking lots will be painted, uh, the stripes because of the repair work we did over the summer. Um there was a lot of repair to the irrigation system. Uh soil mitigation of both top field and football and soccer
021field. I don't know if you've had a chance to swing by there yet, but it did bounce back pretty good. Um great work on behalf of the the crew working on that. The renovation to the locker rooms to meet ADA compliance was completed over the summer. Um again, as you already heard, the the preschool recess completed so that that project is done. Uh there were some quick blinds. Um Eric had a chance to demonstrate those. So if you picture being in the classroom, there's a window that looks out into the hallway. Every window now has um a rolledup blind that the teacher just pulls a Velcro strip and the it's weighted so it just drops down. So in the event of a lock down drill um they're able to create that that barrier of of
022vision right away. Uh the Prox card system is in place. They've worked out most of the kinks. I think there's still maybe one or two off cards. Um, mine was still associated with rubies, so mine was not working until yesterday, but again, Eric got that squared away. Um, and then again, purchase of a few other of the the route bus, the the white fleets, and then we added a a 10-ft plow and uh sand bed to one of the trucks. So, hopefully the sun or the snow comes this winter and we'll get to use that. uh the vape sensors that are in the high school, there's just some some waiting on the system uh to be updated so that that's working effectively. Current projects coming up will include high school HVAC uh sprinkler system install
023at the high school kitchen and then uh the phone that they're called a phones. So when you go to buzz in and the secretary can identify you those those are still kind of in progress. If you remember, there was a update to the camera system. The company did a check on compatibility um before we purchased, but then when it was actually connected, those old cameras were overheating. And so they felt badly about it not being up to snuff right away. And so they sold us new cameras basically at cost. So we saved 50% on those. So, although we had to spend some, uh, we're getting a ton of new cameras that will be high quality and be a great long-term investment. Uh, when it comes to family and community engagement, um, our long range planning
024committee, they've, um, they've been given some more information or will be given some more information basically on the the pros and cons of different, um, placement of our sixth graders. So in Colorado at the elementary you get license for K to 6 and at the secondary level you get license from 6 to 12. So our sixth graders can be kind of in the middle. And so um as you know coming up you're going to get a presentation from that committee about uh long range planning. I really want to have some research done ahead of time to help make that final decision as to where our sixth graders go. So that's coming up. We hosted a guest teacher discovery day in late July. This is basically an event to inform any new substitute teachers that might
025be interested in working in our district and or um kind of reaclimate some of our returners. I think we only had maybe one returner. Um the rest were all new. So it was great to have some new folks come in. Um and then one [clears throat] of those individuals gave me some feedback later on how to even improve that. So, um, as far as focus areas and highlights, um, our achievement data, all of us are actually chomping at the bit to get the final information. It was supposed to even come out today. When I talked to Andrea Sporletter around 22 230, we hadn't got it yet. So, I don't know if you had heard the state had migrated their system um, their database to a totally different system. So there were several key um components
026that were on hold longer than normal and my hunch is that this is one of them. So soon as that data is uh out of embargo I'll share how our Bobcats did last year. Uh also um CDE accreditation ratings uh that that will all come out in the September meeting. And then when it comes to our demonstration of learning uh through real world real world experiences, I just want to do a quick highlight of our CTE program. Um TJ Apple and Steve uh Schoff, those are two teachers that I was standing in line with the uh new um well the welcome back. We're getting ready to have our picture taken. when those gentlemen talk about that program, like there is a passion there for helping kids with like realworld life skills. And so they're they're
027not just uh teaching a content. They're teaching um things that are truly going to prepare any human being. Um whether they're college ready students or someone that wants to go into the field of automotive mechanics, something like that. So, we're going to definitely um be learning more about those guys in the future and hopefully even get you a a tour to the CTE program and see what they're doing. So, last but not least, just a big shout out to each of you directors for the warm welcome, the all staff breakfast for showing up and uh helping out with that and just um you know, getting the the school year kicked off right. As a newcomer, I uh can't be more happy. So, thank you. That concludes my superintendent report. >> Any questions? >> I have
028a couple turn. [laughter] >> Um, first of all, I'm wondering on um the vape sensors. This has been ongoing for quite a long time. And I'm just wondering, do we uh pay a subscription to that company or is it like something we purchased and like I don't know. >> I'll have to do some homework on that. Um I do know that they were up and running for a bit. Um and then again when we had an improved system, they're not talking. So Brian, you have Yeah. Facts. >> I think we just bought them and then there's not an annual subscription. Um, I think the issue is the firmware side of it not operating properly. Um, I did get an offer from an a competitor last week to get a free one to test. I sent
029that to Eric. I don't know if he reached out to them or not. So, there's other on the market if we keep having issues with the current ones that we could look at switching over to, but my under my recollection is we just bought them outright and then it's just a supported service once we have it. >> Excellent. Thank you. I just want to make sure that we aren't paying for something that isn't functioning. Yeah. Um and then also I just wanted to give you a little bit of background on that. It was um the complaints that came to us from parents were not regarding like a it didn't come from a perspective of like a punitive nature. It came from students who aren't vaping are being disrupted by the vaping. So I just wanted
030to give you that background on where why we've been talking about that so much and that you know we want to help students more than we want to you know hurt them. them. >> Yeah, thank you for that. I I had heard um one of the focal points was um education and helping the kids make better choices versus punishing them for breaking a rule. Um so it's it's good to hear that reinforced. I know talking with um Officer Paul like that's a a big element of providing education versus a punishment. So, >> and then the other question that I had is on um on the sixth grader placement. [clears throat] Kind of a hot topic. I'm wondering if there's going to be any parent outreach or if I mean I don't know who makes these
031decisions. [laughter] >> Yeah, I've already learned the uh importance of stakeholder input. Um, one of my first recommendations was the the group that worked on the actual physical uh configurations get presented with some facts because they didn't come to a decision during that. And so, um, one of my goals is to go visit some schools and talk to those district leaders who have made a decision to go 612, um, most recently and and iron out the pros and cons of that to be presented because you're right, no matter who you talk to, you you might get a different rationale. And so it needs to be what's good for the kids, um what's going to be good for the long-term system as well, comparing what our current sixth graders have the opportunity to do right now,
032how would that be impacted either negatively or positively with the move because they don't get their own building. So, uh yeah. And then I might just want to um recommend I know sometimes the last superintendent would submit articles to EP news and that might be a great subject like after you complete all of your research and why you found whatever is best for the kids and why to kind of explain that to commun the community I think would be really useful. Thank you. Yeah. >> Yeah. And Brenda asked one of my questions, the sixth grade placement, and I guess I was curious, what is the timing of having to make that decision on where they go? >> Well, again, I think it might depend on who you ask and when you ask it. My my
033perspective is knowing it is a hot topic, the more you can um make the decision sooner and then let people air their yeah worries and and address those concerns, I think the better way down the road. But again, we're not even going to present the plan until the October work session to to go in that regard. So the, you know, the design team is is making a few adjustments just based on today's conversation even. [sighs and gasps] But yeah, I I want people to have that voice. Um, and at the same time, if they if they have concerns and we can address those concerns proactively too, then it it it makes the decision sooner and then we move forward in a healthy way to get the building built and do whatever we got to do.
034>> Yeah, thank you. I appreciate the research being done for that and I think it will be important to kind of get that stakeholder input on that process. Um, I also just want to give a kudos for all the projects that were done over the summer. I've heard a lot of great things from students and staff on Topfield, especially the new benches, the new equipment. Um, so I think those were some well worth it. Uh, and a lot of kids really excited about those improvements. So, that's great. Um, and I also, uh, just want to comment, I think the all staff welcome breakfast was, uh, really great. A lot of great energy. good to see so many teachers back this year, which I think is fun. Um, and so yeah, excited for the the year
035ahead. >> And just a quick note on the the top field. I happened to see TJ over the summer and he was telling me about what the work that they had done that the soil on top field was essentially 9 inches of rock. So they're like surprised grass grew there at all and that that's been fixed. We actually have soil. We actually have where grass >> can actually thrive. Exactly. So, I think top field is going to be a whole whole new ball game from all the work that's been done there. >> Nice. >> Yeah. >> Yep. That concludes my report. Thanks. >> Thank you. Moving on to agenda item 33, administrator reports. Normally our principles come, uh, Miss Miller and Miss Greenway, but tonight uh, they had an event at the school. So, Superintendent
036Grebs is going to give all the reports, including Nolan. If you just want to summarize those, um, I'll say all of those reports are also attached on the agenda and will be on the meeting minutes as well. >> Yep. So, this might be where my um my principal heart for the last 20 years has uh influenced my judgment to let those uh administrators off the hook after a very long day and then they had their uh extra event afterwards. But from the elementary um what what Miss Miller has shared with me, they do a Golden Globe award where staff um nominate one another. Steph Hart had honored Emily Jurgens so far this year. Um they had a team bonding school staff uh event at go-karts and mini golf. And so to my knowledge, no one
037was injured or lost any money on that racetrack. Um and then of course the meet and greet uh was a a section of two different days where families came in um before school got going. I think that eased a lot of nerves. So, I'm not sure of the history of that, but I do feel like it got some positive feedback this year. The dates of, you know, picture day and their barbecue, the first um books and breakfast, that's all stated in her report. When it comes to the academic and achievement growth, again, they did some work as a group uh back in July, and so they're eager to see how those ideas take off. very excited about um the purchase of their new Otus system that works with bridges. Um it should just be able
038to make um electronic testing easier for them. Bridges didn't come with that element and this is uh basically a supplement to it. And then of course uh the flooding model that we talked about um in a work session at one time is already underway which um is faster than what I even experienced as a principal. So, I give them some kudos for getting that going. When it comes to the real world learning things they talked about uh this year, just um ramping up projects from the past using the arts and letters ELA modules. Um on September 11th, they head to Long's Peak Scottish Irish Festival. So, I'm very curious as a newcomer to see how that is after watching all of our Scottish friends uh come to World Cup. Um hopefully it's not quite as
039entertaining, but uh in a different way. And then as far as wellness goes, um they continue to fine-tune the MTSS process. Um that's that's a big focal point and I do think that makes a big difference in your school when you've got a good system in place. So, I'm happy about that. and then the um Bobcat Crew Connection. Uh this is a proactive initiative that they're doing to just increase some of those global awareness things. So, and on a side note, it's not in here, but I get to be on the junior um newscast tomorrow. So, I'm excited to meet those kids and do that. So, >> that is your elementary report. Any questions? >> I just had um a couple things. First, shout out to Emily. I've seen firsthand uh the benefits of her
040great work in that flooding program. So glad to see her get some some credit for that. Um I also attended the meet and greets at the elementary. Um I think I've always taken those for granted because we've always had them, but I one of mine was with one of our new teachers and he had never had one and really appreciated the opportunity to connect with students and parents one-on-one before the first day of school where everything's overwhelming. So, it was great to kind of hear that from a teacher. Um, because I I think as a parent, I always just thought that was something that was done. So, I think that's a great thing that we do and and great to hear that the teachers appre appreciate that as well. Um, I did have a question
041on the Otis. I wasn't totally understanding what that was exactly. I know you said it sounds like it's something that was lacking in the Bridges um program, but can you explain that a little more? Yep. So, it's um it's basically another company that has taken Bridges material and um made it accessible electronically. So, kids take so many of their tests online. This gives them the opportunity to take a Bridges test also electronically. Um I mean there are some pros and cons to it like physically writing out bridges. Um that's what we used at my previous school. So, as a principal I got to see teachers putting it to use. It's very conceptual like it helps kids understand why they use math for certain things versus just memorizing algorithms. But in doing that there is a
042lot of sketching and drawing and manipulations. And so it doesn't always um fit nicely into an electronic style. So this company has is a third party that's taken on that opportunity. So kids are instructed via the Bridges model and then when they take an assessment they can actually do it online electronically versus just on paper. So it gives them gives them both. >> Thank you for that. Um and then the the Bobcat Connection crew that so that's new and it sounds like we're piloting that for the first and fourth grade recesses. I was just curious um what was the impetus behind that and um kind of excited to see what comes from the piloting of that with those grades. >> That's one Aaron and I haven't got to talk about yet um with me being
043out a couple days and uh yeah, her in swing of other stuff, but I'll put that on my to-do list. >> Uh one more question on the math. Am I correct? I'm trying to remember. I think we're in year two of two for math curriculum adoption right now. So, is this like a one-year trial that's kind of supporting that curriculum adoption? Oops. As far as I know, yes. Um [laughter] I'm going to play my new guy card a couple more times here. Um but I yeah, I will look into that because um yeah, we we have used bridges long enough. um previous district where we're on like um addition three and so I don't know where you guys picked up with that whether you're in two or three um to be honest. So, but you're
044right, we don't want to invest too much in a program if we're going to switch gears totally and go with a different math program. So, yeah, I'll um I do know Andrea Sport Letter has a lot to do with that as well too as our technology integration person. So, I'll visit with both her and Aaron. I also have a question about Otis. [laughter] So, we'll see how your principal heart feels about not letting the principal [laughter] um it's a lot of detail. So, [laughter] um I'm just I just am concerned about the students taking tests electronically. I know you said both, but I hope that um that Aaron hears that Aaron hears and that the teachers are aware that only um I understand it gives them more time, but just having these kids be always
045on the electronics just um I mean it's proven that it's not good. So, so hopefully they will be implementing both forms of testing and not just testing but working. So, um, yeah, I just wanted to say that >> I can share in that settlement of always being on >> Yeah. >> an iPad, making sure that they can actually know how to use a pen and pencil and paper as well. >> I mean, it's proven that your brain processes things differently whether you're typing it or whether you're writing it with a pencil, you know? So, it's just we just need to make sure we're tickling all of those synopsis. >> Yeah. And I'll I'll tack on to that cuz I agree. And I think especially [laughter] Sorry, Erin's not here. She's very lucky tonight. Um, >>
046it's like [laughter] >> but I think with math especially, I mean, I have appreciated the bridges and seeing the worksheets and I've emphasized to my own kids of showing your work and that's an important thing and you know that's the majority of math, not just that final answer. And so, um, I think just making sure we keep that balance even with the introduction of Otis is going to be we'll see how that plays out. I know my son's teacher already talked about that too, that logging the answers in the computer helps them with the grading side, but he's going to require all work be shown on paper in addition, which kind of finds some of that balance where the grading and the official stuff can be fast, but we don't lose the the pen and
047paper. So, I think the teachers are they're working on that, figuring out the balance, and hopefully they're going to share some lessons learned with each other. >> Excellent. Okay. From uh the secondary reports um from Miss Greenway, they um are building off last year's motto, which was every minute matters. This year it's every moment matters. and and I did get a chance to see her talk to both the middle school students and the high school students at their welcome back assembly. They talked about that theme and and just taking advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you. Um they had their barbecue tonight again as several of you got to see. Um both schools have done book fairs already. Um, as far as homecoming week this year, it begins September 14th and so
048the student council is already planning activities. Um, you know, power and powderpuff games. I think the the question of the day is will the bonfire take place or not based on the um the parking lot situation at Stanley Park and honestly just the safety of our uh our community and with it being such a dry year. Um so they might have a chance to be creative and celebrate a different way. So that's still on its way to be discovered. As far as the academic growth and achievement, um, both schools were wrapping up the NWEA and MAP testing today. I actually got to sit with a couple families today that were asking their kids how it how it went. Um, they didn't roll their eyes too bad, so hopefully they showed they gave it a good
049go. Um, every Tuesday and Thursday will be their win advisory classes at the high school. um at the middle school when will also include student rotations for math and reading intervention as well as our social emotional learning. Um they're talking about how the intervention classes in math and reading as well as academic enrichment are in both schools. They're using I ready math and read naturally and read live for that curriculum. Um the freshman seminar this year um basically in reviewing their data over the last two years the team decided that they just needed some more support and how to be scholars, how to stay organized, how to take ownership of their own learning. So, it feels to me like the uh focus was very much on some of those global outcomes, but teaching them how.
050Like it looks great on a poster that we want them to be creative. We want them to communicate, but this focus was actually teaching them how. And so, eager to hear how that part goes with real world learning. Um, basically some focus on the roars. Again, it's not just for elementary that we can expect our older kids to show that level of respect and ownership and attentiveness. Um I mentioned the CT courses. The high school is increasing the number of courses. Um both the middle and the high school are going to work on the um individual career and academic planning. That's the IAP. Um that's something I'm again learn looking forward to learning more and more about as the elementary focused leader. Um and then Bobcat go days. I know we've talked about that a
051little bit previously that those are kind of an extension of win but really focused on the the elements that are not as academic in nature. they're super important and so we're setting aside time so it doesn't interrupt the other but it it will address those opportunities. Um when it comes to the wellness um she was excited to talk about the panorama platform with salera that should improve some of the MTSS decision making because it's going to keep things more organized when it comes to evaluating the data. So that is a brief summary of the report she shared to me. Questions or comments? >> Um so yeah, at the back to school night tonight, um Sonia mentioned that today was the first Bobcat Go day with the MAPS testing. So that was great. Um I'm also
052excited about the introduction of that freshman seminar um this year. So, look forward to feedback on on how that goes. I was curious cuz I think in the report it looked like it was cut off, but said there was new CTE course offerings, but I didn't see it said include and then it dropped off. So, I wasn't sure what those were. Do you know, David? >> No, I don't I don't have a list of those. I just know that um something that Brian and I were talking about was um a stipen for those teachers and we needed to make sure that we had a scale for how many classes they were doing and so I know the offerings are increasing but I don't have the class names with me. >> I think the other thing
053I I noticed this year just when one of the newsletters that came out is the gifted and talented. It looks like this year we have site leads in each school which I think is that's new and I think that's really great and excited to kind of see Rachel have that help in each of the buildings and have that point of contact in that. So um yeah just good to see some of these improvements. Um, I wanted to talk a little bit more about the go days and the freshman seminar and the wind time and um, it sounds like a lot of unstructured time and I just wonder, you know, for the freshman seminar, is there a curriculum that we're using or is it just kind of, okay, this is today's lesson and now you can
054work on your homework and then nobody works on their homework and the kids who get bored easily are frustrated and you know the kids who need help are embarrassed that they need help. I don't know. I just um I know a lot of kids have had those experiences with that kind of these kind of loosely structured times. So I hope that um they sound great, right? But it all depends on how it's implemented. And so I just want to make sure that we're looking out for all of our students like what I need. Now, if some kids need tutoring, well, let's make sure the kids that need challenges are also getting extra challenges and not just given free time or, you know, things like that. So, and the same with the freshman seminar. Um, yeah,
055there is a lot of stuff that they could be taught, but they need to have a plan for what they're going to teach these kids for test taking skills and study skills and this is how we do note cards and you're going to everybody's going to do them now and not just like, okay, does that make sense? You know, I mean, sorry if I'm [laughter] I'm a strict mom. I'm sorry, but [laughter] I just feel like uh the kids need structure and this is their time in school and let's make sure we're every moment matters, right? >> Thank you. >> Just Sonia earlier today when she was explaining this, she she kind of said in the past assemblies have always been disruptive and the idea here is save these days. Don't do the assemblies disrupting
056all the other days. Save them for this go day so that all the rest of them remain on schedule in class undisrupted. That's the idea behind it. >> Good. So, how often are the go days? >> Once a month. >> And there will always be something planned on the go day. So, the go day isn't a loss either. Okay. Awesome. I think we've been through a lot of cycles. One um calling these days different things over the years. Yes. >> Right. We keep changing it and changing it and revamping it. Right. Like reflecting and then revamping. >> So I I think that's I can hear that's coming from >> that. Yeah. I hear that's where that's coming from. Just making sure we're dialed in using the time wisely. >> Yeah. I mean, we restructured the
057the time schedule and the class requirements to prevent students from having so many free periods, right? So, now it sounds like we're building free periods into their schedule. So, let's try not to Yeah, just making sure I get all my homework for next time. Um, that that's all I have from the secondary report. The then if there's no other questions, I'll go into Nolan's athletic report. As soon as the Wi-Fi works, Chris jinxed it for me. I was going to print all these, but she said if the Wi-Fi goes down, the meeting is over. So, [laughter] >> yeah, you have ones. Oh, here it came up. All right. All right. Boys golf. Oh, thanks. Look at that. Uh, boys golf. We have 12 golfers registered. Um, he's got them all named in there. A few
058teacher names. I recognize last name. boys soccer. Uh that practice started August 10th and there are 16 registered players for that. Um team will then play at the uh Dick Sporting Goods Park against Rocky Mountain Lutheran August 27th. So that's coming up pretty soon. Cheer and dance uh has 10 athletes registered for that. Um they expect to have 12 during the winter season. Cross country practice is underway with 15 athletes registered for that. Um yeah, we're hoping we can work out some kinks with our own um Estus Park Invitational because the golf course has traditionally been closed by October and they are extending staying opening. So right now there's some conflicts. So we got to work that out and see what happens. Uh there football practice is underway. 22 athletes registered for that. Um they
059have their first game at Clear Creek on Thursday, August 27th. And then volleyball is underway with 17 athletes registered. So, a lot of kids staying busy. Uh at the middle school level, boys soccer started practice. 24 kids on the team there. Uh they kick off on Friday, August 28th. Cross country has 15 kids registered. Football has 23 and then swimming and diving practice is also underway with 17 kids registered for that. Um, I will say I also got uh Oh, good. I I can add to Nolan's report. There was an issue with the diving board at the rec center and they fixed that already. So, I was really worried it was going to slow things down. Um, but they were able to get that fixed. And then with volleyball, they actually have 39 athletes out
060for the volleyball team. So that is a lot of energy. What you as a father of a daughter who was into athletics, that's a lot of energy. So good luck to those coaches. Um uh coming up, we've got, you know, senior senior banner photos. Um the fall sports pictures, of course, I mentioned homecoming, the parade. Um the game is on the 18th, so get ready for that big event. And um yeah, with Nolan and I are also talking about too just the importance of getting the uh uniforms and the equipment returned at the end um based on kids don't um pay a fee that you know refurbishes those jerseys. So we've got to do other creative ways. Got 2 million in the bank. We could buy some sweet jerseys with that. sort of. So, that's
061what I've got for the athletic report. Any questions or comments? >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Were you sweating? >> I might have known more about sports than anything else. >> Yeah, right. All right. Moving on to agenda item 34. Uh, board reports. Director Wis, I have nothing to report. Director Shucket >> um attended finance meeting and the master planning executive committee earlier today. Awesome. >> Director Roberts uh attended the all staff welcome breakfast and the back to school night tonight. >> All right, Director Wedki, >> I did the same. [laughter] >> Awesome. Um I attended uh President's Board Cafe from Cassby. It's a sponsored event that will um all board presidents across the state can attend. um once a month and this uh week's topic was return to school and what boards are doing to
062prepare and for the upcoming school year. Moving on to agenda item four, consent agenda. There are three items on the consent agenda this evening. 41, meeting minutes, June 9th, 2026 and June 22nd, 2026. 42, August personnel list. 43, EL2, emergency superintendent of school succession. Are there any items a board member would like to pull from the consent agenda for discussion prior to approval of the consent agenda? Seeing none, is there a motion and second to approve the consent agenda? >> I move to approve the consent agenda. >> Is there a second? >> I second. >> We have a motion and second. Chris, please conduct a board roll call. >> Director Fere, >> I. >> Director Roberts, >> I. Director Shawett >> I. >> Director Rerski >> I. >> Director Wis >> I. >> Eyes carry
063the vote. Consent agenda is approved. Moving on to agenda item five. Action items. There are no action items this evening. Moving on to agenda item six. Upcoming meetings. The board's next work session is September 1st, 2026 3:30 p.m. at the admin building. Moving on to agenda item 7, adjournment. Would a board member make a motion to adjurnn? >> I move to adjurnn. Is there a second? >> I second. We're adjourned. Thank you everyone. Right. Was I grumpy to me?