Regular - Board of Education Meeting 03/17/2026

001Um, please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. All right, thank you. Welcome visitors. Thank you all for being here. Um, item 3.03, approve the regular board meeting. Do I have a motion to approve the meeting as presented? >> Madam Chairman, I'd like to amend the agenda, please. Move to amend the agenda. I'd like to add a discussion of the board's attorney and request for RFP. I second that. Any discussion? Yes. Yes. Go ahead. Can I I I'll start. So, good evening everyone and fellow directors. Um >> [clears throat] >> I want to acknowledge and share my appreciation and support for the other directors' statements

002about moving forward and focusing on current issues. Legal counsel is a current issue that needs our attention now, and I would like to share reasons to consider an RFP. Number one, a request for proposal is the first step in evaluating legal counsel options to ensure we fulfill our duty as stewards of taxpayer and district funds. Accepting proposals allows our new board to carefully consider our choices and make an informal decision or to make a formal decision and shield us from the risk and liability that we could potentially face. Okay. Hands out. Then turn left. All right. So, I've been asked to speak louder by my friend Mr. Andenucio. So, I will do that. >> [clears throat] >> As evidenced by the many emails, and we do judge things by emails, we've received we are under

003a shadow. This is caused by our association with Mr. Miller. He's in educational news constantly in a negative way. I've said it before, can we start with a clean slate eliminating this controversy? To be honest, I'm tired of this board being in the news. I am super tired of it. And when students come to us and ask us to get our act together, I think this is step one. Allowing us to focus on what's important. Students and staff. As long as we're associated with Mr. Miller, there will be that cloud, there will be that negativity, and my colleagues on the board I respect them a lot. Uh Ms. Carnes doesn't know doesn't know all this and uh I want I don't want them to be criticized, to be targeted any longer. And I think this

004is step one in doing that. Um I have another comment or if if one of you have No, I I just okay. So, um although costs are not the only factors, legal counsel costs for Pueblo School District have increased sharply over the past 3 years. This should concern all of us. I realize some variables such as the need for legal counsel and the number of hours billed are beyond our control. However, our current firm charges more per hour than other firms, and we do have a responsibility to explore explore all of our options to ensure we are getting the most for our district dollars. Can I add something? Sorry. If this is approved, I need an agenda item. Can it be 7:04 at the end of discussion? Um Yes. Yeah, if we approve it. Um

005any comments from other board members? Mr. Sizzey? So, are you looking for the entire district or just the board? Whatever the attorney Whatever Mr. Miller represents. Okay. >> Put it that way. I have more. Mr. Wilson, I didn't mean to step on toes. No, that's that I was just I was just curious cuz I know the district's attorney and the board attorney can be different. Yes. And um did you look into Yeah, I other attorneys with that? I have submitted an RFP for a district attorney >> Okay. uh yesterday. So, the district attorney can be different from the board attorney. Okay. >> Correct. And how did those prices compare or like how does ours compare to 60? >> is literally just submitted. >> Oh, okay. So, I don't have that information yet. Okay. But once

006once we close the RFP, then then you would all have that info you you would be able to look at that information. >> Okay. Okay, Mr. Miller is both the D70 attorney and attorney for Education Reimagined BOCES, which promotes the Riverstone School to which D70 board has granted permission to operate a charter school in D70. So, once again, Mr. Miller is on both sides of the transaction. Other comments? A formal criminal complaint has been filed with the Colorado Attorney General alleging potential potential play-to-play arrangement connected to Brad Miller and ER BOCES in Pueblo County and School District 70. And have charges been filed? Or just a complaint? Well, here's another thing in the news. It continues to be in the news. This minute, I don't know. But it's in But it's >> distinction though. It

007is, but it's in the news. And From From the news stories that I've read, it's been moved to the Attorney General's office out of Pueblo specifically. So, I know that it is moving forward. Um so, and again, I I don't want to We had such a good meeting last time. I don't want to be confrontational. Yes. Um but I recognize from personal experience that what is reported in the news isn't always >> [laughter] >> accurate. I'm I've learned that firsthand over the past several weeks. So, I just I think to I don't want to see us um deem somebody guilty until they're proven innocent. >> I agree with you. I'm getting messages that they can't hear you. Sorry? I'm getting messages they can't hear you on Okay. And I think >> Okay. Well, if if

008I could add then I understand the concern there, but I think one of the issues is that um as a board, one of the one of the um entities or one of our responsibilities is legal counsel. It is. And so, um we're asking So, an RFP does not mean that Brad Miller may not end up being our attorney. It only means that we are seeking >> proposal from all uh firms and determining that we have chosen the best firm for our district, whether And And again, you know, as far as cost, as far as um accessi- you know, being accessible, being available, coming uh you know, we talked about this as a board, but I I think the issue of doing our due diligence as stated in my previous just earlier uh this evening, I

009think our due diligence is to put out an RFP, to look at all of the proposals, and then to move forward. And if it is with the Miller firm, then it would be with the Miller firm, but I think it would be Miller Farmer Carlson firm. Um but if it's not, I I mean, I think we should give opportunity to all firms the opportunity to apply and then to also look at what's in the best interest interest of our of our board, of our district. That's And I mean, this is something that I would like to pursue. I have a question. Would you guys be willing to wait to see what the RFP for the district comes back with to or then we at least have kind of a a ballpark, and then that way

010we can focus on like what we're doing as far as superintendent interim superintendent, and then depending on what that comes back, that'll give us more information as to you know, the criticalness with the cost and everything. Well, Mr. Mr. Wilson, I want to make it clear. What Ms. Bennett just said I wanted to have a good board meeting. And so do I. And I want to get out from under this. It's so difficult. And I had I had a good friend just say, "Can we just find a new attorney and get back to teaching math?" >> [applause] >> Well, let me continue. Math and reading and band. And drama. And we'll talk about that in a few minutes. >> And so, I I mean, we I I think we have um as a board um

011looked at the cost of different firms. And the Miller Farmer Carlson firm is more expensive. Um there are firms in Pueblo [clears throat] that have represented our school district for decades, and I think giving everybody the opportunity to apply and to interview them is our next step because that is what new boards do. And we are a new board. We are five people. Uh we have one um board member that's been on the board now for what is it uh 5 years? Cuz you have 2 more years, right? Yeah, I think it's 4 years. One more year. Well, I'm 4 years completed, so. Right. So, I I I think that um our request is just to make sure that we are choosing a law firm that can serve us well and that represents our community,

012and that would be something we as a board have to decide. You know, I loved what Michelle just said. That's what new boards do. And what did I swear in five people 4 years ago? And what did the new board immediately do? Find a new attorney. And and we have four new board members with our old veteran uh AJ. So, I I I think that's a wonderful comment. I To be honest, I'd prefer to vote on it now or propose it now. Let's put it that way. So, I think that it does need to go um if we're going to vote So, we have to vote for them in the agenda. Yes. Yes. Okay. >> As just discussion though, we can't Right. We can't vote today. We can only discuss. And on an amended agenda.

013I want to Yes. Thank you guys. Because what you said is very important to me. Very important. >> Well, I can say from personal experience if we read everything that's uh put in the media um you know, I I know we've all had that experience a bit. I think I've had a significant um amount of experience with that in in the recent uh weeks. And I know I feel confident in myself that my intentions will be clear as I continue to just be myself and serve out my term here and you're going to see that I I am who I am and I speak for myself. Um but to your point and um you know, not believing everything we read and giving um you know, giving the chance for that to play out. I also

014think that this is not necessarily the best time as we navigate some serious personnel changeover. Um that's going to take a considerable amount of um focus and concentration and I would pre That's something that that's going to be a huge deal for us and a very big undertaking to find the next person who's going to serve this district as superintendent. Um so, to that point I don't think this is a productive [clears throat] use of our time. Um and that's what I was I you know, was suggesting with my email that you referenced, Michelle. Or Mark. >> Well, and I think we all said it last week. Uh I mean that we want to move forward, but I also um for So, that you know, I didn't just get my information from the media. I

015did my research. Um I did my research as far as association with organizations and various um just trying to again we're suggesting an RFP. It's a request for proposal. We're asking that we pick the best law firm for our school district. That's what we're asking for. We're not This is I mean, I would say this is not personal. This is about us moving forward as a board. And it could be Mr. Miller again. I just we just like to look at those possibilities. Yeah, I I um I think I agree I do agree with Susie. I think that we have a lot on our plate regarding the superintendent. We want to do that well because it's really critical for our district and I would rather >> [clears throat] >> see us focus our efforts and

016our energies on that >> It's all important. Okay. Can you please be quiet? >> I can leave. It's all important. >> You need to leave, please. Would you please leave? That's not allowed in this meeting. Thank you. >> show. Okay. Thank you guys. I do um welcome involvement from the community. We do have a time for that in our meeting. Um we do value you guys and your input, but um we won't tolerate that um outburst in the meeting. So, as I was saying, I agree with with Ms. Carnes. Um Do we have further discussion? Okay. May I ask something? Um of course. I would if we vote on the amendment and we decide this is not the time, I'd like to revisit in the future. I think that's fair. Thank you. If we vote

017not to do it like if we vote against it tonight to not move forward with voting on the RFP cuz right now we're going to have to take a vote and we're just asking I don't I'm not quite sure what is the um constraint. But I I think we first have to move forward with amending the agenda. Right. So, we need to amend the agenda. We need to vote on that. >> Thank you, Mr. Wilson. If we decide to put it on the agenda, then it'll go on discussion, which we've kind of already done. Well, it'll go there, but we cannot vote on an RFP tonight because we can't add the action item within the 24 hours if we haven't posted it. Right. So, do I have a motion to approve the agenda as amended?

018So moved. I second. AJ Wilson? Yes. Ann Bennett? No. Mark Emery? Yes. Michelle Erickson? Yes. Susie Carnes? No. I didn't understand. Was that yes or no? No. Sorry. Needs to be motion carried. Okay. So, now we need to approve the amended agenda. Yeah. I'm just marking that on my paper here. Okay. So, do I have um a motion to approve the amended agenda um adding the to item 7.04 under discussion an RFP. So moved. I'll second. AJ Wilson? Yes. Ann Bennett? No. Mark Emery? Yes. Michelle Erickson? Yes. Susie Carnes? No. Motion carried. Okay. Item 4.01 donation or we're going to uh gifts 4.01 donation of a thousand dollars to Skyview Middle School. Mr. Robert Brill. Yes, ma'am. Madam President, members of the board. I'm Rob Brill. I'm principal over at Skyview. I'm here this evening

019to ask you to accept uh two anonymous donations in the amount of a thousand dollars. Uh the first one is for uh books for our library. Uh and the second donation is for a thousand dollars and that is for potential repairs to music instruments and to buy sheet music. Great. I like that. I knew we were going to like that. I like that. And Yeah, I knew we were going to like that. Um okay. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Any questions? Thank you. Item 4.02 donation of a thousand dollars um to the Skyview Middle School music program. Uh we just did that one. 4.03 donation of eight hundred fifty dollars to Rye High School Winter Guard from Continental Divide Color Guard Circuit. Good afternoon, board members. I am the coach at Rye High School, the Thunderbolt

020Winter Guard, the only Winter Guard in District 70 and District 60. Um we have um received a donation from Rocky Mountain Color Guard Association through the Continental Divide Color Guard Circuit. There are 74 color guards. Um they only four were picked for the scholarship money. Um it is to help with travel expenses because being from Rye and everything north of Denver, you had to have at least one competition that was at least a hundred miles or more. Um six of our seven are a hundred miles or more one way. So, they were kind enough to give us the um opportunity to have one of these. Any questions? Yes. Uh Yes, kind sir. You Okay. I'll take you to the >> to say I believe this gentleman said something. I said we were state champions in

021the novice division last year. Thank you. I APPRECIATE THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. KIDS. >> [applause] >> IT'S MY KIDS. It's not us. They are such troopers. >> Mrs. Bales, I don't know what color guard is. Could you Color guard is Okay. Color guard as we know it, color guard, is the nice women and men or kids or students on the field at halftime at a football game who play um instruments. That's the band. Color guard is the ones with the flags and the rifles and the sabers and the dance. Winter guard is basically the same thing except where we do it during the winter months. God help us on I-25 um during the winter months and we perform on a basketball floor to piped-in music to um with props and stuff like that.

022The year we won last year, we did um Grease Lightning. We did the quarter mile um and this year we are doing a show based on the movie Clue. So, we have Miss Peacock, all of those guys. It's really cool. Yes, ma'am. >> When is your uh next competition? Our last one? When is your last competition? >> My last one? Um actually, we don't have one this Saturday. We could have, but we didn't. We didn't choose it. There's actually ten twelve total. Um so, state is March 27th and 28th. We will be leaving at some ridiculous hour on the 27th from Rye High School, spending the night in Denver. We compete in the semi-finals cuz we're a group of eight or more um on Friday. Uh this is our first year in SRA. There's 25

023groups. We have to be in the top 13 in order to perform at the final finals on Saturday. Right now, we're seated 11th. Wow. Yeah, out of 25 brand new kids in this division. It it's it's it's rough. One more thing. Yes. Well, she has one more thing, too. Ladies first. >> first because >> [laughter] >> Ladies first. Sorry. This is about her. Mrs. Erickson was my color guard instructor at County. And I was in the Blue Devils from Concord, California. Yes, ma'am. I was born in California. Yeah, and yeah. Mrs. Bales, thank you for being awesome. Thank you. I appreciate everything you guys do. >> [applause] >> I want to go home. Thank you. I congratulate you. So, I'm sorry. Did you say there are 25 kids in the program? No. There are 25

024new kids. guards all throughout the state >> Oh, I see. We have We've gone from six to nine to God help us 14. And we hope to have more members even with two graduating seniors next year. Yeah. We're excited. We're excited. That's great. Yeah. Now, how You don't look proud at all. All right. Thank you for that. So, item 4.04, um accept the gifts. Do I have a motion to accept the gifts with proper acknowledgement? >> So moved. I second. You guys keep talking. Well done, Susie. >> [laughter] >> Susie, you're next. Okay, Wilson. Yes. And Bennett? Yes. Mark Embry? Yes. Michelle Erickson? Yes. Susie Kearns? Yes. Motion carried. Item um 5.01, good news spotlight with Kate Paychuck. Hello. Uh so, today we would like to recognize two of our staff. First, we have Sandy

025Martinez Solano from Avondale Elementary. Sandy's a secretary at Avondale. Sandy demonstrates outstanding dedication as a secretary at Avondale Elementary by going far beyond the responsibilities of the front office. She is a steady, supportive presence for students, staff, and families, bringing kindness, organization, and calm to everything she does. She plays a vital role in keeping the school running smoothly while ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported. Sandy works tires tile tirelessly, sorry, behind the scenes to support her school community from organizing the school-wide chocolate bar fundraiser to coordinating conferences and sent sending thoughtful Sunday messages to families. She keeps communication strong and systems running efficiently. Her daily announcements, complete with jokes, birthday shout-outs, and positive message helps set a joyful tone for our entire school. She is also a dependent support for staff, always ready to step

026in when someone needs help. THANK YOU, SANDY. >> [applause] [applause] >> SO, AND IF YOU'VE WORKED IN A SCHOOL, you know our secretaries are Oh my gosh. Um our other spotlight could not be here today, but we want to recognize her still. Um and that is Amanda Sherwood from Desert Sage Elementary. Amanda demonstrates outstanding dedication as a kindergarten teacher and leader at Desert Sage Elementary. She spent many years serving as the building association representative and continues to support the new AR while remaining actively involved in leadership across the school and district. Her commitment to education, her colleagues, and her school community is evident in everything she does. Amanda stands out for her leadership and reliability. She has served on multiple school and district committees and is someone staff consistently turn to for guidance and support.

027Colleagues trust her to provide thoughtful, grounded perspectives, especially during challenging situations or meetings. Even after stepping back from her formal AR role, she continues to be a strong and steady leader within the building. All right. THANK YOU, AMANDA. >> [applause] >> OKAY, INFORMATION FROM THE BOARD and the superintendents. Normally, I start over here and just go around the room, but um I'm going to take the liberty of going first tonight. Um I'm sure you all are aware since our last meeting that our superintendent, Ronda Rain, has tendered her resignation effective June 30th. Um I just want to take a moment to thank Ronda for her service to our district and to wish her well in her retirement. Ronda, as you move into this new season, I might get a little emotional. Um I want you

028to know that I'll be praying for you and your family. I pray that you'll know the presence, power, and blessing of the Lord God. Um And I In your resignation letter, you state that your involvement in this work has provided you with a sense of purpose in your life. And uh while change can be difficult, I pray that this transition will provide a new purpose and be overflowing with hope and joy. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> Someone get a video. >> [laughter] >> And with that, Bob, do you have anything you'd like to share? I I'm going to wait. We've still got a few more months. We do have a few more months. Very nicely said. I'm sure we're all going to say some things when it gets a little closer, but

029uh just for me, uh spring season's here uh means a lot of different activities happening at the schools, a lot of fun stuff that our our students get to do in our community and our parents. Um so, I just uh that we have a very successful uh spring season and you know, the weather is supposedly supposed to stay pretty warm and and uh dry moving forward, so we'll hope that that sticks because spring does bring all that uh different moisture and it does disrupt things, but just want to give a quick shout-out. We had our schools uh two high schools did their performances, their musical performances this um uh last weekend. I think next year, hopefully, we can make them alternate on different weekends because it's tough to get to both and I unfortunately didn't

030make it out to Pueblo West, but I did see pictures and I heard people say that it was a great performance. Uh I could firsthand say that County High's performance was uh very well done, as always. I did have a chance to attend that and I did attend the rock band concert that um they had a few weeks ago uh for their Make-A-Wish. So, a lot of great stuff going on and so, just want [clears throat] to say have have fun for our our kids and our schools and our families during this uh uh spring which is is a pretty cool time of year. Thank you. Well, thanks, Bob. I'm I'm glad that you said a few things so I could regather myself. >> [laughter] >> Thanks. I appreciate that cuz I'm I'm not usually

031emotional, but I have given my whole life to the school district and I I just want to Ronda know I'm not I'm not retiring because of our board. Uh that's a that's a rumor I'd like to dispel um because that If you know me very well, you know that I'm up for a fight. I mean, I don't I don't shirk from uh hard things. I don't shirk from confrontation or um difficult decisions. And so, this was a very difficult decision for me, um but it's a personal one and it's in regard to taking care of my family. And so, I appreciate the prayers because we're going to need them. And so, thank you very much. Uh it's been my honor and my pleasure to serve this district and the students within it. So, thank you.

032>> [applause] >> Well, um I I feel proud cuz we got to hire you and I'm I think that was probably the best decision we ever made. So, Thank you. um it's been a lot of fun and we got a couple months to to rock it out still, right? You know, get the sparring gear out and whatever. Um and spring break, woohoo, is coming up, right? That's all I have. I just wanted to say spring break, woohoo. >> [laughter] >> Mark? Oh. By the way, this used to be called good news from the board before it became into a political statement. So, I have lots of good news. Good. There was an awesome event last Friday, I believe. It's called Champions of Youth banquet. It was a wonderful event put on by the Boys and

033Girls Clubs of Pueblo County. Now, you think that this is just a potluck or something. Oh, no. It was first class. It was amazing. There were silent auctions. There was There was an auctioneer, female auctioneer, who was incredible. But the best part of the night was the students who were being recognized all the way from kindergarteners all the way up through high school kids. They were all dressed up and they all got a trophy and it was the most awesome thing ever. And and as you know, now I'm going to get emotional. I love kids. I This is the reason I do it. I don't do it for the politics. But it was it it's what I needed. Number two. I went to a concert band festival in Fountain. Actually, I helped run it. >>

034[laughter] >> And and who did I see? The Pueblo West High School band there. And it was their second band and they were so big. I thought, "Mr. Herron, could you please stand up?" This is Mr. Herron. He's the director of the band and they were fantastic. Can we GIVE HIM A >> [applause] >> HEY, BUT THAT'S NOT ALL. THE RYE HIGH School band was there. Now, it was not big. But they were stinking phenomenal. And and Mr. Watson did not need a podium because he's 6'6" or so, but they were great. Let's see. Oh. Mr. DePietro. You're such a master of understatement. The musical at County The musical at County was incredible. You wouldn't go there and and say, "Oh, that's a good high school musical." Nope. It was a good professional musical. The

035dance, the singers, the acting, it wasn't I It was amazing. The costumes, the lighting, I could go on and on. And so I want to say congratulations to the Arts Academy at Pueblo County, which was a brainchild of Mrs. Pianelli, and they She has left a leg- legacy at that school and it's awesome. I THINK THAT'S ALL. >> [applause] >> OH, BY THE WAY, MR. DELTA, THE PRINCIPAL, IS HERE. MR. DELTA, could you stand up? And we are hoping we will never lose him as the principal at County High School. That's all I'm going to say about that. Thank you, Mr. Delta. >> [applause] >> Um so I just have a few things to add um positive things to add. Uh first of all, I just wanted to say thank you to every educator um

036in District 70 from pre- K through the TAP program. I have had the opportunity on many different occasions to work with people um throughout the district and I'm always so impressed and I just I wanted to say thank you for um continuing to um create excellent lesson plans, to um collaborate, to work with colleagues and the community and your colleagues and the community at every turn. It's it's always like whether I called someone when I was a teacher or to present day, I know people are willing um to reach out and to help out and I really appreciate that. So I just wanted to share And I wanted to share this really cool story. So and I'm not I usually don't have the stories, but um I took you usually have the stories. But back

037in I believe it was 2022, I took a group of students to the capital, which was something I did when I taught government, and it was really awesome. I love going to the capital and one of the ways that I thought really helped my students to better understand how laws are made is to actually go into committee because that's where bills live or die. That's where people bring all of the information and this is where committees get to really hear um um from experts, whether it be about health or education. So that day, which was really interesting, we happened upon the governor signing into law um a to fund preschool for the state. And my students were there. And the cool thing was that or to change how preschool is offered to students. But the

038thing that was really important is my students said, "Mrs. Erickson, this is about education." That was really cool because often times when you're you know, and I was I mean I've had some just really great experiences at the capital and our By the way, we are really fortunate because when you reach out to uh uh senators, representatives, they are always willing to work with us and it's just it's wonderful. So I wanted to share that. Um I also I also went to the Boys and Girls Club um gala and I I just absolutely enjoyed it and I feel very fortunate that we have two clubhouses in District 70 now. Three, excuse me. Is it four? Three. Three. Okay, I'm sorry. I said two. Yeah, three. We have three and I think that our students were

039so well represented and so well-spoken. I mean or getting awards and it was just it was a wonderful evening. I also enjoyed um it was fun to watch people bidding and doing all the things that are helpful to um the Boys and Girls Club. And then finally, I did attend the Mamma Mia performance and I thought it was absolutely wonderful. Um huge shout out to Mrs. Emerson, Miss Koolsow, um and the student performers and the crew. They did an excellent job and I really if you talk to any of them, their intro and etiquette theater etiquette was absolutely amazing. They had a really fun film before the um musical started and I laughed a lot. So it had me engaged before the play even started. So well done and great job, District 70. Yay. YEAH.

040YAY. >> [applause] >> OKAY, DISCUSSION ITEM 7.01, presentation of the Pueblo West High School marching band trip to Orlando. So the Pueblo West marching band would like to take an educational performance trip to Universal Orlando next spring break for 2027, where we will march on a national stage in front of thousands of people through the Universal Park. Wow. I have some questions. Yes. How much will it be per student? $2,100 per student. Okay. That includes airfare. That includes everything, food, all-inclusive. And how many kids do you expect to take? We are hoping to take 70. Nice. Wow. Cuz the marching band will be close to 80. And usually we have a few that don't make it, so um we will we will be somewhere around 70. And you'll have I'm sorry. Sorry, you'll have fundraisers

041to um Yes. Yes. >> to pay for it. Okay, to help the students. Yeah. Yeah, to help them out. Yes. Mhm. So much. I know. So let us know about the fundraisers. Yes. Yes. Absolutely. Especially the peaches. Yes. Oh, yeah. >> Peaches. Oh, they're the best. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> ITEM 7.02, presentation of First Student Contract Extension, Mr. DePietro. All right. Well, good evening, everyone. So we did touch on this at our work budget summit, but we are finalizing or we're are going into our last year This is our last year of our transportation contract and and what the transportation contract is is it's it's our it's our home-to-school um route. So this is you know, our bus routes in the morning, our bus routes in the afternoon.

042That contract also does carry over into our activities and our athletic trips and then field trips, etc. So it is a it is a very big contract is getting a large number of our kids to school each day is is a high priority and so currently we have a contract with First Student and back in 2010, the district made the decision to outsource transportation and not do it in-house anymore. And at that point in time, First Student was awarded um the contract and it's been a growing relationship ever since. We have signed two extensions since 2010. And so what you have in front of you that I did provide you is kind of what that might look like if we decide that we'd like to do another extension. And so just a couple things to

043hit on, I would like to introduce uh Deanne Atterbury. Deanne, if you want to wave or stand up, you're more than welcome to. Um Deanne Atterbury is the regional local manager, supervisor, director, I don't everything. And she does have two of her managers, Daniel and James, here. And so she'll be able to answer any questions that you might have. I think one thing to note, Deanne, when did you start working for District 70? Do you remember? 1994. >> [snorts] >> Um >> [applause] >> So yeah, you you could sit down. Deanne, you don't have to stand up the whole time. Um The reason I brought that up is when we did move into outsourcing transportation, One of the the major things with the district is they were looking for a company that was willing to

044hire our people because again our transportation department employed our own people and so that was a major concern of the administration at that point in time and so DeAnn along with many other bus drivers and mechanics etc. did move into and did get employed with First Student and and several were still employed >> [clears throat] >> today and so we think that's a important thing to point out is um that that we do have still our employees. We consider DeAnn one of our employees because she really didn't stop working for us. She just kind of shifted over to another company but still does the same thing. Um over the years First Student has been very solid in their rates and maintaining very minimal cost increases as compared to some other organizations that do provide transportation

045contract services. So you know, our rate has been steady 3.3% over the course of those 10 years of extensions where just within the last four years other districts who outsource transportation our neighboring district have seen increases of 5, 11 and beyond and we have continued to see a just a 3.3% increase. Uh in addition to that First Student has still been able to maintain higher drive driver and salary wages for their employees benefits which is huge in recruitment and so although their increase to us was very minimal they were still able to reinvest back into the to the company and so again we we uh we engaged with First Student on discussions of a contract extension. We do have the option of going to an RFP. We've heard that thrown out a a few different

046times at various meetings. Um as Ron and myself and our team have discussed we've looked at other contracts. We've looked at the neighboring contract that that district 60 has. We do not believe going out to an RFP would be a benefit to our district. We believe the relationship that we have with First Student the current contract and the way it's written and and what they have proposed as a potential increase compared to what we might feel or might see with other companies do an RFP we believe is a very beneficial thing. So just just to give you a quick what is a you know, home to school routes look like for us? We have 58 bus routes right now or 57 bus routes and three white van or small vehicle bus routes and so that's

047a standard day where we have 58 routes 70 if or 60 if you include the white van route. So that's our that's our home to school routes. Then again we have athletic routes. We have field trips etc. And then we we utilize them when we need assistance with certain things and Mr. Sabodnik in student services may reach out to hey, we got to get somebody home because a parent we can't get a hold of parent. We got a sick kid. We don't have one of our own drivers and so we'll call First Student and they'll send a bus or they'll send a driver to do that. So we do utilize them for special things. We also just signed a MOU this past year for them to do our CD inspections on our own vehicles our

048own small fleet vehicles that we use for student transport for our athletics and our ESS transportation and so now First Student does our CD inspections and that's been a great help to us and Mr. Wagner you can certainly speak on this. The rate that we get is tremendous. The service that we get and then if there's repairs made they're making those repairs for us and they have been far less than what we were previously. So again one more example of just that partnership that we've had. So what I did attach what you do have and we can certainly go through everything or or you can ask questions. This is only up for discussion so there there is a few weeks if you have questions that you want to ask you can certainly email me. I

049can get those to DeAnn if they're questions that DeAnn needs to answer. But what you have in your packet is um five attachments. Attachment one is the contract. Now it is it is 2010. That's a contract that was originally written in 2010. The good thing is we have had it reviewed over the years by our legal and so all the language is still within the legal realms of things. So but it is a contract that was written back in 2010. Um and again it just talks about you know, what the contractor roles are what the the our roles are as a district. It gets into some minor pricing in regards to how they secure fuel and fuel overages and those types of things and then how contracts can be ended or how disputes might be

050settled. So that's that's attachment one and that's the the actual contract. And so does anybody have any immediate questions on on that contract or that attachment? So attachment number two is the secondary piece of that contract and that's the exhibit B which is our property lease agreement. When we did go out to an RFP we did work it out to where to keep the cost down part of it was we were selling buses to the company etc. but they do lease our property for it's it's essentially I think a dollar how it's written in. So basically we let them utilize our property so they utilize the First Student bus garage that's out in Pueblo West which is right next to one of our schools Liberty Point and then they use the Baxter site to house

051their other buses. The mechanic shop, the offices etc. out in Pueblo West that's they they utilize that. The gas tanks and as part of that lease agreement so I said why don't you charge them and bring money back in? Well, it's it's written to where our our rates are lower and we pay less for routes based on the fact that we're letting them come in and utilize our facilities. There is a maintenance agreement where they do do all the maintenance and keep the upkeep of the facility. In regards to repairs prior to this latest potential extension most of the repairs were at the district cost so the district was responsible for making repairs but we did come to an agreement that any major repairs over $5,000 would go to a cost sharing of 50/50. So

052an example might be DeAnn we just recently did some tank work a few years ago things like that that you know, may have significant cost to them that would be now a new cost sharing agreement under the new extension. Um so that's that's the property lease agreement. So that just goes through what what that looks like. Any questions on that? All right. Attachment three is just an example of the last two amendments for extension so you could see when they were signed. So again in 2015 14/15 and then again 21 is is the last one and you can see the different rate sheets that were attached to those. So that's that's just for your reference that those were the last two that were signed. Um attachment four is the MOU I just referenced that we

053recently signed in regards to the inspections and to the repair services and then the final final big one is their proposal for an extension and it does come with the cover letter that does talk about you know, things impacting the market right now including like the driver wages, how much they've increased again technician wages etc. So it just goes into that and then the next part of that document again gets into that statement to say we like to extend this for another five years through this the particular school year I think 30 June 30/31. So again we would have five years starting next year. And then again it does add that shared repair obligation so we did make sure that that's in that extension so we know that if we have big repairs that it's

054not just going to be a district burden to repair those. And then it just gets into talk about some things that First Student or the rate sheets so now you could see we did do a 5.4% increase so it is larger than the 3.3 but again >> [clears throat] >> costs are going up everything's going up. We had the option to do a a larger increase up front with some smaller increases at the end but as we talked we'd rather just do a flat yearly increase so we know exactly what we need to budget each year. Just so you know, this year we budgeted just over 3.9 million. We're anticipating just a little over four million next year. We are probably going to be a little under budget this year so the 5.4 next year

055we probably do not have to meet that whole thing as far as where we're going to add money to it but then again those those next years we will have to kind of account for that 5.4. But as part of that 16 new buses coming into the the fleet next year would be part of this and then they would have a couple years where no bus replacements and then the last few years they would replace aging out buses and so again that's another major thing right? We don't want buses breaking down those types of things. And DeAnn would those be diesel propane? Do we have any idea what what they would be? James? Most likely diesel. Okay. So um white van you see a white van fleet so we do utilize white van. That's either

056there's a small small buses or vans that you might see first student on the side of them, so we do utilize those for regular home to school routes. You also see our own district vehicles driving around. Uh, First Student does do our ESS bus routes, specialized bus routes, but they do not do, for the most part, they do not do our ESS small vehicle transportation. Miss Alfonso still has her group and vehicles at each school and district locations to do that. That does include the white van as well. And then just the last documents, and if you have questions, Deanne could certainly answer some of these, but Rider conduct tracking system utilizing that. First Student has the capabilities to do that. Uh, as far as more training, implementing some different training programs, Deanne write for

057how to deal with discipline, caring for students, etc. And then, you know, again, the the tracking camera systems, etc. First Student is the largest transportation private school transportation company in the US, so they do have all the bells and whistles that we have access to. And we do utilize the First View app, so parents can track buses, they can get notifications, and we have some other options that we could pursue with them as well. So, that's the presentation. Again, what we would be most likely coming back with you in the next meeting would be to approve a recommendation of a contract extension. So, that's that would be the official time. Yes, Mark. Uh, I want to say on First Student's part, technology and the safety measures are incredible. It's they're not going to leave kids

058on the bus. It's just there's cameras on the buses. It's just amazing. So, Miss Atterbury, thank you. Is the 5.4% increase is that pretty standard that we're seeing or >> [clears throat] >> is that just like is there cuz I know we're going from 3.3% inflation and some of that kind of stuff. The the the last two increases, I did not see District 60's increase last year, so they paid five, then they went to an 11% increase. I don't know what their last increase was. I think when we had our meeting, Deanne and I, most people were looking somewhere in the 10, 11, 12. And again, some have fluctuating, so like you might see a big increase the first 2 years and then smaller increases. We we felt like if we had that standard that

059we we would be much more comfortable. So, I I would say based on industry standards, based on the cost of just doing business these days that 2% is we we actually, you know, I'll be candid, I thought I thought it was going to be a little bit more than just a 2% on top of their last guessing. So, I I think we're pleased with the 5.4%. Well, Bob said he he expected it to be a lot lower, but he's okay with the 5.4. [laughter] Well, they already put it's already in our hands, so they can't take it back. Well, thank you for that. >> Yeah, I I I I think it's fair. And again, like they are connected to our radio system, so our school safe system, their all their buses are equipped. Um, we

060can talk to them, they can talk to us. Mr. Slavonic can get on the radio, he can talk immediately to Deanne. Deanne and her group are right alongside of us in the mornings during snow storms talking through things. Can we send a bus here? Can we send a bus there? Even with just athletic events, I mean, she's communicating, her group communicating with Mr. Baumgardner. Safety is number one priority, right, with getting our kids to and from places and and they'll they'll tell us sometimes we're not going to send a bus out there. Period. And so, we respect that, and they're the experts, and so again, I think it's a great relationship and what we have in place. Um, I think it really works in this case, so. One more comment from the old guy. Mrs.

061Atterbury trained me uh, to be a small vehicle operator. And at one time, she actually drove for me. So. She's good training. >> All right. Thank you. If you have questions, just email me. That's Absolutely. Thank you so much. Item 7.03, presentation of revisions to policies. Student use of cell phones and other personal technology. Good evening, Madam President, Board. United States is down 1-0 in the bottom of the third, Coach Nuch. Um, had a rough inning. Um, the first policy that I'd like to discuss is this student use of cell phones. This is just a policy change because of House Bill 25-11-35. Uh, just ensuring access to Safe 2 Tell, which we already did, but it just needs to be in the policy. Um, for the new members of the board, when I put it

062in red, that's the change. And if I if I do it in red with a crossing it out, then we're just getting rid of it. These are just additions, and I added some some titles, so it's easier to read. But it's access to Safe 2 Tell, 911, and the mental health helpline. State law dictates that to us, so we just had to add that to the policy. Uh, so I would appreciate that change. Um, the next one is JLCD-E. I did not send you one in red because it would have been like my Italian homework in high school. It would have been dipped in red. Um, this is a total change. We needed to uh, make a more robust um, authorization to administer meds at school. This actually helps the parents out quite a bit

063cuz they only need one doctor's signature. Um, so they get the meds at school. It'll also get initials for self-carry. I made it a little bit more robust with a definition section saying what can and what cannot be um, administered or self-carried at school, which uh, is uh, lengthy. Pretty much nothing can be self-carried, which is okay. Um, but when we do have the field trips and things like that, um, the uh, law in 2022 allowed kids to have one day's worth or the event's worth of medication, like a Tylenol or something like that. Um, so that is something that we added We wanted to make sure we added to the to the form. Any questions? So, I was reading over this earlier today. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, and I did have a question. On

064page three, it says, um, I'm just finding my place here. Um, it lists certain medications that are rarely allowed to be self-carried, including pain medications. Um, so and I just answered my own question. So, it does list Tylenol, but it's Tylenol with codeine. So, regular pain medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, those kinds of things students can have access to. It's just the Sort of. Okay. >> Um, we can we can say no. They have to show that they're able to to do that. Um, they have to show mental capacity and, you know, uh, making sure that they're not going to give it to somebody else. And they can only have one day's worth, and it has to be in the bottle. Okay. >> Labeled and everything. Um, and and really our nurses can say no to

065any of these um, any of these things if we don't find that the kids are able to do so. That's actually in the competency portion on page four. Um, that they have demonstrated to the school nurse that they're competent of doing so. Um, so it's not it's not going to be an elementary school thing. It's really that really is the self-carry for those meds is going to be on a field trip, out of state, overnight, or something like that for our high school kids. Um, and it's going to be Tylenol and that kind of stuff. Well, we we do have a med uh, trained person on every one of our trips if we do have those things, and they're responsible of they're responsible to give the meds out and close the loop of time, route,

066um, gate, all that stuff. And of course, parental um, approval, those kinds of things. Yes, all that stuff is on these, so it's it's this this is a very robust form. So, yeah. So, you do have to, like, in order for this to happen, you have to have a doctor's signature for students, so that's the >> page one has to be done first. That has the physician's signature on it, and then the rest of that, um, which would be pages four and five. Well, the page one and two is the the form for administration of meds at school. Parents and doctors need to sign that, and then the self-carry contract just needs the parents, but it has to have the physician's signature on page one. That's why I combined them into one. And self-carry would

067be something like an inhaler or EpiPen or something that >> Inhalers are inhalers are covered by the asthma asthma plan or epinephrine is carried by the um, another law with the allergy plan. So, those those were already taken care of. It's just more of the over-the-counter stuff that may be needed. The emergency meds are always taken care of. So, um I apologize. I just >> No. for the clarification. So, on page four, it does list over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol as a prohibited self-carry, but then down on the the contracted the um I'm looking at page number here. Yeah, so page three >> it does list it as a possibility. So, what exactly are we saying about over-the-counter >> you can't self-carry them without the contract. Okay. Is what it is. They have to be

068self-carry with the contract and the doctor's permission. >> unless they have special permission with the contract. Okay, thank you. And they it's got to they got to meet those four requirements to do so. Yeah, okay. That's good. I know there were times when my kids were in school that I would have liked if they could have had a Tylenol or something at school without Right. Yeah, sometimes. >> Cough drops is a big one. Especially my high schoolers. Yeah. I still think I still think cough drops are crazy, but Yeah, they the cough drops, I mean, that's they're over-the-counter and they've got just enough little stuff in them that could make somebody have an allergic reaction. Yeah. Yep. Thank you. Any other questions? >> Okay, thank you. Okay, we had item 7.04 the RFP. I I

069think we discussed that already. Um any further discussion on that before we move on? May maybe a little bit, but for me >> but Ms. Bennett, you're opposed. Could you tell us why? Well, I think I did explain my position. Um I agreed with Mrs. Karnes that I just think that our efforts right now would be better served um dealing with our our personnel issues with our superintendent. Um I'm not unhappy with the service that I've received, we've received as a board from Mr. Miller. Um I think that anytime I've received any kind of input from him, I do check it with CASB. I check it, you know, just try to do my own research. Um and I've I've found him to be really reliable. Um And so, I don't for because I think he's

070reliable, I think he provides good legal advice, and I think our our efforts can be better directed toward other concerns. Um I'm not in favor of pursuing an RFP. >> [snorts] >> I agree. His his uh advice is probably good. I've never really received any. There's all that baggage though he carries, and this isn't rumor. This is the baggage he brings to our school district, to the newspaper, to the Chalkbeat. I mean, these aren't rumors. And so, that is my point. Yeah, and I I appreciate your your view. We might have to agree to disagree on this one. Um any other agenda I was just going to say, you know, I I would agree with Ann as far as I am happy, but I was willing to have the discussion even kind of you know,

071we essentially did have the discussion. Um I I more wanted to get on the discussion, too. I would like to postpone or like kind of table this until we you know, hear back from from Rhonda's RFP, you know, with some of that. Um and then also, I I think we definitely need to figure out uh superintendent interim superintendent that policy as far as our procedure and timeline as far as what we're going to go before we take any action on this. That's more where I'm coming from as well, but we can still have discussions, so. >> appreciate your willingness to discuss. I really do. And actually, I've always had that from AJ. I appreciate it. Well, I think um our again, we started with a request for this before we had a full board, and

072I think it was our I I feel it's my due diligence um to pursue an RFP because we do have a full board now, and the process is something that you um put the RFP out, we give people firms time to apply. We make sure that what is in the RFP um states what we want [clears throat] as a board. And And districts do, as you've mentioned, I think we could have the school district have they'll have a firm, and the board will have a firm, but I think it is um with a evidence I shared and have researched, I think it would be it's my responsibility and my fiduciary responsibility to pursue this, and I felt like I wanted to make sure that we're looking at all of our options, and we're making good

073financial and um legal both financial um decisions, but also with legal advice um having having accessibility to the attorney would be really important to me. And you think that you don't? Um Yeah, I I I feel like I have not had the access to um the firm like I think I should. I mean, whether it be being present at a meeting and giving me advice, or um providing um things in writing for me to research. Those are things that I would just want more of, and I think that's something we could put in an RFP and make sure that I'm you know, I can call CASB, and I I think um it was mentioned prior that when um I had asked for when I I had suggested somewhere early on that I had reached out

074I had reached out to CASB, too, and asked for asked CASB for advice because I think one of the things that we have a responsibility to do is to be um stewards of money. And so, I was just making sure that like I used CASB because I did not want to to be charged $300 an hour. Um and I I also did my reading, so I just want to make sure that we're making the best financial decision, but we're also making the best legal decision for our school district. And in referencing um I would say that I started in newspapers. I read articles, too. But then I went and did my own homework and tried to figure out like so, you know, how many school districts are represented by one firm? How does this look

075across the state? And those are things I mean, I did, you know, association with organizations and things like that. And so, I just want to make sure that we have the best legal representation for our school district because that's who we're elected to represent, so. Yeah, for sure. I think we would all agree with that. Well, to present to offer a case uh I've talked to this many people. We [clears throat] had a unfortunate board meeting a few times ago. Right? And we did And we feel that Mr. Miller could have put that back on track with advice to all of us, but you were the only one that got the advice. I felt like he advised the the board. The The advice was that we can't proceed without Is that the meeting you're referring

076to? We can't proceed without a an approved agenda. But but he stood up and said, "We're done here." Yeah. I mean, he is no part of the board. No, it's true. He took control of the meeting and said, "Folks, go home. We're done here." And it wasn't even you, Ann. It was him. That would have offended me as president. >> [laughter] >> Fortunately, I'm not as easily offended. So, here's my question. Um from personal experience, you know, there was things said about me and accusations made, and had someone just sat down and talked to me about these things, I think they would have realized that many are not true. Would you be willing to do the same thing with Mr. Miller? Because what I saw us greatly benefit from was sit down, come together, say,

077"Here's what's going on, and let's figure out a way to move forward." I think we did that beautifully last um meeting. I think there's a lot that can be gained from those sorts of conversations. So, would you be willing to sit down with Mr. Miller and say, "Hey, these are my concerns. How are you willing to address them?" And before we just you know, because I haven't been on the board long enough, I think, to make a really well-informed decision on that front because I'm not [clears throat] going to make a fear-based decision based on what people are screaming at me. I want to make a well-informed decision where I've made my due diligence, just like Michelle was talking about. I think a part of that would be going to Mr. Miller, sitting down, and

078having this very frank and transparent conversation. But I also think it's our responsibility as a board to look at not just what happened in the um the the uh meeting on the 24th Did I get that date right? Yes. the 24th. Not just on the 24th, but also looking looking back I mean again, we are a new board. I've looked at the finances of it, but I've also looked at like what what do we want from a law firm? And I think that it would be our due diligence to reach out and see who's willing to represent us and do they represent us in a very objective way and move forward. Again, I'm not sure exactly I don't know which firms will apply. I don't know if they'll be local. I would hope that there

079are local firms, but I think it was my request prior to pre all of the >> [laughter] >> issues with meetings and it's still my request. It is something that I think it is our responsibility as a board. I would like to move forward with the RFP. So my question is would you be willing though to just sit down with him because if we go through the process of hiring a new firm or even interviewing all these new firms you still don't have any experience with them, right? So once they're hired on, we don't know exactly how they will behave and I almost always as you have new hirees or hire someone to provide a service for you, there are issues that might come up that you might not agree with how they handle. So

080before we because we are in such a difficult time with what we are going to have to accomplish as a board in the next several months alone, I think it would not be wise to to absolutely uproot all of these processes. So I would think the best way forward before we address the RFP is to sit down with Mr. Miller cuz I wanted to do that. I would like to do that and I think if we all did it and came to him Why not for you, Mark? Because I know You haven't sat down with him. I You know, he's he seems to be a nice man. However, I know his what he's done, who he's worked for and the problems he's caused the school district. >> So bring those things to him. Sit in

081front of him and say, "Mr. Miller, these are the issues I have with you. Address them like like we did as adults together when we decided to move forward." Well, I I will say I just I I want to say this. So when I ran for school board, um this is a school board is supposed to be non-partisan and I would like it to be non-partisan. I would like to serve students. I would like to serve the staff. I would like to serve school district 70 and I have I would like to move forward knowing that we are doing that with an attorney that is serving us that is and and I I'm not sure who that is. I don't have someone in mind. I don't I but I just want to make sure that

082we are are choosing a law firm that is just providing legal counsel to us. That's all. I just want legal counsel. No. So are you saying neither of you are willing to sit down and talk with him? I spent eight years on the board with two different attorneys. Neither of them had a single problem. And you know what their job was in the meeting? I think we're getting off track. Could you look this up and pull out his big book of school law? And I don't feel that confidence in Mr. Miller. Plus the mileage it cost me to get here. We can agree to disagree. Because we did. Yes, we did. Okay. Then let's move on to item 8.01 open forum for comments. Um Do we have any comments tonight? >> Yes, we do. Okay,

083we do. So I'll just quick reminder um comments are to be contained to 3 minutes. There will be a clock. If you go over, we'll have to we'll have to stop. They cannot be abusive, no profanity. I think we all know the rules, so let's let's move forward. My first person is Aaron O'Connell. When you start speaking, I'll push start and then it's a little delayed, but it pops up on the screen. Thank you. My name is Aaron O'Connell and I'm from Woodland Park, Colorado. I'm here to talk about Brad Miller. The fact that he sits up there with you all and he knows >> you for just a moment? She followed the policy and got written permission beforehand. Okay, good. I just I didn't know. I just wanted to check. She did follow the

084I would like to pause the time to address that. BEDH was not written to exclude people from outside this district until the last time I came to speak here about Brad Miller. I'm not saying it was because of me, but it's a funny coincidence. So I would like my time to restart now. We'll just continue where we were. I had to restart it cuz it started. Sorry. Go ahead and start speaking. So I'm Aaron O'Connell from Woodland Park. I'm here to talk about Brad Miller. Tonight several of you mentioned not listening to the media about him. I'm here to give you a real life experience. In 2022, Brad Miller on record advised the Woodland Park School Board how to skirt the law and they listened. He helped name an agenda item board housekeeping knowing full

085well it was intended to bring on a much disputed charter school. Here were some of his words. "It's not absolutely a necessity to provide granularity to the public. Also, it's not a necessity to tell the public in advance about every single thing that's being issued." He advised that members could avoid the Colorado open meeting law requirements by speaking in twos and used words like conniving and sneaky. These are all on the record. Well, I sued that school board for violating the open meeting law or sunshine law it's called and Brad Miller's firm represented the board. It took four long years, but I took them to the Colorado Supreme Court and I won. I also filed a CORA lawsuit against the board because they refused to release a video of three board members talking in the

086dark after a board meeting which had already been adjourned. I also won that lawsuit. Guess who defended the board? Do you know what happened to the camera that caught that video after I won that suit? It was taken down, literally removed from the district office. Miller's firm and the Woodland Park School Board also tried to paint me as an anti-charter. I'm an advocate for school choice and I first became aware of him when he was brought on as counsel for the Lake George Charter School where my children attended and I was a sitting board member. They tried to smear my name both on and off record in order to support their false narrative. Miller has been given an incredible amount of power and money in many districts. Let me tell you where that leaves those

087districts. It cost districts hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some people like to say it's because they have to combat litigation. But they wouldn't have to fight lawsuits if they stopped breaking the law. His district participation has led to mass exodus of teachers, staff, students and families. This affects the entire district which in turn affects property values, businesses, the real estate market and the makeup of the community. The implications are far-reaching. Bryce Carlson, a lawyer in his firm, said my case was of little importance. The judge in his final order said, "In contrast to what Mr. Carlson argues um this litigation the litigation results have statewide implications." I suggest you watch the board meeting from Woodland Park on March 11th and particularly pay attention to the two school board members who had closing comments. They gave

088just a tiny glimpse into the havoc that Miller can cause one district. Miller and those who have hired him have tried to silence me for years. They have cost me my life savings and unquantifiable trauma, but I didn't come here to be combative. I came here to speak the truth. I'm pleading with D70. Don't forgo your children's education in order to fund Miller's bank account. One board board member also mentioned there's a lot of change in the district right now, so why look for new counsel? But in times of change and upheaval, you need someone representing YOU PROPERLY. >> [applause] >> THANK YOU. AND IF HE WAS CONFIDENT in his ethics, he would support your search FOR ADDITIONAL COUNSEL. >> [applause] >> MY NEXT PERSON IS DALE I'M going to butcher this. Sorry. Finnegan? >>

089[clears throat] >> Hello, my name is Dale Finnegan. I'm from Rye, Colorado. >> [clears throat] >> Appreciate you giving me a few moments tonight. I appreciate the atmosphere of tonight's meeting. It's been much more positive. But the atmosphere is much lighter and it seems like we're actually getting some things done. I'd like to thank the board and the teachers and the staff of district 70. Um I appreciate the presentation on our transportation. That's of utmost importance to keep our kids safe and um I live close to the uh to the bus uh station in in Rye, Colorado, and I can say that those drivers and those buses uh really do a good job and they're well taken care of. I appreciate your efforts in keeping our kids safe and keeping them inspired. Thanks for the

090student and parental um involvement. We all share the same common goals for our community and our children for a better America. At the last meeting, I witnessed some behavior that is preventing certain opinions and beliefs from being expressed. While differences of ideals and opinions is expected, we should be able to discuss and debate these issues openly and fairly. I hope we can move forward in an orderly fashion in future meetings for the good of our children and the good of our community. From the statements being made by our students and our community, we can be assured that concerned citizens are watching and they deserve our best and our best behavior. Thank you for tonight's meeting. Appreciate everyone. >> [applause] >> Thank you. My next one is Michael McDowell. Let's be clear about the state of

091District 70. It is unique in that it is both an urban and rural district. And because of this, funding is crucial. We need to understand what is going on and why it matters. We are witnessing several active lawsuits, criminal investigations, negative media attention, and recall initiatives. Brad Miller and Quinn Friberg have infiltrated this board through their proxies and are attempting to leverage this district for their personal political agendas, which have already cost this district tens of thousands of dollars. They are willing to use children tied to Riverstone Academy as political fodder for upcoming legal dispute that could eventually reach the Supreme Court. The aim is to divert our tax dollars from public schools and funnel those funds to private institutions masquerading as public education. Look at other districts Miller has infiltrated and one can see

092the damage he and his collaborators have caused. I strongly recommend this board terminate its contract with Miller. That alone will save the district tens of thousands of dollars this year alone. With so much attention focused on this school board, transparency now more than ever will determine if this district moves forward or continues helping Miller and his associates drain the district's resources to advance their political ambitions through backdoor arrangements and questionable legal maneuvers. THANK YOU. >> [applause] [applause] >> MY NEXT PERSON IS KATE PETCHEK. GOOD EVENING. Um I'm apparently not the only person that wanted to say something to Rhonda tonight. So, uh I wanted to take a moment moment and recognize Rhonda for all of her support. Um I've heard non-stop from our staff. I know there were rumors before cuz you know, like a

093middle school. >> [laughter] >> So our district goes. Um and in that vein, I'm going to try and keep the right balance here, be a little heart uh light of heart, but also meaningful, and maybe try out some of my middle school vocabulary that I was so blessed to learn when I joined the middle school again last year. Uh so Rhonda, I just like to say your time in District 70 has been pretty goated. But truly, what stands in this moment is your leadership by example. Thanks for the kind words to our PCA family at the last board meeting and the support of our collective bargaining agreement. In District 70, we have something special. Our staff, administrators, certified educators, educational support professionals, and special service providers show up every single day for kids. They create

094schools where students feel safe, where stanley families feel welcome, and where students are supported and challenged. And we do that all while being one of the lowest funded districts in one of the lowest funded states. That's not easy. If you know, you know. Our staff knows. But what makes the difference here? It's people. Imagine what our people could do with adequate funding. You don't fully understand education unless you've spent time in public schools, and you don't understand District 70 unless you've seen the dedication of the people who work here. And that kind of culture doesn't just happen. It's modeled every day. Now, I know sometimes people assume the education association and administration are not are always on opposite sides. And sure, we have our differences. That's the nature of our work. But here's something I've

095always respected about District 70. Our administrators work just as hard as our staff. Stephanie and I just had a conversation about this today. Um if staff have duty, so do they. If staff are staying late for conferences, so are they. They wear any number of hats just like our staff. One of my clearest examples for me are those late afternoons, let's be honest, evenings, when I'm just heading home, making those final check-ins, non-emergency calls that need to be taken care of. If I call to bring something to Rhonda's attention, I can guarantee she's in her car, too, just beginning her trek home. That matters. That's leadership by example. That's a shared commitment. Rhonda, you truly have made a difference for our district. That's not cringe. It's just facts. >> [applause] [applause] >> Well, I have

096to I have to say that I always every decision I make that I try to make is is it good for kids and how does it affect our staff? Um I always tried to think about when I was a teacher, how mad would I be? >> [snorts] >> I cuz that is that's the truth. You think like if when I make a big decision that's going to affect teachers, I think about that from the standpoint of the teacher, you know, like would I be accepting of this? Would I be mad about this? And is this going to affect our kids? Is it good for kids? And sometimes, if it's good for kids, that's okay if it makes teachers mad sometimes because it's good for kids. Always number one. But I mean, I I've spent a

097lot of time in middle school. In fact, they're my favorite people. I when I'm upset with things uh at work here, I walk to Pleasant View, which is 0.75 mi. Takes me less than uh 12 minutes to get there. And then I see middle school kids and I talk to them and it they change your mood. I mean, children change your mood. They change everything about uh life and how it's perceived and so um 6 7. If you guys are all right, I would like to hear the rest of hers. Oh, she She said she wasn't done. So I would like to hear the rest. Oh, absolutely. Uh let me see where I was. That's leadership by by example. That's a shared commitment. And Rhonda, you've led with care for students, staff, and community. Even

098when we didn't always agree, and we didn't, that commitment to doing what's right for District 70 was always at the center, and that's something we can all respect. So tonight, we want to honor you. We thank you. And yes, selfishly, we're sad to see you go. No cap [snorts] because transitions bring uncertainty and staff feels that. They care deeply about this district and they want to continue being heard, respected, and supported supported. Rhonda, thank you for standing up for schools, for supporting the process, for leading with heart. And in true middle school fashion, I'll say, you have made a difference. That's not cringe. It's just facts. Thank you. >> [applause] >> So I'm going to butcher this name as well. Uh Arielle uh Bellantoni? Close enough. It's pretty good. Hello board. Thank you for your

099time. I'm Ari. I'm the parent of a County High junior. I'm really concerned about this district's continued reliance on Brad Miller. He has ties to ER BOCES and his record of advising school boards that transparency is optional. In May 2024, I personally contacted Mr. Miller after my daughter's track coach led a prayer at a school athletic awards banquet. I left a voicemail stating my concern that prayer in that context is unconstitutional. I missed his return call, but the voicemail he left referenced another issue, first amendment concerns at a graduation ceremony. That told me that other parents in [clears throat] this community expect their schools to adhere to the Constitution. Public schools are required to remain secular under the first amendment's establishment clause so students and families don't feel pressured to participate in religious activities at

100school events. The district's connection to the Riverstone school makes this legal requirement urgent. Mr. Miller emailed D70 superintendent and board last June that Riverstone Academy exists to test the legalities around the issue of whether a public school may provide religious education. This district is being placed directly in the middle of a deliberate legal test case. Mr. Miller's not neutral. He's a co-founder of ER BOCES and acts as its attorney, which is a conflict of interest. His advice on transparency should alarm everyone here. In Woodland Park School District, as Ms. O'Connell just let us know, he told board members that it is not absolute necessity [clears throat] to provide granularity to the public. That's in quotes. That is bad advice as Ms. O'Connell attested to because last month Woodland Park School District was ordered to pay

101$150,000 in legal fees to Ms. O'Connell. So, that doesn't include what his firm is charging the district for a four-year drawn-out court case that was the result of his deceit of the public over the Mae Academy charter school that he founded. And it was audited in 2025 with 100 or excuse me, $1.2 million in unaccounted for payments. I'm the public. You're the public. I deserve granularity. You deserve granularity. We deserve that from an institution that serves our kids. When public school districts become grounds for ideological test cases, the result is going to be long, expensive litigation paid by taxpayers, including money that should go to teachers, curriculum, safe facilities, and students. I'm urging the board to initiate a formal request for proposals for outside legal counsel with no ER BOCES affiliation so that the district

102can choose another firm that serves students, the community, and the public interest, not public and excuse me, political agendas at our expense. The public schools exist for students, not for test cases. >> [applause] >> My next one is and I should know how to say your last name, but I don't. Melissa Kellen. Kellen. That's what I was thinking, but then I was like, no, that's wrong. Thank you. Okay. Madam President, Superintendent Rain, members of the board, Ryan, sorry. My name is Melissa Kellen and I come before you as a parent of two Pueblo West students. First, I'd like to thank Superintendent Ryan for your lead years of leadership. Um second, I'd like to thank the board for coming together to support our educators and district employees in our CBA last month. That was truly astounding.

103Um it was a strong demonstration of solidarity. To further promote transparency transparency and solidarity for our community and staff, I come before you today to strongly urge the board to initiate an RFP process for new legal counsel. This request is based on significant and ongoing concerns regarding conflicts of interest, compromised ethics and professional judgment, and the broader impact of our current attorney's actions on the integrity of the district. Of particular concern is the attorney's involvement to establish a public Christian school within the district's boundaries with the intent of advancing a broader legal agenda agenda at the national level. This raises serious questions about our attorney's motives and whether he can objectively and ethically represent our public district with while simultaneously pursuing initiatives that directly challenge public education systems. Additionally, his highly visible political affiliations create

104further concern. Regardless of personal beliefs, the role of district legal counsel requires neutrality and sound judgment. There are also tantamount concerns beyond our district as other districts across the state have raised questions about similar practices and decision-making. The pattern, and it's a very large one, suggests that the issue is not isolated and should be of serious concern. Given these concerns and the fact that the district is currently pursuing one of the most critical vacancies of the district, which is the superintendency, it is critical for the board to take proactive steps now to ensure that the district's legal representation is without negative stigma attached. We do not need the negative stigma to attach to our district while we pursue the open vacancy for superintendency. Um and we don't we don't need that process coded in a

105negative light. Initiating an RFP process is a standard, transparent approach that allows the board to evaluate qualifications, ensure alignment with district fiduciary and educational values, and restores confidence in the district. Thank you. >> [applause] >> AND OUR LAST SPEAKER IS BECKY CASEY. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for the board at the last meeting in coming together for the CBA. I have no um skin in the game in terms I'm not a teacher, but I do want to support teachers and the schools. I had I have two girls that um now young women who graduated from Pueblo West High School. Um My girls went through District 70 school from 2003 to 2017. And I will have to tell you that the only reason I came to board meetings was to celebrate

106various accomplishments of the school and of the students. Um that's not why I'm here tonight. Um while I appreciate it, I believe the board is still illegit illegitimate. I am interested in your statements, Ms. Bennett, related to your belief that Mr. Miller has represented you well. And actually, I agree with you. I think he has represented you well. I don't think he's represented the board well. And I'm curious when you chose to break the quorum the night that the there was a vote on who was going to be filling the board position, if you talked to him and if he advised you that what you needed to do was leave. And if he did advise you of that, why didn't you come back to the board and say, I've spoken to the attorney. Here he

107is on the phone. He's going to advise you why we have to why I need to leave this meeting now. I believe you left the meeting. There was a quorum. You broke that quorum and you left because you did not want a vote to be held to which could have been held to determine who the next board member would be. I find it interesting that part of this, the foundation of this is to allow a Christian school who are a school that will teach Christian values in direct contrast to how this board is being um led. I don't see any integrity in what happened when you broke the quorum. And I don't see any honesty in that. Further, it was interesting to me tonight regarding an RFP that there was some discussion, some questions raised

108about what a two or three percent increase in the bus in the cost of the bus when there was over a 50% increased in the cost of the attorney. I'm just wondering where that discussion took place. Why this board that was that hired this attorney thought it was worth it to increase the the amount that the board was going to pay by over 50%. The community, the schools, our students deserve better. THANK YOU. >> [applause] >> ACTION ITEMS 9.01, approval of the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum. Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I would like to recommend adoption of the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum for our elementary schools in School District 70. All right, thank you. Any questions? Okay, do I have a motion to approve the Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum as presented? So moved. Second.

109All right. Yay. >> [laughter] >> AJ Wilson? Yes. Ann Bennett? >> Yes. Mark Emery? Yes. Michelle Erickson? Yes. Susie Kearns? Yes. Motion carried. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Um item 10.01, approval of the consent agenda items. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented having been reviewed by the board? So moved. Second. Who's on it now? Got got it. >> You just needed to be a little louder cuz I don't hear very well. >> Oh, sorry. >> [laughter] >> I second. You're good. AJ Wilson? >> Yes. Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emery? Yes. Michelle Erickson? Yes. Susie Kearns? >> Yes. Motion carried. Okay, thank you. Um I would like to invite Stephanie and Rhonda to just say a few words. So, we have a few announcements and and

110some promotions that we would like to announce this evening. And the first one I'll start with is uh the new principal of North Mesa Elementary is coming to us as an assistant from an assistant principal at Skyview Middle School. Uh congratulations, Brett Bridgeman. >> [applause] >> Well, I'm super excited and humbled and honored by this appointment and promotion. Um you know, I wanted to first off thank you, Madam President, members of the board. Mrs. Ryan, again, congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Petro. And you know, as I I look around the room in here, I've spent the last 19 years of my career in District 70. Um and I've run across a number of just wonderful educators and administrators and had the opportunity to kind of learn from some of them along the way. Um you

111know, I I have Mrs. Russell behind me. I served as Dean of Students at Prairie Winds Elementary School, learned a great deal from her. Mr. Slobodnik, I worked side by side with him over at LPI. Um learned a lot from him when I was interim Dean of Students. I saw Mr. Dilka um here. I worked for him as a social studies teacher. Um principal before him. Uh Mrs. Tafoya, Terry Tafoya, who hired me and gave me my first teaching job, social studies. Um what a wonderful experience that that was. Um you know, I continue to look around and I see I have my team here today, Mr. Brill. And then Mrs. Laney, who's just been a wonderful colleague and teammate all these years and going back to our teaching at LPI. Um again, under Mr.

112Dilka over here. And then Kate Paycheck, who was one of our lead teachers when I worked at Prairie Winds under Mrs. Russell. So, it's just I I I say all this because there's so much gratitude for um this opportunity and I acknowledge folks who've come before me and I've learned a great deal and I'm just so excited for the opportunity. Um getting back to the elementary world after all these years in middle school is super exciting to me because I come from a home I grew up in an elementary school home. My mother um is actually a retired kindergarten teacher from Sunset Park Elementary School. And so, there was always that respect there. You know, and I I saw it again at Prairie Winds and just how hard those elementary teachers work. But, I say

113all this, I don't want to forget about my people at Skyview, either, because seven plus years as an assistant principal and athletic director there and that school is second to none and I will continue to advocate for them as well. Um and and just, you know, it's a national blue ribbon school. I mean, how lucky was I to kind of have that experience and and work there and and learn. Mrs. James, Wendy James, who isn't here tonight, um was our principal for a long time there and learned a great deal from her. Um a funny story getting back to North Mesa and my how excited I am there, I actually before I started in District 70, crossed paths with Mr. House, who's now the principal there, at Canon City Middle School. And so, we were

114both Pueblo guys driving out to Canon City and he was a teacher just getting into admin. I was social studies. Um learned a great deal from him then, but I'm really excited to kind of pick his brain more and get to learn this new community now out on the Mesa, kind of where it all started. I just want to thank my wife tonight, my beautiful wife, Tracy, for being here tonight. And again, super excited. Um just getting ready to go from being a Titan to a Tiger. So, go North Mesa AND GO SKYVIEW. >> [applause] >> OKAY, BRETT, NOW I TOLD YOU SHORT AND SWEET. I'll let Mrs. Russell announce this next one. All right. Um our other position for promotion tonight is our assistant director of human resources. And Mr. Brian Dilka has been

115selected for that position. Comes to us as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in our district and very happy to welcome him to district administration in the human resources world. >> [applause] >> Um good evening. Mr. Bridgeman's going to be a tough act to follow. Um you see my agenda here is uh bent in 84 different ways um because of all the anxiety that I have and it's none of it is related to anything that we talked about in this room tonight. Uh my anxiety comes from the fact that I've been the principal of Pueblo County High School for the last 10 years of my life. And a common theme that started with Rhonda and I heard from Kate and Deanne and Bob um is that we have staff members that give our lives to

116District 70. And and quite honestly, um myself and my family have given our lives to Pueblo County High School, for sure, for the last 10 years. So, I'm emotionally wrapped up in this decision and it's a hard one for me. Um but the timing of it is right. And um I'm super excited to move in the personnel office and and work uh with Stephanie and uh lead uh from the front with empathy and respect for all of our employees and to move forward. And I'm I'm just really excited for the next challenge. So, thank you very much. Wait. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Dilka. Hey, Brian. Get back. I was hoping you weren't going to say anything, Mr. Dilka. >> [laughter] >> Well, I'm not going to complain. Although I was told to vote

117no. >> [laughter] >> But, It's probably by Bob, I'm sure. >> I want to say what how I really wish Brian had been my principal at County. He was assistant principal when I was there. I'm here to tell you all the teachers absolutely love him. The students love him. They did a great prank last year with business size cards and put them all with his picture on it. Put them all over the school everywhere. They're still finding them. >> 6,000 of them. 6,000. So, I wanted to say thank you, Mr. Dilka, for your service to County High School. >> Yeah. Thank no, you're welcome. >> [applause] >> Since I'm still the principal of County High School, Chicago was fantastic. Bob totally undersold that. So, thank you, Mr. Emery. Chicago was fantastic. Uh we're in the

118middle of Wish Week. We got a fantastic celebration uh for Make-A-Wish Week at Pueblo County High School at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow. Everybody is invited. Uh we are going to push our fundraising well over $25,000 for the week tomorrow to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We're super excited about that. >> [applause] >> And uh Um we it's been a tireless school effort um and we've disrupted teacher schedules and I'm super thankful for my staff for playing along all week long. So, thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. And last but not least, uh Chris Slobodnik is moving from the assistant director to the director role and hopefully removing some things from Bob's plate so that Bob can remove some things from my plate. Sounds like my plate's getting bigger. Big plate. Hey, um congratulations to Brett, Brian. Guys,

119it's well deserved. Um I'm humbled to take the take the opportunity to do this. Thanks for your trust. Um like Brian, um my family's been involved with District 70 a long time. My mom taught for 30 35 years at North Mesa. Um and taught with a lot of people over there. She one of one of the last Mohicans over there. So, my mom [laughter] taught with, but you know, I've had a lot of wonderful people that have helped me in through. Mr. Petro, in fact, I did student teaching with Mr. Petro when I was 21 years old. So, that was that was pretty cool, but uh my wife came came with me tonight. She's the pre- preschool director at uh Cedar Ridge Elementary, wonderful program over there. But, uh if you need something from uh

120our department, call me. Um If you don't have my number yet, I'll get it to you. I'll give you my direct line. Call me anytime. But I appreciate the trust. Thank you. So moved, LADY. >> [applause] >> I APPRECIATE ALL THE longevity that we've spoke about in this room tonight because that is something that District 70 does well is we we find employees and we keep employees for a really long time. So thank you all. Thank [applause] you. 5:11 p.m. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, Colorado beginning at 6:00 p.m. Do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? So moved. I'll second. Yay. AJ Wilson? Yes. And Janet? Yes. Mark Emery? Yes. Phil Erickson? Yes. Judy Curnow? Yes. Motion

121carried 7:51 p.m. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. Thank you, Kimberly. I'll second. Yay. AJ Wilson? Yes. And Janet? Yes. Mark Emery? Yes. Phil Erickson? Yes. Judy Curnow? Yes. Motion carried 7:51 p.m. Thank you, Kimberly.