001Good evening. This is the regular board meeting for Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The board is meeting at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, PBLO, Colorado. The time is 6 pm and I call the regular board meeting to order. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Item [clears throat] 3.02. Welcome to all visitors and members of the community. um that are joining us this evening. Item 3.03 uh approve the regular board meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to approve the regular board meeting as presented. >> Madam President, I'd like to amend the agenda to recommend an RFP for legal
002services. >> Okay. Um so adding that as a discussion item for tonight's meeting. Okay. Um, so do I have a motion to amend tonight's agenda? >> Do you need a second for the amendment? >> Right. >> No, I need a motion to amend. >> So moved. >> Okay. And a second. >> I second. >> Okay. So then we'll vote. >> Ann Bennett. >> I. >> Mark Emery. >> Yes. >> Michelle Ericson. >> I. >> Ag Wilson. >> I. >> Motion carried. All right. Thank you. The motion carries. Um, gifts item 4.01. Um, I would like to invite Mr. Tim Yates to the podium. >> I think you first have to accept the >> board meeting as amended. >> Yeah. >> Sorry, I missed the agenda as amended. >> Yes. >> Since we amended it. >>
003Okay. So, do we have an motion to accept the amended agenda for the board meeting? >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> Ann Bennett. >> Hi. >> Mark Emry. >> Yes. >> Michelle Ericson. >> Hi. >> AJ Wilson. >> Hi. >> Motion carried. >> Okay. So, gifts. Mr. Yates. >> Yes. I'd like to present gifts to you all from Beal, which is chemical depot destruction plant. [snorts] As they're closing down, they're clearing out the warehouse and equipment they find that we might be able to use in the district. [cough] They are gifting that to us. And in this donation, [snorts] they've gifted us three Microsoft Surface tablet goes, pens, cases, and docking stations to go with those. They also gifted us six [cough] 32-in televisions, seven 21.5 in computer screens,
004and 13 HP mini computers for a total value of $19,450. >> All right. Thank you. [snorts] Um, our next item of gifts is item 4.02. Um, I'd like to invite Ian Watson to the podium. >> Uh, evening board and superintendent Ryan. Um, tonight I'm presenting a donation that goes back um the story behind this donation goes back actually to October um of last year. Um the for the first time since 1999, the Thunderbolt marching band qualified as a finalist band at the 1A um state competition. Um on the screens is a picture of our very small uh 21 member marching men um with students from both Craraver and Wright High School ranging from 6th through 12th grade. Um standing next to our much larger competitors. Um we are really grateful. This was our first time
005at finals and it was my first time at finals. Um these kids really worked hard um despite everything. And um the story behind this donation, we were contacted a few weeks after um this by a public county band parent who had watched our band and performed and they noticed we didn't have a marching band man uh banner um with us on the field. So, they offered to buy us a brand new marching band banner that we will be um showcasing at the Blossom Parade on May 2nd. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> I when I saw Ian, by the way, you can tell I [clears throat] watched the band program. I knew it way back in the day and then many many many years marching bandan has done incredible things that I'm not just saying that
006to make it feel good I've judged the band several times and I just want to give kudos to Mr. performance as a teacher of the high school. [applause] >> All right. Um, item 4.03, accept the gifts. The chair will entertain a motion to accept the gifts. >> So move. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Okay. >> Ann Bennett? >> I. >> Mark Emry. >> Yes. >> Michelle Ericson. >> Hi. >> AJ Wilson. >> Hi. >> Motion carried. >> Next item is uh the good news item 5.01. I'd like to invite Kate Pek from PCAP to do the PCA spotlight. So, we just like to uh recognize some of our staff. Uh it's a PCA spotlight. Susie came up with the idea and it they are [cough] nominated by other staff members. Uh before
007I read off what their nomination said, this first one I have to say when you're in education long enough, people come back around and you see them again and again. And so this first one, she's not here, but um she was nominated at her school and before I ever s started teaching um I spent time in her classroom because she taught and was partners with my mom and so I would be there and she was one of my first influences as a teacher. So anyway, it they just people come back around and those relationships are so wonderful to see. So the first one is our certified Carrie Rodm [clears throat] her last name is different but um with 30 years of teaching at VI not at Vinland 30 years of teaching she's now at Violin
008Elementary uh Carrie's career stands a true testament to her dedication compassion and deep love for children generations of students have found comfort, stability and encouragement in her classroom shaped by her steady and humble presence. Her commitment to students goes far beyond academics. She creates a space where children feel safe, valued, and understood. Her classroom is filled with joy, creativity, and connection. She brings a unique and fun approach to teaching that leaves a lasting impression on her students. Even years later, former students continue to return to her classroom just to say hello and share a hug. A powerful reflection of the meaningful relationships she builds and the trust she earns. So, [applause] um, and then our other one is not able to be here either tonight. She's been sick. Uh, but her ARs are here. Uh,
009so she is from LPE. She is a paraprofessional at LPE. Renee French. Renee has shown tireless dedication to supporting ESS students, consistently going above and beyond to ensure their success. She brings patience, compassion, and commitment to every interaction, especially when working with students who have behavior goals or require additional support. Even while navigating recent health challenges, Renee continues to give her best every day for her students and colleagues. Her flexibility and willingness to support others truly set her apart. She's always ready to step up to help any staff member in need and adapts to meet students where they are. On multiple occasions, she has provided unwavering compassion and encouragement to students who struggle in traditional classroom settings, helping them feel safe, understood, and capable of success. [applause] All right. Thank you, Kate. Item 6.01, 1
010information from the board and the superintendent and we'll just start with Mr. Deutro and work our way around. >> Well, good evening everyone. Just uh want to give a quick shout out to Mr. [clears throat] Bumgardner, our athletic coordinator and um all of our uh admin staff at County and Pub West High School and then all of our uh principles across our district. We had our Canvas community classic last week at CSU Publo. It's one of two events that we put on with the the sponsorship of Canvas Credit Union in conjunction with partnership with CS PBLO. Um it was this year was our annual basketball game and it drew a huge crowd. Uh if you were there about threequarters of the arena was filled. Um it stayed filled and people came, they stayed. Uh it
011was a wonderful event. All of our uh schools recognize both students and staff uh for the outstanding work uh that they do in our our our district. And so it's a great event. It's it does go it does take a lot of work from a lot of different people. But um I think that's just one of the really positive things when you go to to those types of events. So I I just wanted to say what a great event it was. We're we're very thrilled to have our partnership with uh Canvas Credit Union. This is our second year now with them. They are big uh in sponsoring uh school districts across the state. And of course our partnership with CSU club um it impacts our our community in just a great way. And so just
012wanted to say that was a wonderful event today. Congratulate all who were involved. >> Thank you. >> Well, I I echo what you said. It was a great event and and Mr. Bombgartner did put a tremendous amount of work into it and so um I appreciate all of his hard work and effort in making that happen. Um, right before Christmas, uh, I received, literally, this was maybe two hours before we were ready to go home. I received this, um, little plaque and it says, "In the year 2025, a time capsule is to be opened by the district 70 administrative staff. Location and directions are inside this frame." I had no idea. So, it says it's located. It gives me a map of this administrative building and it says it's located above ceiling over closet in
013west conference room. Well, we had closed up that ceiling um quite some time ago and so we got a ladder and we made Ryan Mandrich climb up into the ceiling to get the time capsule. And so the honk virus off of it. Uh, I have a time capsule from 2000 and I will open it and I will lay out all of its contents um tomorrow for everyone to see. They can come by. They can take a look at all of the contents that were in this bucket and there are some interesting things inside of it. I I personally didn't even um get to all of them. >> [laughter] >> It might be as bestus too. We don't know. >> Some of the things that are in it are, for instance, you know, a can of
014Coke, an old Pepsi bottle. >> Does that have the thing under the cap? You know the >> the trivia that you used to do? What is it? Monopoly game. >> But there's pictures, there's there's documents, there are um >> a penny penny. This this was a blast from the past. That won't be >> the pop in. >> Oh yeah. There's there's a lot of interesting stuff in here. So, I will take it all out and I will lay it out for everybody to see. I'll put it out on the table. Um, it was it was kind of a cool little Christmas gift um after we got it all cleaned up, but we'll get it we'll get it out for the whole public to see because there are some interesting things inside here as well as
015pictures. >> So, Mrs. Ryan, >> yeah. >> Who made that capsule? >> Yeah, that's a great question. I don't know. Judging from uh the stuff that's in it, it had to be uh someone in administration made it. That's fun. But anyway, I thought it was kind of neat. It was a neat gift to get uh right before we went on break. Um and I I just plan to let everybody see what all is in it. It's a It's got some neat stuff in it. >> Sounds great. >> Yeah. All right. Thank you. Hey, >> I'm just wondering if I know all the That's in there. [laughter] >> I think you might. >> I think that VHS stumped some people, so >> I think you might. I didn't see an eight drop. >> Yeah. All right.
016>> I think that's cool. Um I don't have anything today. >> Nothing tonight. Okay. I don't either, so we'll move on to Mr. Emory. >> Okay. I don't mean to be repetitious, but uh the canvas event was pretty cool. Uh so many aspects. Now, Mr. Watson and I know what it's like to spend time at basketball games. Hundreds of basketball games. And I in my career at county, there's a lot of basketball games. But going into the gym, there's something special about it. It has been 16 years since I was at a high school basketball game. But Adam did a great job. But the cool thing is recognizing staff and students of our schools and I thought and Kate, you're doing a wonderful job. Uh [snorts] my wife was recognized, Michelle was recognized last year
017as a teacher and uh it's really special to the recipients and to get out. I I know my wife was very very nervous walking out there last year, but Thank you for the to the district and Mr. Bon Gardner for putting that together and congratulations to the teams. >> Okay. Um I just want to say um I was there as well and I thought it was great. It's always fun to see those rivalries uh the rivalry between County and West. Um and mostly just to see the kids that are friends have an opportunity to be together in the same gym. That was really exciting. And then I also wanted to say um as a board member I'm really grateful. We had some great professional development this past Friday and I thought it was uh served
018us well and helped us to better under you know I mean I'm a brand new board member so to better understand my role and um so I'm grateful for that and I think just lots of positive things happening um and >> thank you. >> All right thank you. Um moving on item 7.01 01 presentation of the maintenance agreement between school district 70 and Publo County, Colorado. Um we're going to hear from Mr. Abe Armanderez. >> Board, thank you for having us. Uh my name is Abe Armanderees. I'm the parks operations manager for PBLO County and this is my deputy director of parks and recreation, Amanda Hopson. Uh what we're looking at is extending or continuing a maintenance agreement that's been long-standing between PBLO County and District 70 with uh going all the way back to
019the 1970s with the land use grant that actually helped develops all of the the Mesa area schools. So realistically, the only significant change that we've had from previous agreements that we've had, this is a typically a two-year agreement, is there has been Runan Sports Complex is a standalone agency apart from PBlo County Parks and Recreation within PBlo County. They are still under PBLO County, but we operate under two separate funding sources, two different staffing levels. So uh Galaraga Field and Baxter Elementary would be under the responsibility of the running sports complex team whereas North Mesa, South Mesa, Pleasant View, the trails that are adjacent to those uh would fall un remain under the parks and recreation maintenance agreement. I don't know if anybody has any questions or anybody had an opportunity to look at any
020of the maintenance agreement, but it's pretty lined out, very clear that uh Publo County Parks and Recreation maintains the tables, the trash, and then as request as needed with the maintenance team with District 70, fertilizer, chemical applications, and any other applicable needs that they have. Oh, and then the recreational opportunities that we offer the county the county residents through utilizing the assets such as the pool, the track at PB just to continue recreation opportunities for the community. >> Okay, very good. Any questions? >> All right, thank you. Appreciate it. Item 7.02, presentation of the 2025 financial audit. Um, we're going to be hearing from Mr. Chris Bant tonight. >> Thank you for having me. I really appreciate getting the opportunity to be here. My name is Chris Bant. Um, I was the audit manager uh
021for the audit for this year. Um, and so I was uh very intimately involved with the audit and uh am happy to present to you guys tonight. Uh we perfect have the uh presentation on the board. Uh this is meant to be a fairly high level overview of the audit and so if there are questions from the board more than happy to uh answer them as we go otherwise I'm going to hit the high level points uh and then uh we'll let you guys uh move on. Uh item number one, uh we we were on site for our interim work in late June where we tested controls and compliance and from there design our audit procedures based on those tests. fieldwork over the majority of the audit uh was done in early October here on
022site and overall in our opinion the financial condition of the district is strong and the financial statements are presented fairly in all material respects and we issued an unmodified or clean opinion which means that it went as anticipated and we gave it our stamp of approval. Um item number two, the financial statements that we provide to the board. Um there's really two sets of financial statements. There's your governmentwide set of financial statement which is your full acrruel uh financial statements and then there is the fund financial statements which is on the modified acrruel basis of accounting. Big differences there on the the governmentwide you're seeing all of the uh items like capital assets, long-term debt, deferred inflows and outflows. whereas the fund financial statements, you're seeing uh really what you're budgeting and comparing to day-to-day.
023Uh so we always like to just point out that if you're trying to compare the two, there are some very large differences and and that's what those differences are. Okay. Uh looking at item three for the statement of net position, we're just showing uh the uh very summarized totals between 25 and 24 here and would point out that cash and investments are up by about $6.4 million. Capital assets are down by about $7.3 million as depreciation exceeded capital outlays and that liabilities are down by about $17 million. The unfunded portion of the net pension and OPED liabilities went down by about $4 million and uh the long-term debt otherwise was paid by the debt service agreements that the district has. Uh and we saw no changes there. net position as a whole was up by
024about $6 million. All right. When we look at item number four, we'd like to show a quick comparison of uh ratio of fund balance to expense. And when we're looking uh at that uh we're showing uh 36% uh of fund balance to expenditure as compared to 26.9 from the year prior, which is a good increase. And we also look at the approximate number of days of expenditure covered by fund balance. uh we like to see that between 90 days and 120 days. Uh for 2025 that increased from 97 uh days and 24 to 132 days in 25 which is a very good a positive change as well. And we would say that's a very healthy uh uh analytic to look at when we're looking at uh item number five. Uh looking at long-term debt and
025kind of digging down into what the district's long-term debt is. Uh the two main portions of long-term debt for the district are the general obligation bonds and the notes payable. Uh and those as I mentioned were paid by the debt service schedules and those can the detail of those can be found in the notes to the financial statements. Uh looking at item number six, changes in fund balance. The uh general fund and uh sub funds uh were up by $10.7 million. Overall revenue was up by 7% and expenses were up by 4%. Grant activities was down by about $6 million and that was largely due to uh ESRE funds being wrapped up uh in FY24. Debt service fund balance was up by about $4 million as tax collections exceeded the debt service payments and the
026capital project fund balance was down $2.6 million with 4.4 million spent [clears throat] on capital projects. Okay. Uh looking at item number seven uh internal controls. One of the things that we do uh is a single audit or compliance audit and we'll deal with that in the federal award. But as a part of that we look at internal controls and evaluate and say hey what are the district's processes as a whole and uh do we feel that it is uh uh reflecting a uh proper use and proper controls over the district's financial resources. Um we did uh this is my third year being the manager of this audit. Our first year auditing was when we were first brought on as the auditors for the district and we had uh I I'd have to go back
027and look. We had a number of findings that first year. Uh the second year the financial team uh really worked hard and we were able to uh work that down to one finding for last year and then this year we were able to get that one finding completely off. So we were able to issue uh reports without any significant deficiencies uh or material weaknesses uh which is fantastic. Um, so when we're looking at internal controls, we're feeling really good about it u going forward here. Uh, looking at item eight, federal awards, uh, we did not have any, uh, compliance issues that were noted in our single audit testing. Um, and so from our from our perspective, we were able to issue uh, uh, clean reports for the single audit as well. Um, I really want
028to point out the strong work that Jamie did uh, this year. Um it is I've I've worked in a number of audits, managed a number of audits where there's been changes in management. Um and it can go one of two ways. Either fairly smoothly uh or it can be a complete train wreck. Uh and Jamie was able to step in, step up and lead his team very well uh to where we were able to issue reports in roughly the same time frame as last year, which from an audit perspective is uh that's that's really good. So, thank you very much for uh your work on this and making it a smooth transition. Uh we also want to throw out a thanks to the rest of the uh finance team. Uh we all we understand that
029it's not a one-man effort. Uh and it it's that entire group of people that makes this uh go smoothly. So, uh thank you for having us. Uh does the board have any questions? I >> think so. Thank you so much. >> Perfect. All right, you guys have a pleasant evening. >> You too. Thank you. >> Thanks for [applause] >> All right. Item 7.03, presentation of PBLO West High School Junior RTC trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, January 30th, 2026 through February 1st, 2026. and we'll be hearing from First Sergeant Jonathan Lamster. >> Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for having me. Um, I'm seeking your approval to take 32 cadetses down to Albuquerque, New Mexico to compete in the SEO SIBA skills meet from 30 January to 1 February. We will be taking both our
030armed and unarmed team, our color guard, a male and female raider team. We will be staying at the H uh the Hilton Garden about 7 minutes from the uh Sibola High School where we're going to be competing. Uh the total cost for the uh students will be $50. That'll help cover hotel and meals. Uh myself and Colonel Eman will be driving two mini buses, so if we see you on the road, we'll we'll honk. But um it's about 5 hours from where we're at now. Uh and we are super excited to compete down there. Uh we competed there two years ago and uh we had a lot of success. We'll be taking 12 males and 20 females. Uh pin in your questions. That's all I have. Any questions? Okay. Go ahead. >> Yes, sir. >>
031What will they be doing? Drill. >> We'll be doing uh drill and raider. Um Raiders physical fitness. So, we'll be uh pulling sleds, running uh a track with a rifle. Um a lot of physical uh strenuous stuff on the kids for the the Raider portion. >> How many days? >> I'm sorry, sir. >> How many days is the activity? >> Uh sir, we're going to go from the It's really the travel day will be be there on the 30th. We'll compete on the 31st and then we'll drive back on the 1st. >> Well, good luck. >> Yes, sir. Thank you. >> Sergeant Major. >> Hello, Sergeant Major. >> Thank you. All right. Um, item 7.04 presentation of the PBLO County High School Junior ROC trip to Sandy, Utah, February 4th, 2026 through February 8, 2026.
032and we're going to hear from um Sergeant Major Arnold Lewis. >> Good afternoon everyone. This is Ryan and happy new year to everybody. This is the time of year 2026 that uh the rifle team starts traveling all over the country. Uh we finished second in the state of Colorado and now the kids are shot match which helped them to go to Utah this this year. Uh the match is funded by the United States government. So everything is paid. Fivestar hotel, feed them three meals a day. All they got to do to go to sleep, wake up and shoot two hours and then we go out and look around and sightsee. Then the next day it's two days of shooting and the next day we sightsee and then they have a war program at the end
033of the third day and we bring them back home. I'll drive the school but uh school vehicle down there and Mr. Knox, who's my assistant coach, he'll drive his vehicle down there and help carry equipment and go from the 4th through the 8th. And uh any questions? >> Sounds like a blast. >> Pardon me, sir. >> Sounds like a blast. >> It's always a blast. >> Any questions? >> So, I'm sorry. Can you say how many students are you taking? >> Oh, I'm taking seven students. Five. Five shooters, one manager, and uh Mr. Nox and myself. Very nice. Thank you. >> Good luck. >> All right. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> Matter of fact, we participated. We was the rest of regional champ national championship. So, we the top 32 teams in the
034western regional got selected to go to this match and we finished in 10th place. >> May I mention one more? >> Congratulations. >> The county rifle team is a perennial champion. They are phenomenal. They've even been a national champion. So, congratulate you for all your hard work, Sergeant. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Item 7.05, presentation of the revisions to hourly substitute rates effective January 1st, 2026. Um we're going to hear from Stephanie West. >> Good evening, Madam President, members of the board. Um, in um January 1, 2026, the Colorado minimum wage uh did increase to $1516 an hour. In December, I did present hourly sub rates to increase to that minimum wage to the $1516 an hour. However, um these positions were not part of that um request. So
035we want to bring those so that we actually have uh these hourly positions at minimum wage as well for translator, bus monitor, hearing and vision screening subscreeners for their hourly rate and they would be substitutes. It would be retroactive to January 1st of this year. Thank you. Any questions? >> All right. Thank you. Item 7.06, presentation of the world language curriculum recommendation. Dr. Anthony Martinez. Dr. Martinez, you have the floor. >> Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the board, tonight I'm coming to recommend adoption of the intra culturas uh levels one through four world language curriculum. That's for Spanish. On September 26th, our world language teachers met to review four curriculum options to support our seal of biiteracy program. The seal of bio literacy program was approved in spring of 2025 for this
036year and the teachers selected the wayside publishings entraulas one through four and triangulo aiado for the AP course. Um when our when a student reaches year three or year four of their foreign language or their Spanish study, they can sit for the AP test. If they score a three on that AP test, then they're honored at the end of their graduate or during during graduation with the seal of biiteracy. And that's a state seal that we had to apply for. And so this curriculum supports students achieving that goal. Uh if the students decide not to sit for that AP test or take that AP pathway, they can continue their Spanish language study into level three and level four of the Spanish language curriculum. Um, and this will give students different options to continue their study
037if that's a pathway they choose to go. >> Any questions? >> Okay, thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >> Item 7.07, presentation of the RFP for phone systems. Um, Monroe Robinson will be >> So, I'll I'll go ahead and start. Okay. Monroe gives a difficult thing. Uh last July we made our last payment on our phone system lease. >> Okay. >> Um that system is seven years old because we had that lease for seven years. Our current phone system is dying and requires tender care every once in a while to get it up and running. And so we went out for an RFP. Got a phone system. We had 14 or 15 vendors respond. Then Monroe and I were tasked with narrowing that down to one and we're bringing you the RFP for Ring
038Central. >> And if you have any questions, we're >> questions. >> I guess Tim is from the entire district. >> Yeah, it's it's about a total of 300 phones throughout the entire district. [cough and clears throat] in all buildings. >> Yes. >> How long would this one be for? >> This lease is four year. >> Four years. >> Any other questions? >> So even though it's a four-year contract, we haven't done this for a long time. So typically you would just continue with the same provider. >> Yeah. And what we what we did over the last 15 years is we had the same provider and because of money funding sometime some for seven years we changed equipment in the back room. The next seven years we change all the handsets that everybody had and now
039it's just coming through a everything's starting to fail. So we need to get this >> hopefully this gets approved. >> Our phone system is right. >> Yes. And this new system will be as well. >> Correct. >> You could use your radio >> or your cell. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> Okay. So, um item 7.08 8. Um, this will be the discussion regarding an RFP for attorney. Thank you. >> Our community is not our district. That was so meaningful. This is not our district. We need to show financial responsib We just went through an event which was perceived as a conflict of interest. Our attorney has an agenda. The districts are in turmoil. I don't want this district. Our district is composed of children of many religions.
040I would advocate for a locality. I want what's best for our district, our students, and our staff. We're not to argue agendas and politics. We want to serve the board without distractions. Let's start with a clean slate free of perception of impropriy and the shadow of conflict of interest. >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. So, um so we are requesting that an RFP be considered so that we can um evaluate So that we I apologize for not turning that on. Um we would like to uh request an RFP to make sure that we're looking at all of the law firms um that specialize in education and that we are fiscally responsible. Um we want to be transparent with our constituents and make sure that we're serving our community um our students and um to the best
041of our ability and um looking at our you know that is part of our responsibility is fiscal responsibility taking care of our budget. So, um, we are requesting that an RFP, um, be issued. >> I know personally I've been very satisfied with the law firm. Um, I think, you know, when you compare law firms, you got to look at what they specialize in and I know they've specialized in um, education and our last attorney did not. And that worries me because if some education is a very specific um skill set and I think if we don't have someone that specializes in that, it's going to be very difficult knowing if we're walking down the right path or if we're possibly going to have a lawsuit down the future that could cost us more than attorney
042fees as well. So I think in comparing we need to look you know make sure they are qualified to handle the education requirements as well. So that's that's kind of my advice. I think we've gotten a lot of good input from their law firm and I think they've done a great job. My my feeling and I believe Michelle's feeling is there's definitely a political leaning a religious leaning to Mr. advised and as evidenced by schools established and approved by our district here, our school board uh our school board president resigned last last meeting and uh what I like like to propose is as I mentioned before a clean slate so our so our community can look at us as seeing that we're doing our best to handle the situation by presenting the RFP. So, you
043know, I I'm embarrassed when I hear comments and a myriad of phone calls uh about the behavior of our school of our president and uh it appears and it may not be true there's collusion between Mr. Miller and the former president. So uh that's why I want to start with a clean slate and uh let us do our best for for our public side. Go ahead. >> Um you mentioned in executive session a bond that Mr. was involved with um helping it complete the bond and saving the district some money. Can you speak to that again? >> Yeah, so um when we were going through the bond, they would issue uh anou to get, you know, the services done and by the recommendation of of Mr. Miller, he recommended that we found um a management
044group and so we did and they saved us uh quite a significant amount even just in that first that was was done. So, I think different advice like that from someone who, you know, even though they're not completely local, he's been involved with education and kind of knows what to look for with some of that to help with some of those financial aspects as well. >> So, besides that recommendation, why do you feel so supportive as an attorney that within the minds of someone of our public is questioning I think he's done a good job as far as giving us sound advice, as far as giving us, you know, one way or another as far as policies go. Okay, if we go down this road, we're going to run into these issues. If we go
045down that road, we're going to run into other issues. And kind of allowing us to weigh those opportunities on which direction we want to go. And so I think that's a valuable opportunity is giving those choices and you know notifying us of the consequences or the you know the pros and cons of each decision because that's that's kind of the world we live in is there's pros and cons to every decision we make. But as a new board um in requesting an RFP which is um request a request for proposal um we live in a world of acronyms so I want to make sure that we all request for proposal that we give um all law firms that specialize in education the opportunity to apply um and then we can evaluate which law firm would
046serve us best. And I mean mo most certainly it's it's it's offering um an opportunity to us as a board a a new board the opportunity to look at what um law firms can provide for us. Of course um we want great legal advice. We need it. It's imperative. But we want to make sure that we're doing it um with the interest of our community. um are um and and and cost like we've talked a lot about like I mean when you you know cost is a big part of it and I recognize that legal fees are legal fees whether you know per hour but um I think by requesting this we are as um Mark mentioned um we're establishing our expectation and we're looking for a firm that will fulfill those expectations um agreed
047by all of us. Right. >> So, I guess that's okay. I would um what specific things are you looking for? Um what kinds of things would you want to be included in that? Uh what criteria would you want another law firm to bring forward? Because it sounds to me you're bringing forward two different issues. One is the financial aspect that's fairly easy to just compare hourly rates among firms. Um and then the other one you mentioned um public perception >> but I think they're the same an because when you are looking at um Madame President I think that when you're looking at a firm and how much they charge whether they're I mean for example and and I mentioned I mentioned this but you know if if a law firm is charging um mileage to
048come to our meetings um and there were a law firm available here here in closer to us in PBLO perhaps um clearly mileage wouldn't be as expensive. I mean if you're looking at the bottom line um and you're and you're talking money then I mean I think we can look at it from that perspective that it's not just I mean it's we want someone that's excellent in providing um guidance to our district. So our law firm um provides both um legal um advice to us as a school board but also to our district. And so I think it's really important that we look at a person um a firm uh financially and also their area of expertise and education and also um you know making sure that um they uh their firm represents our district
049well like our district like what we think is you know like looking at our mission of our district. And so I think those are things that it, you know, in in my understanding of what an RFP is, we put the RFP together and we can um list what we're looking for >> in a law firm. >> So do you have specific ideas of what you would want included in that? >> Well, I think that's something we we'd have to think about. That's putting us on the spot. What we have now um is our attorney is infamous. He is well known throughout the state as causing issues in so many school districts and and if you'd like me to enumerate those school districts, I can easily do that. Um I would just rather go and I'm
050going to say it a third time with a clean slate with someone who's wellqualified uh but without the baggage that he possesses throughout throughout our state. Uh I mean we he was in the news all the time and not in a good way. And so I I would like us to look good to our public. I would like us to make good decisions. And I'm sure there are there are attorneys that can do a wonderful professional job that that don't have this page. Yeah, I we must be talking to different people, Mark, because um the feedback I've gotten regarding Mr. Miller has all been not all mostly been very positive. Um and what I'm hearing is that he commands a high level of respect. Um, while I can appreciate what you're saying about starting clean
051with the new slaves, there's also something to be said with having somebody that knows some of the history, know, you know, somebody that you've been working with. In my own business, I'm always hesitant. I'm a general contractor. I'm always hesitant to change my subcontractors because there's always a learning curve with that when I change my um, not employees, but the people that, you know, to do work for me. And so I think that changing also can bring its own set of problems, maybe unforeseen problems. Um I'm not opposed to evaluating the financial aspect. I think we do have a responsibility to be financially sound, financially responsible to the district with taxpayer money. Um I'm a strong fiscal conservative, so I you know, looking at that and evaluating that. But I I yeah, that those are
052my feelings about Mr. Miller. I've heard I've heard a lot of really good things. And in my limited interaction with him, he's been very knowledgeable, very thorough, very careful to say to not offer opinions, to just offer options. And I've appreciated that. I think one thing that people need to realize too is because I know we've had people come with a comparison on our last attorney compared to the fees that we've paid since and the the legal things that we've paid for have changed. And so I think and and we've you know I think we need to keep that in mind as well and compare more apples to apples in hourly rates instead of just the total amount that's been spent because if you look at that you know co's changed a lot you know
053and you know the kids that are getting in trouble and going to truency courts or the the corer requests and different things like that people don't realize have to go through the attorneys are are increasing because of different situations. And I think people need to realize that and break it down into looking at some of those hourly rates instead of just going, well, your last attorney costs this much. Why is this one so much more? >> But I I don't think that's what I am asking. I >> know. I just want the general public to understand that. But >> I I understand. Okay. So AJ, I I understand that we're um as far as cost goes. I mean, that's one determining factor, but if I'm not mistaken, prior to uh um attorney Miller's representation, we
054did have local representation. Perco um we had attorney Perco for um a short time, but prior to that, we had a law firm that was here for quite some time. And so, I think there is longevity and people that did specialize in education right here in our own backyard. And I think staying local or looking local or at least opening it up to look at who's out there and willing to represent us is a good thing >> to say we may get the representation without the reputation. >> I understand that. >> Yeah. I guess for me, Michelle, it kind of um again just referencing my business, you know, I I get multiple bids whenever I need to hire a subcontractor. I get multiple bids and I evaluate them and it sounds to me like that's
055just, you know, that's what you're suggesting and I can uh appreciate the the responsibility in that approach. >> Any further discussion? >> So yes, so it doesn't hurt anything to do an RFP. If Mr. Miller is the best candidate, well then he remains >> sure at le we have an option and we won't have lines of people waiting to complain. I mean, at least we've tried. >> Yeah, I think there's value. Um there's not just value, there's integrity in in taking a hard look at it and evaluating it and being able to answer to our constituents and say, "I hear what you're saying. I appreciate your concerns. this is what we did to address them. This was the outcome. And I think appreciate that there's >> there's integrity in that response. >> By the way,
056you can see we're at two to two here. >> And a and I made it clear to AJ and N that I love them no matter what. I mean, they're nice people. I just want to let you know that we are not at each other's throats. Uh and I people get along well, but we have our own feelings and that's what our representative government is all about. So, >> so where do we go from there, Madam President? >> So, if we have no um this is just discussion. So, we I apologize. I want to make sure that we're doing this on the up and up. I don't think that we can take action on it tonight, but we can put it as an action item on our next meeting to create the RFP. because tonight
057it's just a discussion item. So on our next meeting, we can put it as an action item to vote on requesting the RFP. >> And thank you for letting me add another item to the agenda. >> You're welcome. Yeah. >> I think Mark brings up a good point though. Just because we may not agree on everything doesn't mean we can't have a civil conversation. >> For sure. >> And at the end of the day, we may disagree, but we can still be civil and be friends, >> right? >> So I appreciate that. >> Thank you, >> Yeah. Yeah, dialogue it only benefits us. >> Well, >> it's been very lost in society. So, >> now let's have a big kaya. >> Yeah, it is. I think dialogue is important. Um, you know, I think when
058we're able to dialogue, we we were just talking about this earlier. We challenge each other's um viewpoints. We learn, we grow. It helps prevent us from making assumptions about each other about where the other person's coming from, what the other person thinks. So, um I appreciate the the discussion. So, no further discussion, we will move on to um item 8.01, open form. Did we have any tonight? >> I didn't see any. >> Okay. So, um we're gonna move on then. Um item 9.01, approval of consent agenda items. >> Just ask for a motion. >> Yeah. The chair will entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented having been reviewed by the board. >> So moved >> and a second. >> Second. Go ahead. >> And Bennett I. >> Mark Emry. >> Yes. Michelle
059Ericson. >> Hi. >> AJ Wilson. >> Hi. >> Motion carried. >> Item 10.01. >> Yeah. Future meetings and announcements. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, PBlo, Colorado, beginning at 6 PM. Item 11.01, adjourn the meeting. The chair will entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> I move to adjourn the meeting and second. >> Second. >> Okay. >> An Bennett. >> I Mark Emery. >> Yes. Michelle Ericson, >> AJ Wilson, hi. Motion carried. It is 6:54 p.m. All right. Meeting is a journ.