001Welcome to the Eagle County School District Board of Education meeting Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. Please join me for the Pledge of Allegiance. All right, we're going to start tonight with the consent agenda. The consent agenda includes routine non-controversial items approved by the board through a single motion and vote. And tonight we have um approval of our minutes from the last meeting, approval of the personnel list, some monitoring reports which we discussed in work session, and um approval of renewal of internet connectivity for all district facilities. Um sounds like we're going to get the internet and get some money back. So, thanks, Jack. Appreciate it. Um do I hear a motion? >> I move to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. >> Thank you, Juan. Thank you, Lou. >> Natalia. >> Miss Alter. >>
002I >> Miss Conlin. >> I >> Miss Gluck. >> I >> Mr. McQueeney. >> I >> Mr. Peña. >> I >> Miss Eva Cardenas. >> I >> Thank you. The motion passes 6-0. >> Thank you, Natalia. Is everything okay? Um we're going to start tonight with the report from the superintendent. >> Thank you, Madam President. We'll get that up here on the on the board. Uh have some exciting news to share. Three of our schools have received CDE state level honors. Brush Creek Elementary and World Academy Elementary are both recipients of the John Irwin Award, which is given to schools that have achieved exceptional academic achievement over time. And Berry Creek Middle School has a center of excellence award where at least 75% of the school would be considered at risk pupils and they've demonstrated
003the highest rates of student longitudinal growth in the state. So, want to give kudos to to the staff, the students, principal at each of those schools. The award ceremony will be in in Denver the afternoon of April 28th. So, I know that the principals will be down there. Somebody from our team or or multiple people from our team will be present to get some photos and and celebrate that occasion for those those three schools. So, that's that's a big deal to have those schools honored. So, congratulations to them. On to updates, this was the week at the state capital that the long bill was introduced. This is the big budget and it includes the school finance act. Thus far, K-12 has held strong in in keeping our budget without cuts. Everything else in the state
004has been cut dramatically, but we've been advocating really hard at CASE, Colorado Association of School Executives, CEA, the teachers union, CASB, the Association of School Boards. We've all banded together to try to keep our funding solid. So, it's looking like it won't be cut. That doesn't mean that's going to be a windfall. It just means that we've already made the cuts we need to make and and should be relatively stable now with what the the state has allocated. We still got a month left of the legislative session, so let's not get too excited. That's a lot of time to screw things up. So, we'll we'll keep an eye on it. Bryson and I are almost done with our school visits. We did one this morning. We have one more next Wednesday. HPS will be our
005final one and then we'll be wrapped up with I think a total of 26 visits. So, lots of information shared with our our staff around the the district. Uh we're in the middle of CMAS, PSAT, and SAT testing windows. Uh so, uh want to say thank you to all of our our students who have been working hard uh taking those tests, demonstrating what they know, uh and those end up reflecting on the uh grade for each of our schools. So, they're really the ones who um carry the reputation of their schools on their shoulders. And I know it's a lot of work. It sometimes is a bit short to take those tests, but they're important. And uh to our staff for being patient in the administration and making sure that we're in compliance. So, uh
006that will will have wrapped up before we head out to April break. So, there'll be additional testing next week. Also wanted to keep you in the loop that I did meet with uh Dr. Casey Summers today. We're on a on a cadence where we're checking in weekly. So, we had an hour-long meeting today, and he's up to up to date on all the important information happening in Eagle County Schools. So, it should be a nice smooth handoff uh for Casey. That's all I've got for today. Thank you. >> Thank you, Superintendent Qualman. Um next we have board reports. Does anyone have a report this evening? >> I actually want to give a quick shout-out to Eagle Valley Middle School. It's the first time in history that they have won the wrestling championship. And um Gypsum
007Creek Middle School is known for just like winning every year. I guess they have an amazing wrestling team. So, that was a big win for Eagle Valley Middle School. Those boys uh work really hard, and they deserve it. So, it was it was fun. Thank you. >> Thank you, Lou. Anyone else? >> Just a couple highlights of the uh consent agenda. Part of that is the personnel list and a couple of retirees actually from Eagle Valley Middle School. Sandy Drexler and Mary Liebowitz, they've both been in the district for a long time and it would be a shame to lose them out of the school and out of the district, but I'm sure they'll enjoy retirement as much as I do. Um, the other piece that I did attend the meeting again with the Bryson
008and Phil show again. And it's interesting to hear their little nuances as they've done 30 or so of them. And this morning just picking up a couple little pieces of, you know, feedback that they continue to take a look at and one of the positives was we really were looking at absenteeism this past year and we've moved that needle 9% in the positive direction. So, that's good. We still need to get kids in school every day because that's where learning happens. And with that it was looking at how many days we do spend spend in school and the Colorado average is only 150 days. Nationally, it's 180 days and we're at about 170 right now. So, you know, it's would be nice to get up to the national average and certainly not to the Colorado
009average. So, that's going to take our whole community to get involved and make sure we're doing the right things for all our students and families. So, thanks. >> Thank you very much, Harry. Anyone else? Rachel? >> Just a couple things. There were students who came here from Eagle Valley Middle School working with what is it? student voice, civic engagement, and they presented how they wanted to have anchors May-A-Way. Am I saying it right? Um, for partners in the community to come to give enrichment education, and they worked really hard, and they passed it. And so, Lou's going to be doing pickleball, I'm going to be doing yoga, and there's going to be a lot of other people coming, and I saw one of the students who presented yesterday at um the Vail Library, and she
010really is a student who is working on civic engagement because she was volunteering with the Literacy Project and helping with reading buddies, and I just thought it was so awesome, and she was so excited that um we're doing this. And then last week, I got to be a chaperone with uh Lauren Powell's first grade class with Walking Mountains, and I've been here for 7 years, and I actually admittedly have never been to Walking Mountains, and it was an incredible experience, and I'm so grateful that our schools are partnering with them, and they learned what travels faster, light or sound. And it was really cool to see the first graders being so engaged. So. >> Thank you so much. Anyone else? All right. Um I wanted to quickly say um since the last meeting, there were
011two events that um really to me pointed out um how great our community is at at collaborating when there is a big issue. I um organized by Habitat for Humanity, Finding Our Way Home Housing Collaborative is working on um figuring out how we can help housing in the valley, and um organized by Vail Symposium, they had an Education in America night um where so many people from our community showed up trying to learn more about education and what we can do to help, um, education here in our district and our state. So, thank you so much to all of the community members that care so much. Um, all right. So, next we are going to have public participation. Thank you to everyone who's here tonight. We always appreciate hearing from the community. Um, as a
012reminder, we're limited to 3 minutes per per individual. Secretary McQueeny. >> And we have two this evening. Uh, we'll start the first one with Madeline and she her topic is AI in classrooms. Madeline, you needed to turn on that microphone. There's a little button there with a little push me button there. >> Perfect. Yeah, wonderful. Okay. Uh, good evening to my audience, to the ECSD staff present, and to the board. My name is Madeline Cardona. I am currently a student at Eagle Valley High School and I'm seeing a problem. As AI systems such as ChatGPT and Gemini become more and more effective, I see AI being integrated into classrooms in new and unique ways. This in and of itself isn't bad. It's teaching kids to use these tools, these novel tools, in ethical and effective
013manners. The issue I'm noticing comes in the form of choice. AI is a tool. Adjacent to a calculator, students can choose to use a calculator in class or they can solve equations by hand. The same should be true of AI tools. But unfortunately, it isn't. Four times this year, I have been given assignments that require the use of AI, and every time I have chosen to conscientiously object for personal reasons. Despite the number of AI assignments I've been handed, I've only been provided with alternate classwork to complete one time. Naturally, my objections to AI have put zeros in the gradebook because I haven't been completing the assignments. But, that means my grade is being artificially depressed, and the body of evidence meant to be reflective of my knowledge and understanding has been completely taken away.
014One zero in the gradebook may not affect certain students, but can disproportion- but others can be disproportionately impacted by it. The fact that there's no unifying policy regulating the use of AI in the classroom means that teachers means that different teachers have different rules, which can become convoluted and difficult for the student body to follow on broad scales. Teachers get left with no rules and no guidelines to create their own policies on, leaving them in a sort of limbo as well. These aren't all of the issues, but I don't believe I have time to cover all of them. This brings me to a potential solution. Students who object to the use of AI in classrooms should have their choices protected as well as be given a fair grade based on their knowledge and understanding. I
015believe creating a policy that, upon request, requires teachers to provide students objecting to the use of AI with an alternate assignment to fulfill the learning objective would ensure that students' grades are fair and reflective of their knowledge and skills. In no way should any policy barricade teachers from creating assignments that leverage AI tools, nor should it prevent students willing from using nor should it prevent students completing assignments using AI from doing so. I don't have much else to say, but I would like to thank everyone present for taking the time to hear my voice on behalf of the Eagle-Vail district student body. Any consideration of this idea is greatly appreciated and brings the district one step closer to treating every student with with equity and equality. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> And
016our second presenter this afternoon will be Tim the Chicken Man with no apparent topic, but he'll tell us. >> I'm Tim McMahon. Uh so, with what's happened the last couple weeks, um with some overdoses, just want to let everyone know that you can get Narcan. I encourage it. Um if you need some, Eagle County Paramedics just got a big batch. Um you can call ahead to make sure they have some at 970-926-5270. Um they'll confirm it for you. Just drive over to Edwards is where they have a pick up. That way you don't have to wait for it or pay $45 at City Market for it. Um the other thing, you're awesome. Like, I've been coming to these meetings for a long time and I've never spoken even close to like that good. So, keep
017it up. And you're a freshman? >> Yeah, that's that's awesome. But, that's it. >> Thank you to everyone. Again, we appreciate you coming in. Um we are going to move on to new and old business. Um we have a lot of tentative topics for our next Board of Education meeting on May 13th. Um executive session um with superintendent goals and negotiation update. And then work session has a budget work session, strategic plan, discipline policy review, student voice, personal device discussion, and healthy kids Colorado results. Would anyone like to add anything else to the agenda? Anything you'd like to learn or have questions about? >> Can I just request something really quick before she leaves? Marty, do you mind emailing me what you just um said out loud? Is that something you can email to to
018the board? That'd be awesome. Whenever you have a chance, I would like to to have it, too. >> Send it to Natalia. >> Send Yeah, she'll give you the email. Thank you so Thank you so much. >> This way we can all get it. >> Yeah. Um >> Thank you, Lou. Thank you. Um Anyone else? >> So looking at the future, one of the other items on our consent agenda was all the technology um you know, pieces that we have. And one of the drivers that saves us money and over 70% that uh we heard about was uh the free and reduced lunch form. Um is There are so many different mechanisms that that helps students and families between sports and costs of things and and and helps the district also get funding. Um can
019we get more information of How can we really promote that and get every you know, family to be able to fill that out because that's one driver that will be able to infuse some supports into uh our system. You know, and Jack was saying that, you know, we saved when he first came in um with the forms, it was only like 60% that we were saving, and we're up to 70%. He's heard of another district that actually can get 80%. So, you know, I think it's part of that piece of if we were able to get those forms in from all of our students and families, not only would they be supported better, but they would help support the schools a little better. So, if we could find out more information on that. >> I
020think Terry's kind of going on something too is if we could come up with or help come up with a plan for next year when school starts, at least we have something rolling that I don't know another avenue to try and get it filled out. >> All right. Thanks, guys. Anyone else? Um I had something, actually. In years past, we've had presentations on summer school. Can we um get a little I know it's um a little smaller than last year, but I would love to hear what we're doing this year. All right. Um we will move on to our first presentation of the evening, and it is a big one. We have DAC recommendations presentation. Um DAC is the District Accountability Advisory Committee, and um it includes community members, staff, often students even, and um
021we are really excited to hear from you. Our presenter tonight is Ms. Brooke Cole. Thank you for being here. Brooke, will you turn on your microphone, please? Thank you. How about now? That's better. I thought I was so loud. Um I'm Brooke Cole and I'm the principal at Brush Creek Elementary and also the DAC chairperson this year. Um, I'll just give the quick overview and you've seen um, the recommendations. Hopefully you had a chance to review those. Um, we were really tasked with finding um, some high-impact strategies that would not cost anything. So, I know in the past we have asked for FTE and all of those things are very important and we heard them um, meeting over meeting. Um, but we uh, pulled back a little bit and we're thinking some big picture kind
022of strategy items. Thank you for pulling that up. Um, and so, um, I'm going to let Zach introduce himself and we may have Caitlin joining us as well and they'll chime in in a little bit and then I'll wrap it up at the end. >> Hello. Uh, my name is Zach Stevens. I'm a parent of a student at Red Sandstone Elementary School. And I had the uh, opportunity to serve on the DAC committee, uh, which was a privilege. And first and foremost, I want to thank the eco school, um, district itself, the teachers, maintenance operations, uh, admin, etc. for such a a great undertaking and top line like a very high efficient like run organization. So, I guess at the end our recommendations came at a high level, uh, and as Brooke put kind of
023like low-hanging fruit that wouldn't cost too much. Um, so, uh, speaking as a member of the the general public, uh, kind of just dipping my toes into the operations of a school district that large, uh, first and foremost, I was informed greatly, um, in terms of uh, the financial funding, uh, both at the state and the local level and how often times they compete. Um, so, I guess with that, that's kind of like a a touchstone through all these points is that just the public messaging, uh, the information provided to the public, uh, uh, could lack a better descriptor be better uh, in the sense that I'm fairly informed and engaged individual, but still found new information in this this committee itself. Um, Brooke, I'm not sure if you want me to carry on, but
024>> No, carry on. Yeah, you're good. You're good. Carry on. >> Um, so I mean I actually probably don't have much else to offer on that. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah, so the first two points really do touch on just really increasing public understanding of all the complexities of school funding, which we kept that was the theme was funding throughout every presentation. And so just trying to capture that um, we definitely think is important and that's one way that we could benefit all of the schools and our departments by just allowing more information, clear understanding to the public. Um, the second point again just advocating for those sustainable funding solutions, which we talked a lot about internally, but making sure that um, our community understands that and the implications it's having on our schools and all
025of the budgets, which we talked about at every presentation. Um, and our community members at DAC were every time so surprised and and so appreciative of all the work that everyone's doing with the limited funds, but um, just that was the message that we that more people need to know this. We need to tell our neighbors. And so that we wanted to hear for sure. Um, and so that goes down to the third point about improving communication. We have great communication. Our communication department shared all the different ways that they um, provide that transparent communication, but just just we wanted you to hear that that continues to be something that um, we talked about every single meeting. When facilities would come, we'd have a whole discussion after about well, we didn't know that. How how
026can we help? How can we learn more? So, communication is definitely key. Sorry, just looking for Caitlin. Um and then the fourth one pivots then to student engagement, which we of course talk about um a lot with engagement and belonging and attendance. So, just continuing to do all of the things that we have in place. Um The the committee members felt like that was a point that could really carry across um lots of needs and lots of things, mental health, um all of our data and achievements. So, that kind of um was captured here. And we wanted to make sure that that needed to continue to be very important and highlighted. And then finally, um we talked a lot about mental health. Um that was a big presentation and very eye-opening um and and us
027needing more support, obviously. Very happy with the school-based therapy program, but um just continuing to encourage some partnerships um within our community. We had DAC members that were able to make connections um with people during meetings and wanting to see, you know, just next steps. So, um they wanted to make sure that that was um presented to you that that is still very important and while we may not be able to afford more, what can we do um with what we have and the connections in our community. I think those were kind of our big big points. Again, that were not going to cost a whole lot um and I think the theme is around just continued communication and partnership. So, yes, that was about 10 meetings, um 30-plus hours put in a very quick
028nutshell, but um do you have questions for us? You've also seen all the presentations, too. So, I know you know a lot of this information, but this These are our recommendations um for the board to consider. >> So, the clear communication with communities, did they feel as though schools communicated well? Like their own home school, but more district, or where was the disconnect? >> Yeah, I mean, I can speak to that. Red Sandstone, the school that my son goes to, communicates very clearly to us, you know, weekly newsletters, updates, information, not only on the just the goings-on of school days, but operations itself. So, I mean, I feel like I can only speak for myself, but maybe the home school is a little bit clearer or more direct cuz our investment is so direct to
029them, as well. But, at the at the county level, I mean, I receive very little communication or information provided. I mean, I guess kind of like a as an ancillary, my son has an IEP, and I was not informed of all the services provided until he was put into the program. And so, when we talked about that fifth bullet point about the family support and you know, creating a nurturing environment not only for the student, but also the family to tie them in and to, you know, advocate for them. You know, just being more up front at the county level as to the services available for you know, the support of the student and the family itself would go a long way, I believe. >> And that's a great question. I think most members felt
030like they did receive great communication from their school, but when we have a lot of maybe elementary members hearing the high school presentations were so eye-opening and learning about all the different career options and just all of the services that we provide as a district when they were sort of focused in on a school level. So, perhaps leveraging the school more, I mean, I work at a school. I don't know why I'm asking for more work, but um, using that great communication we already have with parents to be able to share more about maybe schools in our feeder pattern um, or district events, things like that. >> Ah, hi. Um, what would it look like for you as a principal for us to get that information to you to work directly with the schools? Like
031are you not getting that information? Like so it comes from the district, then it goes to the principal, then it goes to the parent, like what would you think would be helpful? >> Yeah, I mean we receive a ton of information. I think it's just maybe making um, more of a community approach or collaborative, like this is going to be a goal for us and let's all, you know, twice a month we're sharing things that are happening at the middle school, that we're promoting things at the high school. They still do a great job, too. I mean I receive the high school newsletter, so I don't share it on, but if that was one of our goals and we felt like we could capture more um, going that route, I think just being um, very
032clear about what the expectations are and and how it can benefit us as a district would be awesome. And it's it's really not more work for me. The information's already there. It's just kind of gathering it and sharing it out. And they get sick of emails from me, too, but I know we we did talk about that each school has a different way of communicating, but everyone really appreciates their own school and and from teachers they they feel connected, so yeah. >> Um, have you ever read the Trail Marker or have heard of that? >> The like the newsletter, the Trail Marker? You heard >> You know, I I have, um, but no, I've not necessarily been a frequent reader of it, I should say. >> And what got you involved in DAC? >> Uh,
033I think it was just the the ongoing experience with my son in his school Um, and just being like well I need to be a little bit more proactive and involved. So I mean that was kind of a personal challenge put upon myself which you know frankly a lot of parents don't undertake. So my experience in involvement into getting informed is been eye-opening so I just wish that every parent had that opportunity even though they don't want to volunteer for DAC primarily mostly. >> So fine now. >> It was very little commitment and a lot of reward but still nights. >> Are you coming back next year? >> I would like to. >> Okay. >> So >> Now I I I ran that for quite a while and that was one of our biggest things
034was trying to get more parents to come because it does give a wealth of information about the entire district. So as an elementary parent you hear from middle school, high school and then all the departments which is really eye-opening. You know so the more people that we can get involved and come to meetings that already exist you know and that would be you kind of like cheerleading along the way too of how much you have learned because it sounds like you got a lot out of this. >> Yeah yeah. Now I would imagine that a keystone would be consistency and familiar faces throughout. I mean yes you have eight plus years as a parent in the school system so turnover is not like that high but at the same time the participation is probably very
035low so. >> We had about um 10 to 12 members that were consistent which you know across the list is like 50 people so to have 10 at best that was consistent was it was that was challenging right but everyone that came was um they definitely expressed that it was eye-opening, you know, from a a variety of reasons. So, yeah. >> I want to thank you for the time that you put into to this process. I realize it's a lot of meetings. It's a lot of information. Uh but your your feedback's really important and and Brooke, thank you for running it. Uh and I've included the summary in my my running agenda uh with Dr. Casey Summers. So, I meet with him weekly. So, this will be part of of his uh his edification of
036what's going on in Hugo County schools. So, when he comes in next year, this list will be uh at the top of the pile. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, guys. >> Brooke, can I have another question? >> Oh, another question. >> I'm like away from Mike cuz it's like super loud. See? Uh no, it's not super loud. Um so, like on the communication is there anything keeping us from using like relaying some of this information through the third-party apps like ClassDojo and some of the ones that the teachers use? Um cuz you like say schools council, we get it on school website, we get it on Facebook, we get the email. Um teachers should be able to put that out there cuz I know parents are going to see that first cuz they see
037it's a message right from their teacher and they look at that right away. Um is there anything keeping us from using those third-party apps that the teachers are using? Matt. >> I I I can't speak to ClassDojo. I mean, the tools that I have at my disposal are the website, social media, and then we call everyone, we email everyone, and we text everyone on the the contact information that we have. So, the short answer would be no. I mean, or yes, teachers could do that, but that I don't use ClassDojo. So, that is not, you know, a tool in my toolbox. Could teachers echo a message that we send? Sure, but like Brooke said, I don't want to go making more work. You know, the thought is that the five ways we try to let
038people know they'll understand it's a snow day, but it it doesn't always work. So >> I'm just thinking I'm just thinking out loud and sometimes it hurts to do that. Um but you know, I mean maybe if the teacher takes that extra step could help or even you know, on your your case you say um we had your kid has an IEP, let's talk about it or you know, there there's got to be more communication. Teachers have the access. Um should they take that upon? If they're going to use the app, might as well take that extra step. I'm going to go tell my daughter that on my way home. >> Okay, great. Well, thank you so much for all the time. Thank you for running it. Um do I hear a motion? >> Yeah,
039I'll just make a motion. >> Yes. >> Let me find it. >> Uh I move to accept DAC recommendations as presented. >> Thank you, Lou, and thank you, Juan. Natalia? Ms. Alter? >> I Ms. Conlin? >> I. >> Ms. Glowacki? >> I. >> Mr. McQueeney? >> I. >> Mr. Pena? >> I. >> Ms. Divacunas? >> I. >> Thank you, the motion passes 6-0. Thank you so much. >> Thank you for being here tonight. Um next we are moving on to approval of second amendment to Eagle County Charter Academy contract and Superintendent Qualman is going to give us a few details on this one. >> Thank you, Madam President. So, the charter school has several different elements uh in terms of contracts and MOUs. They have their original charter. Uh they have a land grant. Uh
040then they have some uh MOUs that we've added over time making some some slight amendments. Um, the request here is to bring into alignment their actual charter language with their land grant date. Uh, the land grant is uh, set to expire in 2051, but we can renew that in 2051. And their charter is set to expire in 2040. So, this would extend uh, 11 years their charter to get to 2051. Uh, we still have in place uh, the the annual presentation and annual review to make sure that they're meeting the elements of their charter. We also have a a 5-year uh, close examination of the charter and and review. So, that cycle hasn't changed at all. Uh, what they're trying to do is is to just bring into alignment some of these different pieces and
041make it more convenient for them to to plan long-term and align the land grant with the the the charter itself. >> All right, sounds good. Thank you so much for explaining all of that. Um, this is an action item. Is there a motion? Oh, no. Well, I can I can do it. I move that the Board of Education approve the second amendment to the charter school contract between Eagle County School District RE-500J and Eagle County Charter Academy as presented. >> Second. >> Thank you, Lou. Uh, Natalia. Ms. Alter. >> I. >> Ms. Conlin. >> I. >> Ms. Glowacki. >> I. >> Mr. McQueeney. >> I. >> Mr. Peña. >> I. >> Ms. Uribe-Quintero. >> I. >> Thank you. The motion passes 6-0. >> Thank you, Natalia. Um next we have Ms. Adele Wilson. She is
042going to present on the non-renewal process. Thank you. >> Hello, team. It is on. Um the majority of you have been through this process before, so I think you're fairly familiar. So, really, um Rachel, this is training for you. Um but it is always good to go through the reminder each year. It is a process that is put in place for probationary educators, and those are educators who are certified staff who are in their first 3 years of employment. And in the those first 3 years of employment, they can have their contract non-renewed for any reason or no reason at all. The majority of those individuals are um interim contracts, and those interim contracts are folks who have accepted a 1-year contract many times because um someone is out on a leave of absence for
043a year, or maybe there is um some changes that are going to be happening in a school. This year we will have um based on our budgetary constraints, we will have more non-renewals than usual because we are doing the um staffing reductions. So, we will have some more that were not expected at the beginning of the school year. But we do go through a very strict process with this, and we um ensure that nobody in a protected class is having any of their rights um harmed. And so, it is a lot of conversation with principals, between principals and myself, and then we review, we make sure everything is above board. We do something that not every school district does. We do notify staff members usually in the months of um March and April that their
044contract will be non-renewed at the end of the school year. And this is not a step that is um a legal requirement, but is something that we feel, you know, from the heart to do in order to have folks have the opportunity to search for other employment elsewhere. Then, we double-check again. I have so many conversations with the principals and supervisors over and over and over and repeatedly. And then, I have that list prepared. I present it to to Phil so that he can take a look at it, and then it ultimately comes to you guys. And we usually try to do those the first um board meeting of May. So, May 13th, you guys will be presented with with lists of non-renewals. Our strong recommendation is that you move forward with that list. You
045can, as the board, decide to non-renew the entire list. You can pull names off. You can non-renew some, not all. It does make it a little more complicated, so we do strongly recommend, along with legal counsel strongly recommends, that you non-renew the entire list. At that meeting, we may have some staff members who show up, and they would like to appeal their non-renewal. We recommend to those individuals that they do that in an executive session so that they are telling you about their their story, their history, they bring in um their concerns forward with maybe their evaluation process, but we do recommend to them that we do that in executive session. This is not an opportunity for really back and forth. You are hearing what they say, thanking them for their time, and then in
046regular session is when you would move forward with the approval of the non-renewal. There are times when somebody might come and they want to speak to you in public open session. We really don't recommend that because there's some personal information that they may not wish to have on record. We ask them if they do wish to move forward with that that they waive their rights and they understand that it's an open session, that they are no longer it's not private, that this is now on the record. We shall see what happens on the 13th. I um we don't know. Usually we know in advance that if anybody is going to show up and we visit with them and we explain things again and it is their their right to do. But again, on May 13th,
047you have that in open regular session along with the personnel list and we recommend that you move forward with the list as is because we have done our due diligence in ensuring that the process has been followed. Do you guys have any questions? No. Not yet. No. No. Maybe maybe on that day. >> Just one. >> Yes, one. >> Um I just uh So, if someone is non-renewed because of budget cuts, are they on that list? >> Mhm. Yes. >> And so like they got Okay. That's sad. >> Now, I think one of the other things that non-renewed does that mean that they got fired? That >> No, it's a contract non-renewal and state statute is that within their first three years of employment that is something that is a possibility. Um we often have
048conversations with the staff though that we do recommend that they may be resigned instead because perhaps they're seeking employment outside of the district and one of the questions on many employment applications with other districts is have you been non-renewed from a former district? And in the um competitive nature of of this world that we live in, if you mark yes, I have been non-renewed, you may count yourself out of even getting an an interview, even if it is for something along the lines of a budget reduction, which is happening, unfortunately, across the state. But we we do advise folks that they they choose to resign over being non-renewed because then that question they can say, "I have not been non-renewed." Any other questions? >> Thank you, Adele. >> You're welcome. No worries. >> All right,
049next we have approval of capital improvements utilizing our bond funds, Mr. Joe Rein. >> Yo, Joe. >> Thanks for being here. >> Thank you. I'm not up here very often. And I kind of like sitting over there. Uh I have two items tonight. Uh one is requesting to use approximately $3 million in bond funds, uh which was appropriated for facility uh improvements to replace some roofs, some boilers, and a lighting upgrade at Battle Mountain High School. Um I did have uh a roofing contractor out, and they evaluated the entire district. So, that gave me a really good um road map on how and what roofs are needed. And I also did the same with uh a boiler contractor as well. So, we know how to use the money the most wisely and where it's needed
050the most. And Battle Mountain uh it's a building-wide lighting control system that from my understanding is when the building was built, it was at the end of its life and ended right after it was installed. And if this particular item goes out, we cannot control the lighting in the building. Yeah. Any questions? >> Does this include the roof of VSSA? >> It does. And we did apply for a best grant to help with the roof of VSSA as well. >> Can I take my question? >> Um Um I had a question about the bond. Um where we are with spending on the bond, and how and this is about 3 million of it. How much um we've spent, how much is left? >> The bond that you're referring to is the 2023 bond that the
051community passed for a hundred million dollars. Most of that bond went to pay for the Gypsum Early Learning Center, Gypsum Flats housing units, the upper floor of Edwards Early Learning Centers renovation. Uh 5 million was set aside for safety and security upgrades under under Tad Degan. And uh a small portion of it to use for um infrastructure at Maloy Park, roads, utilities, etc. With all of that budgeted, we had a few million dollars left over. That's what we're talking about right here. So, um the way that the language was written in the bond, it did give us the flexibility to address some general maintenance concerns, which is how we're able to use that money for these projects. Without having that additional uh revenue uh and that language specifically written into the bond, we wouldn't be
052able to address these projects right now. So, um yeah, there's there's not going to be much left in the bond after this. >> That's why we have enough to cover it. We wouldn't be taking any money from >> Correct. >> another fund. >> Correct. Good question. >> And then also I the um roofing report was impressive. It was very detailed on every single roof and every single building that the district owns. And um this 3 million would not cover every single roof that's noted in that report. >> Not even close. So this would just you would be picking or the report actually prioritizes. And so you would be managing which ones would need it the most with VSSA being at the top of the list. >> Okay. >> And the report even broke out buildings
053per roof. If there's different levels of roof, this one's okay, this one's a need, we can fix the small portion and then use funds for other things. >> Yeah. >> So my first go around with that was a $50,000 cost. And I got this whole proposal done for a little over 8,000. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> Um and and then once this is done, we would be allocating funds in the future out of the general fund for things like roof upgrades. >> I would hope so. >> All right. Any other questions? >> No, but I did uh notice in our budget report earlier that you cut a tremendous amount out of the facilities budget. So kudos. I'm not sure how you did it and I'm not sure how you're sleeping. You probably don't and how
054you're operating, but I'm thank you and yeah, anyway. Yeah, I mean I feel like you took a a massive hit. Uh >> It was tough. >> Yeah, I don't know how you're yeah, maintaining, but so thank you very much. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And then will all these improvements be done during the summer? Like how do you guys work these? >> That would be our goal. I actually have about 10 contractors coming up from Denver tomorrow to tour each one of those three sites in hopes of approval for today. >> With that you're taking a chance there. >> You have to if you're going to get it done in the summer. Yep. >> With that said, would anyone like to make a motion? >> I move that the Board of Education approve the use
055of approximately $3 million in bond funds for district-wide facility improvements, including roof repairs / replacements, boiler replacements, and lighting control upgrades at Battle Mountain High School as presented. >> Second. >> Thank you, Harry. Thank you, Kelly. Uh if there's no more questions or comments, Natalia? Ms. Alter? >> I. >> Ms. Conlin? >> I. >> Ms. Glowacki? >> I. >> Mr. McQueeney? >> I. >> Mr. Peña? >> I. >> Ms. Varacunas? >> I. >> Thank you. The motion passes 6-0. >> Thank you, Natalia. And Joe, you have one more for us this evening. Approval to issue RFP for Avon Elementary Playground Replacement. >> Correct. Yes, so the Avon playground's approximately 30 years old. Uh and that particular playground now is only utilized with students with special needs and the playground does not fit their needs. So
056we're looking to remove that playground completely and building something that will be able to be able to be utilized for those students. Um I've had several bids on it already, so we're right around 250,000. Uh puts us in the ballpark. Um playgrounds are extremely expensive. Any questions on that? >> I know with other playground I was at Red Sandstone when we were able to put the field out there. And >> court? >> Yeah, the basketball court and the whole field itself. I mean, that was a whole to-do that we worked with the town of Vail, our PTO, and the district. But the key factor was cuz that playground costs, I want to say close to 4 million, um was GOCO grant. Um have we tried to approach that? >> We have a tried to approach
057them and we didn't receive it on this one. >> Okay. >> And this one is not part of the bond fund. >> No, this is out of capital. >> Okay. >> Capital funds, yeah. >> Okay. Um all right. Any more questions or comments? Is there a motion? We probably should have talked. I think we've not gotten a lot of information on this and I know that, you know, I don't know what our I've seen what our capital reserve fund looks like and I know sort of down the road with improvements. Anything we can't sort of fund gets transferred from general funds. I think we're just like a little like whoa. Um but yeah. >> Sure. So, this yearly is about a $50,000 a year that just keeps rolling over. So, I've been just kind of
058baby-sitting it for all of these years letting it build up to where I could utilize it to actually do something with it cuz $50,000 a year doesn't it probably gets you a slide. So, I've been kind of fixing and repairing playgrounds out of other funds. Just try to hold on to this to let it grow enough to where I can utilize it for something worthwhile. >> Yeah, to be to be clear, we're asking to give the green light for an RFP, a request for proposal process. So, approving this gives Joe the opportunity to reach out to vendors and say, "What can you do for us? How how what proposals can you bring to us to replace this this playground?" We're under no obligation to spend $250,000 on a playground. We're asking for bids. So, that's
059all we're we're requesting for tonight is so that he can go and get the bids and then later we'll evaluate the bids and decide if we have the money and it's a priority to spend it to replace the playground. >> Correct. And after I get those bids, I can have slides and show you what the playground's going to be like and all all all in how it will service the students as well. >> Well, then I'll make my very first motion. Cuz kids need to play. Um so, move that the Board of Education approve the issuance of request of proposals for the replacement of the Avon Elementary School playground utilizing capital reserve funds in an estimated amount of $250,000. >> Second. >> Thank you, Rachel. Thank you, Juan. If there's no Thank you, Rachel. Thank
060you, Juan. If there's no more comments, um Natalia. Ms. Alter. >> Aye. >> Ms. Conlon. >> Aye. >> Ms. Glowacki. >> Aye. >> Mr. McQueeney. >> Aye. >> Mr. Peña. >> Aye. >> Ms. Everkonis. >> Aye. >> Thank you. The motion passes 6-0. Thank you, Natalia. And that is it for our meeting. Is there any feedback or evaluation of this meeting? Thank you, Joe. >> Thank you. >> All right. Well, with that, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you all. >> Thank you.