001Apologies for being a couple of minutes late. Second session, we have a busy agenda. Yes, I'll turn on the mic. Uh we had a busy agenda. Uh the board is now going to take 5 to 7 minutes, and then we will uh begin the business meeting. During executive session, no votes were taken, and so uh we're going to begin a short recess, certainly no more than 7 minutes. Thank you for understanding. >> Call the business meeting to order. The board is back with you now, totally refreshed. Loralie, will you please call the roll? Stu Boyd Here. Denise Chapman Here. Lori Gobel Here. Don Kirk Here. Alexander Lessin Nancy Rumfelt Here. Mike Scholl Here. Nancy, will you lead us, please, in the Pledge of Allegiance? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of
002America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. And Denise our mission statement, please. The mission of the Thompson School District will be a district a school district that empowers, challenges, and inspires students, faculty, staff, parents, school leaders, and community members to learn, achieve, and excel. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. I'd entertain a motion for adoption. I move. Second. All right. Motion from Nancy, second from Don. Is there any discussion? Proceeding then to the vote. Loralie, will you please call the roll? Stu Boyd Aye. Denise Chapman Aye. Lori Gobel Aye. Don Kirk Aye. Nancy Rumfelt Aye. Mike Scholl Aye. The vote was six votes in favor of approving the agenda. And so we move
003then to public participation, which is item 4.0 on the agenda. We're looking forward to a presentation from Cottonwood Plains and Truscott Elementary. And so I'll turn uh that this portion of the meeting over to members of those two schools. Good evening, Dr. Heller, uh Mr. President, members of the board, and members of the community. My name is Eric Harding. I'm the principal at Cottonwood Plains Elementary School. One of two dual language elementary schools in the district. Presenting tonight with Karen Hanford, uh principal at Truscott Elementary, um the other elementary dual language school. So we um wanted to just give you a brief overview. We know that there are some new members of the board, and we have a new superintendent this year. Um just a brief overview of of how we do dual language in
004Thompson, and the way we do it specifically at the elementary level. So um at kindergarten through second grade, um our teacher that teaches in English we our kids are in English for half the day and Spanish for half the day. And our teacher that teaches in English handles language arts, social studies, science, and SEL. And then our teacher that instructs in Spanish handles um language arts, math, and SEL as well. So they handle more foundational language arts at that level. And then you'll see on the next slide that we transition as we move into third through fifth. Um at third through fifth we flip the curriculum a bit. The English teacher teaches language arts, um math, and social emotional learning. And then we get heavier into the language arts side on the Spanish um side
005of the ball at third, fourth, and fifth. They still do social studies, science, and SEL at those levels as well. Um with us tonight, too, I'd also like to introduce Tony Tyson, who is our um world languages TOSA. She's going to talk a little bit about the Apple Test for you tonight. Good evening, all. Um I'm the dual language and world language TOSA here in the district. I've been around for a while doing different things. This is my first 52nd year. So now I'm working with the dual language a lot. So how do we assess these students? We have a test called the Apple Test. A A P P L. So once you start working with the Apple Test, we never never been able to spell the fruit correctly. It is with the ACTFL A
006C T F L is our national world language association in affiliation with language testing international. They have created a series of second elementary and secondary tests so we can take a look at the proficiency level. And so we take a look at the proficiency level we're talking about what can students know, understand, and do. It's not content based at all. So what can they do when they're speaking? What can they do when they're reading and writing? What can they do when they're taking a moment to listen? So there are four components to the test. And maybe you have taken language tests before. But language skills are not in isolation. Okay, you're listening to me. You might have questions. We have communication on those ways. So this is about the communication standard. Number one in every
007state. Okay? We have four tests that we start in third grade. The third graders take the speaking test. By all means, that's the most difficult skill to do. It's a production skill. And they talk to little avatars. And they have no idea what the content is, but they do do it. So that makes it proficiency. Then in fourth grade we have listening and reading. Those are the receptive skills. They take them in which are easier. And finally in fifth grade we have the writing. There is a score that we look for. It we do not score them. They are scored by the Apple organization and we're looking at N4. We have what we called novice, intermediate, advanced, ex and we have advanced distinguished superior. They're not up here. They are novice. It takes a long
008time to learn a language. We're very excited. I'm going to turn it over as we explain more about our multilingual multi-literate pathway. Can you back up a slide just real quick? Thanks. So um what we look for at the elementary level when we are giving these assessments is a novice four level which is the highest level of the novice performance that the test um allows. And just as a point of reference, um when we have high schoolers that are trying to get the seal of biliteracy, they need to get an intermediate four. So about at the halfway point to that level is what we um are looking for at the elementary level. So you can see and these are numbers that are combined between the two dual language schools. Um at speaking at the third
009grade level we have 65% of our students scoring at the novice four level or better. Some of them at that level, believe it or not, are already at the intermediate four level and could qualify for a seal of biliteracy even at third grade. Um and then in fourth grade we have um 81% of our students performing at the novice four level in listening, 71 performing at the novice four level in reading. And then at fifth grade, and we're particularly proud at this one, um 89% of our students are scoring at the novice four level or better in writing. Um so those are just some numbers that we like to present kind of track to show how we're doing in in terms of proficiency, but it's important to remember that the language that our kids are
010learning in in a dual language programs is not just limited to what they're showing on a test. Um we have for the last two years had um as far as I know the only Spanish language Destination Imagination teams um coming out of Colorado to compete at the national level uh which we're pretty proud of, too. So you can see that it doesn't just limit itself to the classroom. They're doing things in the language outside of that as well. Um now that I've talked about the boring numbers, Karen gets to talk about the fun stuff. Thank you for having us tonight. I do think I get the fun part because you get to see our students tonight and we're very excited and very proud of the work that they're doing. So I'm going to invite up
011two of our students from fourth grade, um Alondra and Wild, and they're going to come up and do um a presentation for you in both languages so you'll have a chance to hear that. As well as Senior Garcia, our fourth grade teacher, is going to introduce them as well. And so you can see their faces. I'm going to move the microphone. My name is Alondra. I'm 10 years old. It's my fifth year in Truscott. I'm in fourth grade. My first language is English. I'm Spanish. What has it been your biggest accomplishment when you started at Truscott? I had to learn a lot of English and make new friends. >> [cough] >> Which is your favorite subject and why? I really like all the subjects because I always learn something new. One thing that I loved
012was feeding mealworms for weeks until they became beetles. Why do you think it is important to learn two languages? I think it's important so when you travel you could communicate in other countries. I also love meeting new people. If I know English and Spanish, I can communicate with many other people. Awesome. Thank you, kiddos. >> [applause] >> And then finally I'd like to invite up um Jill Brito. She is one of our Spanish teachers and Senior Garcia again. Um we have a special um some special guests here as you can see and they are going to be accompanied by Leticia Calzado who is one of our Spanish teachers at um Cottonwood Plains. Dr. Heller, members of the board, thank you for having us. Um our Truscott dance team has been practicing and performing since September
013of last year. This is something we do every year. And we've been very honored to not only perform at school and district performances, but also been invited to perform in the community by Heart and Soul at their Dia de Muertos Festival in October and then at the Sueno Latino Gala in December. And tonight we're going to perform a dance called Sevillanas from Sevilla, Spain. And our performer is actually a very famous person from Spain. Um uh an actual musician um and she's going to perform El Adios. So without further ado. >> [crying] [snorts] [music] [singing] [music] [singing and music] [music and singing] [music] [singing and music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] [applause] >> That was our presentation, but do you have any questions for either Eric or I? Absolutely. And so we'll ask questions and make
014comments and then we'd like to have uh our picture taken with with the dancers if that's all all right with you and all right with them. So, Lori's starting down with you either question or comment. Thank you so very much. That was wonderful. Who was the the lady who had the 52 years of experience? I was just Tony. How many more years do you plan on continuing? Okay, so um I'm old. >> [laughter] >> Thank you for your dedication and I thought it was really great that the one young lady had two first languages and definitely shows. Thank you. Here's Mike. Uh >> [clears throat] >> mi español no es no es muy bueno. Is it the the So, I'll speak English. I'm not so thank you. Um so, thank you. That was that was
015brilliant. Um I just had a quick question about kind of the learning environment for because obviously the with kids that come in that are non-English speaking or Spanish speaking, how does that like affect the kind of the learning environment and opportunities for those kids that come in in in this kind of in the school? So, I think historically those kids come in and they're kind of thrown into deep water. They have to learn in an environment where it is English all day. They might get a an hour or two of support. But, you you can see a kid in that situation self-esteem start to suffer a little bit as they and they're just tired. I mean, that's a long day every day. So, in in our environment um what we get to see is kids
016that can be the expert for half the day and be in a learning environment for half the day. So, we see I think better self-esteem and we see a lot of those kids reach potential that we weren't seeing them reach before. Thank you. It's also much easier to learn in your first language first and once that's mastered, you learn the second language quicker. So, we're also seeing that they're closing the proficiency gaps and those types of thing quicker. So, it's really exciting to watch and both for all of our kids really. I always love watching the programs and I know that to the point that Director Show raised and you as well that since I've been on the board, I know that there's been more and more of a push to provide the academics, the
017books in their native language so that they can then learn because I think it's it's unrealistic to tell a child, "Your your first language is Spanish, but I'm going to give you a book in English. So, learn how you know, learn how to read it and learn reading or learn science or learn math." I just think it it sets them up and so I love this program. I love the dancing. You make you dance better than I do. So, great job, guys. All right. I'll wrap up the questions so I'll move down to Denise. So, how many students do we have in the dual language immersion program across the two buildings and then across the district? >> [clears throat] >> I can speak for our buildings. There's about 450 between our two buildings. Correct? And
018then you know, our kids move into Bill Reed and Irwin and then also into the high school programming. I would say I don't know. Anyone have a sense at the middle and high? We're not 100% sure what that looks like, but the majority of our kids do move in unless they're leaving the community. That's what we really find. Students want to stay. Families actually move. I had a family move to Fort Collins and their five kids choice back. They started, they tried, they want to be a part of the program. So, we're seeing that and we're seeing the success every day. Wonderful. Thank you and thank all thanks to all of you guys. A wonderful job. Just really neat to see some of the things that you're doing in in addition to learning the language,
019but learning the culture as well. Go ahead, Don. I just wanted to say great job and thanks for coming and sharing this with us. You two wild did a great job up here. I I really appreciate seeing all that you guys are learning. Like I've recognizing some of your faces from kindergarten and it's amazing to see all that you've learned. So, thank you for sharing it with us. All right. I have just a couple of questions and then a comment. How long has DLI been in our district? We're at year 11. All right. And it started at the elementary or did it start at all three levels at the same time? It started at the elementary level and we did just kindergarten the first year then kindergarten and first the next year and just moved
020it up gradually in that manner. All right. Um It was fun sitting here and I think Nancy noticed it also. Uh as part of the dance, the kids would turn around and they would face us and seeing their smiles as they were turning around and so on was wonderful and it showed a lot of enjoyment on their part and it certainly increased our enjoyment. I have one question about the dance itself. Does the dance actually call for only one gentleman to be part of the dance or or did it just happen to turn out that way tonight? So, currently we only have one male student that was interested in being a part of a dance club. Correct? Yes. Yeah. And unfortunately, we didn't have time to do two, but the other one is great and
021Mateo plays a very big role in the other dance that they typically do. >> Way way to go, dude. We're glad that you were very glad that you were also part >> [applause] >> This presentation is always a highlight not just of the March board meeting, but just of our entire year and in terms of being able to interact with the kids and watch them enjoy and and giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a public setting. So, thank you students, dancers very much for being here, teachers as well. And then the board would love to have our picture taken with you. Stand in the back. Slide down. All right. Tighten up for me a little bit, please. If you can. Okay. You ready? All right. Here we go. On three. One, two,
022three. Just taking a bunch. Okay. We're good. Thanks. >> [applause] >> All right, we're going to move then to agenda item 4.2 which is awards and [snorts] recognition and I believe for that I'm turning it over to Dr. Heller. It's all right. We're just getting something loaded. Sorry. Give us just one sec. It's okay. I can Yep. Okay. Good evening. We have some awards and recognitions tonight. Following the the couple of slides up here then I'm going to ask Kevin Clark, our TSD Director of Athletics and Activities to do some presentations and updates on all things athletic and activities. But first, I want to congratulate two students, Loveland High School senior Adam Nordick and Mountain View High School senior Rachel McReynolds. These two were both named National Merit Finalists. I don't believe either of them
023are in the room tonight, but we wanted to take a moment just to recognize them. If you're not aware, National Merit Scholarship program is a nation nationwide academic competition recognizes high-achieving high school students. Students first qualify based on their scores on the PSAT. The top scores in and state become semi-finalists and then they advance to finalist status by submitting an application, maintaining strong grades, and confirming their performance with a qualifying SAT or ACT score. Finalists are then eligible to receive National Merit Scholarships funded by the organization, corporations, or colleges. So, though they're not here tonight, I'd love to give both of them a round of applause and congratulations. >> [applause] >> Next, uh on February 21st, Thompson School District hosted its annual elementary chess tournament at Lucille Erwin Middle School, welcoming 96 elementary competitors from
024kindergarten through fifth grade, who faced off in 222 chess matches. We have a number of the winners, I believe, are here tonight. The elementary competition is about more than just winning. It's designed to build problem-solving skills, encourage sportsmanship, and foster a passion for chess. With that continuous play format format, students stayed engaged in as many as 10 games each, learning from every new opponent they met across the board. First place in the elementary chess tournament went to Fisher Dillon, a fourth grader from Garfield Elementary School. Second place went to Everett Foster, also a fourth grader from Coyote Ridge. And third place went to Anthony Stellwagon, a fifth grader at Centennial Elementary School. >> [snorts] >> So, first, congratulations to all the students for their amazing success. And I would like to invite, I believe, Everett
025and Anthony are both in attendance to come forward to get pictures with the board. Come on board. >> [applause] >> All right. You all ready? Okay, on three. One, two, three. A few. Great. Thank you. >> [applause] [snorts] >> So, Miss President, we're ready to move forward to item 4.3. >> Yes, please. >> [snorts] >> Mr. President, Dr. Hetler, members of the school board, Kevin Clark, Director of Athletics and Activities, thank you so much for having me uh this evening. Uh purpose of tonight's presentation is just a winter update of activities and athletics throughout the district. Uh we will briefly touch on highlights from each high school, and then we'll cap it off to honor three of our state champions who are with us this evening. So, we'll start with Berthoud activities. And again, in
026the sake of time, I'm not going to read through these, but wanted you to know uh some of the highlights that's happening uh at each school. Um Berthoud, the uh 10 students qualifying for FBLA FBLA state, um definitely a highlight there. Um the athletic side for Berthoud, uh the girls basketball season ended in the uh round of 16, but they did travel to Alamosa, got a playoff win there, and then unfortunately lost in the round of 16, but a great uh great season for them. Loveland High School um had a school record where they qualified 10 all-state choir students. That's the most in program history. The girls swim team finished in the top 10 at seventh, and all three relays qualified for the A final. Mountain View activities of we got to uh a month
027ago recognize the unified um programming that's going on at Mountain View and when they received national recognition. So, definitely their highlight uh from the winter. In athletics, uh swimming, they had three young ladies who uh placed in the top 10 at the state meet. Thompson Valley, um Jacob Little is the consumer and family science teacher there, and he has started the first chapter for the National High School Barbecue Association. So, uh yeah, I'm hoping very shortly we'll be inviting you out to eat some smoked meat, but uh yeah. So, keep your eyes uh there. Uh the second slide of activities is the Knowledge Bowl uh team did finish third at the state meet, and uh wanted to bring that to your attention. On the athletic side, uh girls basketball, similar to Berthoud, uh great season,
028went 19 and four in the regular season, unfortunately lost in the round of 16. And the Thompson Valley cheerleading squad uh placed third down at the Denver Coliseum in the state uh the state meet there. >> [clears throat] >> All right. Uh so, that's our athletics, and at this time, what I'm excited to do is invite up uh three young men, uh one from Berthoud, if Donovan, you could come up, and from Thompson Valley, Ty and Wyatt, come on up here, please. >> [applause] [cheering] >> So, uh you're not a state champion by accident, and these young men have spent countless hundreds, I'm sure, upon thousands of hours to uh to prepare to be down at Ball Arena for uh the state championship in February. Uh Donovan uh went 44 and three in the regular
029season, and uh two pins in the state tournament, and then uh pinned his way in the state championship as well. And this is Donovan's first year at Berthoud High School, as he was a move-in from Iowa. So, welcome to Colorado, and uh Berthoud appreciates having you. Uh Thompson Valley, um sophomore Ty Eversman went 19 and one on the season, and uh three pins to the state championship, and then won the championship match 9 to 8. I know the score looks really close, but the match probably wasn't as close as the score as the score reflected. And his teammate, senior Wyatt Mularski, 47 and four on the season, two sta- uh two tech falls, and then he did pin his way to the state championship. So, uh just a quick rundown of those three gentlemen, but
030uh any questions you have for our state champions? Board, any questions or comments? I think we're all in awe. That's why the questions aren't just, you know, rolling out of our mouths right now. Anybody? Great job. Yeah. What What's your future? >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, all three of you take a crack at it. Um I'm a sophomore, so I have two more years in high school. I haven't really been looking at colleges a whole bunch, but um I think right now my plan is to uh continue forward. Um I think I want to wrestle in college and pursue an engineering degree. So. >> [applause] >> I plan on either wrestling at a two-year or four-year college, and then probably doing business. >> [applause] >> I'm a I'm done now. I'm I'm retired, but uh
031>> [laughter] >> I'm going to get I'm going to go weld. That should be That should be fun. >> [applause] >> All right. Board, should we come on down and get our photos taken with these three young men? All right. There you go. Uh Mike, can you slide down a little bit for me, just a little bit? There you go. So I can see you. And now, Nancy, you do the same thing. There. Like dominoes. >> [laughter] >> Okay, on three. One, two, three. Taking a few. Good. Thank you. Oh, hold on. >> [applause] [laughter] >> Yes. Yep. Uh Absolutely. So, we do have the athletic directors in attendance, uh Ken Smichael from Thompson Valley and Brandon Bird from Berthoud High School, as well as the Thompson Valley wrestling coach, Steve Gerard. Uh Unfortunately, uh
032Cody from Berthoud had a family uh health emergency come up tonight, so he's unable to be here, but uh yeah, they were here to support their gentlemen as well. Yeah. All right. Thank you, and thanks for Thanks for the time and energy you expend. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Also, before we move on, um in Kevin's presentation, he hit the highlights of the achievements of the various high schools in both activities and athletics. And I assume Kevin that uh this information that you didn't have time to cover in your presentation is probably on the district website so that people um who are interested in seeing like a a full list of all the accomplishments of Thompson School District students have a place where they can go and see both activity and and athletic achievements listed.
033Yep, and then those live on their individual school websites. On the individual school website. Okay. Thank you. I will also just point out that that the information that was presented tonight is available on the board agenda for anybody to to review as well. >> Thank you. All right. Then I believe we're ready to move to agenda item 4.4, which is public comment. And Don, would you read the introduction for that, please? Because the board wants to hear the viewpoints of the public and also needs to conduct its business in an orderly and efficient manner, it will schedule time during its regular board meeting for brief comments and questions from the public. The board will set aside a time for public participation prior to the business portion of the meeting. The time for each speaker will
034be limited to 3 minutes and each individual will only be recognized once. If there are a large number of speakers, the board may elect to take the comments for 1 hour before the business meeting and conclude public comment after the business meeting. Public comments and questions at a regular meeting may deal with any topics related to the board's conduct of schools. Speakers may offer such criticism of school operations and programs as concern them but are encouraged to exercise their speech rights responsibly. Speakers' remarks should be suitable for an audience that includes kindergarten through 12th grade students. Personnel matters will be discussed in executive session. Finally, as a reminder to all present, the board and staff do not respond to public comment. This is our opportunity to hear from students, parents, and patrons. The board may
035discuss public comments later in the agenda or on future agendas. We do have the electronic timer tonight, so you'll see that in front of you when you come up. First, we have Julia Miller. There you go. Okay. My name is Julia. I go to Community Connections I have autism. I want to be an animator, but I don't know what to look for in a job. I got a new ear filter that helps me understand more, but no one asked me about it. I have a hard time with voice to text and we never practice it. I am not good at mobile location or division, so I don't know how much money I have. My brain doesn't remember how to budget stuff in the calendars. I got all right in a resume. They are not helping
036me do adult things to live on my own and they're undipping me out way too soon. >> [applause] >> Diana Miller. Diana Miller. Okay. President of the board, members of the board, and Dr. Heller. Uh my name is Diana and I am Julia's mom. And I know we've had a lot of recognition here tonight for people that have done great jobs. I'd like to recognize my daughter for having advocated for herself twice now in front of the school board and once on the state uh Senate floor 26-125. >> [applause] >> Thank you. Okay. I'm going to talk to you about Community Connections. That's the transition plan 18 to 21. I'm going to be direct. Uh where's my timer? You're going to just have to listen to me cuz it's not coming up. Got you. No
037worries. >> 15-second warning. Okay. [laughter] So, I find Thompson Valley School District is not transitioning students into adulthood. Instead, it's reducing access by cutting the program from 5 days a week into a 3-day program without measurable justification and they call it appropriate. My question for the board is are you in compliance with HB 24-1063? And if so, where is the documentation of my parental consent required under HB 24-1063? And where is the record that I've clearly been informed that I had the right to refuse or revoke the limited time? Um the the school district's also not preparing transitional students for employment and they're limiting the access by replacing skill development days um that is assigned for their strengths and preferences with time spent riding the school bus 2 days or sorry, the city bus 2
038days a week out of three instructional days and calling it community experience. That is only one bit of what the transition services require. 1 CCR 2.511. The district is not closing the achievement gap or widening it by cutting classroom instruction to 1 day a week while calling it supported under the CSR 22-7-611. My daughter will be exited out of the 18 to 21-year-old program in 19 days. She has no read program. She has no financial literacy. She has no keyboarding skills. And although she filed a complaint with the state of Colorado recently, okay, and she wrote it out by hand painstakingly, she did it. And there's no job skills, either. And if if this is your definition of compliance, then where is the evidence and who by name will be held responsible to stand behind
039the decision this decision when it is formally reviewed? The superintendent, the executive sped director, or the sped director? Thank you for your time. >> [applause] >> Brad Turner. Hello. Thank you. Am I good on starting? I don't see anything. Thank you very much. Thank you, board, for giving me the time to speak today. Uh my name is Brad Turner. Uh I'm a Loveland resident and I serve as a board member and director of development for PFLAG. My involvement with PFLAG comes from a deeply personal place. 9 months ago, my daughter Soprano was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Fort Collins. She was 20 years old, uh senior at CSU studying political science, and someone that cared deeply about people and justice. My daughter's partner is a transgender woman and her closest friends are represented the
040full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community. Uh while she was alive, I was supportive, but I wasn't truly connected to the community. After her passing, I was. Um I mourned alongside them. I listened. I cried. Um I shared a space with them during the most painful time of my life. And what I experienced was this. Uh this is one of the most accepting, non-judg- judgmental, and compassionate communities that I have ever encountered. Uh they welcomed me, a straight, white, 51-year-old male without hesitation. Um they treated me like family when I needed it most. And at the same time, I began to see something else a little bit more clearly. How often this same community is judged, dismissed, and treated as other. And at the same time, the contrast is something I could not ignore. A group
041of people who lead with acceptance should not be the ones facing exclusion. And that is why I'm here. I'm here because I want to continue my daughter's legacy. I'm here because students in your district, all students, deserve to feel safe, seen, and respected, whether they are LGBTQ, straight, BIPOC, or anything else. Every student deserves dignity. Um and just as important, students who may feel alone or need to know they are not. Organizations like PFLAG exist to support families, students, and communities, and allies like me who are speaking up more because it matters. So, my ask to you all is this. Continue to create and protect environments where every student feels like they belong, where respect is standard, and where no student has to question whether they are safe with who they are. Because when students
042feel safe, they thrive. Thank you for your time. >> [applause] [applause] >> Liz Waddock >> [snorts] >> What a board meeting. Um It really I'm a Spanish teacher. So My name is Liz Waddock and I am the vice president of the Colorado Education Association. Um honored to be here. Um I'm a Spanish teacher by trade 20 years in the Spanish classroom in Summit County schools. Um so to be in the presence of the legendary Tony Tyson. I don't know if you saw I like ran to steal a selfie to send to my to send out uh the rest of us and already got a text back that called her la madre day um dual language. So she's incredible. Um but what I come here to talk about uh is to encourage your support to recognize
043TESPA um tonight. They are asking or next time wherever wherever that may be. Um but I was here in May. I was able to be here in May with them and spoke to some of you. Um and I want to talk about if if you ask a parent about their child's experience, right? Um at school, often times they'll think about their school students classroom teacher and if they're a little more involved, they'll know the specials teachers, right? Um But you all know, as we all know um that who does the important work all day day in and day day out um educating the students of Colorado and of Thompson School District um that their day starts with a bus driver uh a food service worker, a paraprofessional. Um we all know that the rooms are
044clean and sanitized for them and that the lights [snorts] are on and the walkways plowed because of those hard working classified staff here in Thompson. Um and it's all done long before they even got here, right? Those are the people um that are asking for recognition. Recognizing TESPA means recognizing and respecting the work of those professionals. Um [snorts] you know, as I said I was here in May and since then Summit School District, my school district that I come from that I taught for 20 years in just 2 years ago um has recognized their classified staff. They asked for recognition right around um November and they have they have achieved that recognition. Um also Aurora um classified staff has also has also achieved recognition. Um they asked around the same time that Summit did in
045November and have it now. Um and so >> [clears throat] >> uh Our classified are the lifeblood of our school districts. Um give them a seat at the table so that they can help you do the best for Thompson School District. Um I I I talked last time about um your strategic plan. It's so beautiful. It talks about the goal [snorts] um that uh that it's a welcoming environment and a feeling of hope and that it's something that everyone wants to be a part of, right? There's a part where you say um I can't remember what it's in quotes. It's like uh that everybody will want to come and work here. You want that for them and your and your ESPs are asking for it. Please recognize TESPA. Thank you. >> [snorts] [applause] >> Daniel
046Daniel Strader Hello. My name is Daniel Strader. I'm a uh paraprofessional at Centennial Elementary and in effective needs program. Um Thank you for your time and opportunity to speak on behalf of classified classified staff in TESPA. Last year TESPA presented a petition um by signed by 80 I'm sorry, by 60% of classified staff in the district. It is clear that classified staff want the Board of Education to recognize TESPA as the representative representative group of classified staff. TESPA is built by and led by classified staff. We are in all schools and in all locations across TSD and we directly work with students. Classified staff know what we need how to advocate for student success and better the district. If given the opportunity for greater collaboration and self-autonomy in TSD. This year our super I'm sorry,
047this year Superintendent Heller stated uh shared his vision for TSD to become the destination school district by creating a great place to learn, a great place to work and a great place to succeed. These aspirations directly align with TESPA, CEA and NEA. Core values of student-centered work and to retain great educators and staff. Please recognize the system and the union in place for student and staff success. The decision to vote yes for union recognition recognition is not one that is novel or uncommon as Liz just shared. Many districts across Colorado have already voted to recognize their local classified unions in hopes of greater success and achievement for their districts. Some districts that recently voted to recognize their classified staff include Aurora and Cherry Creek. Some districts that have established um contracts with their classified unions
048include Jefferson County, multiple unions in Denver and Boulder Valley. They have uh um Sorry, these districts typically have higher levels of retention of classified staff a greater sense of respect for classified staff and higher pay. Do not put off this vote for another year. Let classified staff have a seat at the table with the Board of Education and district admin. I'm truly excited for the work ahead as TESPA TEA and Thompson collaborate to make us the destination district. Do the right thing and work with us. Um don't push us out, welcome us in. And I have a little extra time so I just want to give a shout out to everyone who showed up today on behalf of TESPA. Um I want to shout out um just our wonderful staff that does amazing work for
049us. Anyone who's came and spoke for us. We can't do the work without them. Um I'm really excited for next year. We're hoping we're having recognition this year and we can do some amazing work together. Thank you so much FOR YOUR TIME. >> [applause] >> CINDY GLANZER GOOD EVENING DR. HELLER, President Boyd, school board members and Thompson staff. Uh my name is Cindy Glanzer and I'm one of the founding members of Thompson Education Support Professionals Association. I worked at Erwin Middle School as a faculty assistant and school secretary. We love connecting with our students mornings, afternoons, lunch and outside duties. Yet from time to time we ended up in unsafe situations with students and our lack of training was apparent. We were provided with first aid and CPR training, but we needed more. Through the
050union, we were able to dialogue our safety and training concerns with the district and we did receive more specific training interventions and skills and assistance. We had over 950 staff and students during my time at Erwin. Erwin had more students and staff than one of our TSD high schools. Erwin was not accurately staffed for our size. I was not the only staff member that came in on the weekends to catch up on work. TESPA members met with HR and pressed for more staff to alleviate the workload. I'm thrilled to say that our voices were heard by HR and Erwin was eventually given FTE for more office staff. The point is that TESPA wants to partner with the district to solve problems and issues that are critical to making sure our students are safe and cared
051for every single school day. Since 2007 TEA, CEA and NEA have been supporting TESPA in a multitude of ways to address concerns, train and educate our members. Currently the CEA is ESP Council is holding town halls surveying ESPs all across Colorado and working on an ESP Bill of Rights to pass through Colorado's Congress. Thompson Education Support Professionals have been provided with local training opportunities like ESP National Conference, fall bargaining conference, summer leadership training and more. TESPA members are professionals. They're prepared and committed to being the absolute best at their roles in Thompson. Despite their critical roles, many ESPs must work more than one job to make ends meet. According to NEA, nearly 1/3 of ESPs earn less than $25,000 a year and on average they are making below a living wage in all 50 states.
052This work doesn't happen in a vacuum and for 20 years TESPA has unequivocally earned the right to be recognized by the Thompson Board of Education. They have been consistently doing the union work, fighting the good fight for all TSD classified staff employees. TESPA members, leaders and organizers know that they deserve to have their seat at the table just as much as TEA does and as well as the many Colorado Education Support Professionals who have been recognized by their school boards across the state. Do the right thing. Recognize TESPA. Do the right thing. These are not solely my words. I borrow this meaningful yet simple statement from retired Erwin music teacher Sherry McLaughlin. She had one charge for students in her classroom and Sherry Mack said it never failed. Do the right thing. >> [applause] >>
053Jennifer Paitis Hello. Uh my name is Jennifer Paitis. Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. I'm currently an SEL specialist at Centennial Elementary. It is my first year in that role. Previously, I spent the last 5 years teaching fourth grade and 3 years before that I was doing um middle level sped paraprofessional role. So, I want to talk about our classified staff as well. The people who are truly the backbone of our district of any district and I feel like that phrase gets thrown out a lot about being the backbone of a district, but that's because they're supporting everyone. And um these are the paras, the aides, the office staff, the people who supervise lunch and recess, who step in when a child is in crisis, who quietly hold everything together so that teachers
054can teach and our learners can learn. They do some of the hardest, most hands-on work in our schools and yet they are often the lowest paid. As I mentioned, I know this professionally and also personally. Earlier in my career, I worked full-time as a para with high-need students. It was where I fell in love working with students. With working in a school and a school district and being part of a community like that was something I didn't know I needed. Um I gave everything I had emotionally, physically, and mentally. It was some of the hardest and yet most meaningful work I've ever been a part of. Um I supported kids who needed consistency, patience, deep care, and deep love. And um I didn't make a living wage. If I wasn't in a shared income home,
055I wouldn't have been able to live in that home. It was pretty heartbreaking um realizing that it the love of my job um wasn't sustainable. Like it was not something I could live on. No one who dedicates themselves to supporting our most vulnerable students should have to choose between working and being fulfilled and basic stability. The people in these roles today feel that same tension. They want to be here. They want to serve these kids and they want to build careers in our district. But wanting to stay isn't enough if you can't afford to stay. Recognizing their union a voice and a fair path forward and it strengthens our schools in the process. When classified staff can advocate for fair pay and working conditions, we keep experienced people. We reduce We reduce turnover. We fill
056positions that are chronically hard to staff and we create consistency for our learners who rely on that stable, trusted adult every day. When staff can afford to stay, everyone benefits. Students, teachers, and the district as a whole. This is about respect, dignity, and partnership. It's about showing that we value the people who hold our schools together, not just with words or cute little glue sticks at the end of the year or during classified week that say you hold us together. It's showing we value them with action. I'm asking you tonight to recognize the classified staff union and give them the voice they deserve. I'm asking you to acknowledge the basic needs of your fellow humans. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> [applause] >> Greg Brody Good evening, President Boyd, Dr. Heller, and board
057members, and cabinet, and audience. Um my name is Greg Brody. I am the director for both TEA and TESPA representing the amazing licensed and classified staff in the Poudre Thompson School District. I'm speaking tonight in support of and and on behalf of the classified staff in TSD. I spent the last 11 years visiting sites and listening to classified staff. They do amazing, heroic work in support of your mission to educate every child in Thompson. These staff members critical to the mission of Thompson love their students. Your custodians, paras, secretaries, bus drivers, showas, media specialists, interpreters, food services staff, and many others have made it clear through many conversations with me and through a petition signed by more than 60% of your staff >> [clears throat] >> in May that presented to you in May of
0582025 that they want demand and expect a voice in their working conditions and salaries just like the licensed staff members. There have been concerns raised about [clears throat] the membership and representation. The like TEA, membership is optional, but has a lot of benefits, but it's a choice people make. And when TESPA is recognized, we will as a bargaining agent, we will represent all classified staff members. And in December at CASB retreat in Broadmoor, Dr. Heller acknowledged that it is important that the classified staff have an independent voice free from the influence of administrators. This provides more honest uh feedback and input. During that meeting in Colorado Springs, you asked Dr. Heller to present you an option to vote to recognize TESPA as the bargaining agent for the classified staff of TSD. I was there and
059I was very excited to hear you ask for that option. We are very excited to see that this option will should be offered to you in April 8th at your study session. And after that we're excited to watch you vote to support your classified staff to give them a voice a bigger voice during your April 15th regular meeting in Berthoud by recognizing TESPA. Thank you for all that you do. >> [applause] >> Jana Lewis Hi. Good evening, President Boyd, members of the board, and Dr. Heller. My name is Jana Lewis and I'm the proud president of Thompson Education Support Professional Association. We all know and we have heard um that it takes a village to run a school. Classified staff, our bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, and office teams are often the first faces that students
060see in the morning and the last ones they see before they head home. And you've heard we love what we do and we're fully committed to the students that we serve. I have truly appreciated the conversations I've had with each of you over the last few months. Um and I'm here kindly to ask the board to formally recognize TESPA next month. We are seeking a seat at the table to be partners in solving the challenges our district faces and just as our teachers' voices are valued, we ask you to value ours, too. We are not blind to the reality of the district's finances, Colorado finances, and we know the budget outlook is very bleak. However, it is important to note that recognizing TESPA costs the district nothing. What it does do is show the people
061on the front lines that you truly value our expertise. By recognizing TESPA, you gain a streamlined way to hear from us. You get organized feedback from the staff working directly with the students. Stronger retention because when staff feel respected, they stay. And a dedicated ally in advocating for better funding at the state and federal levels. Since we brought our petition forward last May signed by the majority of your classified staff, we haven't slowed down. We are just We are continuing to still build relationships, grow our membership, and problem solve. Just as we stood by TSD last fall to help pass the bond, we continue to advocate alongside our union brothers and sisters across the state. We're actively lobbying and staying engaged in the The Ropes campaign to protect Colorado's school funding. Recognition is a gesture
062of respect and a step toward a more inclusive, collaborative community. We ask you to do the right thing next month and vote to recognize us. Thank you for your time, all of your hard work, and everything you do for our students, schools, and community. >> [applause] >> All right. We'll move then to agenda item number five, which is the superintendent's report, Dr. Heller. >> [clears throat] >> Thank you, President Boyd. Just a few items I want to address during my portion. Uh recently, we in Thompson School District honored our school resource officers as part of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. It was a great opportunity to thank the officers and our security team for their continued commitment to our students and our staff. We truly appreciate the relationships they've built, which keep our campuses
063safe and I will just say uh I think for those out there in the world who don't know the difference between being a school resource officer and being just a regular police officer on the street, it is a different relationship that our school resources officers and security officers have with our students and our staff. They are truly part of that campus. It was a great time to spend with them and celebrate them. Last month also Thompson Career Campus hosted its annual mock interview day giving students an incredible opportunity to step into their future careers. Students participated in interviews with industry professionals and experienced what it is truly like to sit across from an expert in their chosen field. After their interviews students received personalized feedback from their interviewer as well as from the professional panel.
064They were evaluated on confidence, quality of responses, professionalism and overall presentation. Thank you to our industry partners who generously volunteered their time and expertise to support our students. Experiences like this help to build confidence, skills and a bright future for our students. And then on March 12th we held our fifth Thompson Leadership Academy session at the District Support Services Center. This session featured an exploration of the District's Innovative Technology Services Department which focuses on digital tools, digital access, equity, digital safety and wellness, school innovation and library services. Amazing programs were presented, projects and opportunities that are in use and available today for students and staff and our ITS team did a fantastic job showing them off to the attendees. It was very hands-on, very engaging. I heard many of the of the members of that
065group talk about they had no idea just how much work behind the scenes this team does to keep technology running but also innovating and continuing to get better in Thompson School District. And then finally I'll just a reminder that assessment season is upon us. State assessment season. Just so you know third through eighth grade CMAS and CoAlt tests begin April 6th through April 23rd. We have our high school PSAT and SAT district-wide testing day on April 15th and high school CMAS science is April 20th through 23rd. So things are about to get very busy on our school campuses. That's it for me tonight. All right, any questions for Dr. Heller about his report? All right, we'll move then to agenda item number six which is the action consent items. I will first read the items
066that are in the list. 6.1 approval of minutes for February 18th, 2026. 6.2 approval of minutes for March 4th, 2026. 6.3 approval of personnel extra duty coaching recommendations. 6.4 approval of expenditures over $50,000. 6.5 approval of gifts and donations. And 6.6 the 2026-2027 JIC insurance renewal recommendation. Before we proceed to a vote to accept the action consent items, Denise would you please read the list of gifts and donations that the district schools have received. Yes, school board policy states that gifts or donations over $1,000 need to be approved by the Board of Education. These This list is what we have received this month. A donation of $49,500 to be used exclusively for 66 Riddell Axiom helmets at $750 per helmet for TSD high school football programs from the Denver Bronco Foundation. A donation of $2,817
067for the Huddle annual subscription payment at Mountain View High School from a Mountain View High School football donor or booster. A donation of $1,500 for banquet expenses for Mountain View High School for the Mountain View High School from the Mountain View High School booster club. A donation of $1,233.35 for basketball uniforms for Mountain View High School from the Mountain View High School basketball booster club. A donation of $21,735 for the band department at Mountain View High School from the Rockley Family Foundation. All right, thank you Denise. I'd entertain a motion to approve the action consent items. So moved. Second. All right, motion from Denise, second from Dawn for approval. Laurel Lee, would you please call the roll? Stu Boyd Aye. Denise Chapman Aye. Lori Gobel Aye. Dawn Kirk Aye. Nancy Rumfelt Aye. Mike Scholl Aye.
068Thank you, board. The vote was six to zero in favor of approval of the action consent items. Moving to agenda item 7.0 which is discussion action items. I believe there are none. So we will move to 8.0 which is discussion items. 8.1 a budget update and I assume that's coming from Mr. Ebersole and Ms. Rogers. >> [snorts] >> Good evening Board President Boyd, members of the board, Dr. Heller. Bobby Ebersole, Chief Financial Officer. Good evening Mr. President, board members, Dr. Heller, Tiffany Rogers, Chief Human Resources Officer. We're going to give you a verbal update of where we are with the budget at this point. We put it on the agenda. We will be keeping it up on on most agendas going forward. We thought we might have additional information of what's going on at the
069legislature. We do not. They are facing a $1.5 billion issue to balance the budget. K-12 budgets are the second largest item in the state budget after Medicaid. We have a legislature that is committed to K-12 but they are up against the wall for a budget issue. At the moment the most Colorado Department of Education run of our funding shows us getting about $325,000 more than last year, the current year which is essentially level funded. That reflects recognition that student population for next year is expected to go down. So while they're talking about the per pupil reimbursement going up slightly with our number of pupils going down, the absolute dollar is not where it needs to be. So as a result of looking at that cabinet has been looking at every line item within our budget,
070staffing and identifying where we can adjust where we are based on what we need to do going forward. More of that information will be coming out as we actually make presentations to you for the budgets. Tiffany will be talking about the what's going on at the schools at the moment. The you have rested prove the joint insurance committee action just before we came up here. That did as a result of some of the changes there meant that the increase did not go up as high as it did. So that is helping our budget by about $500,000 for that action on that you took tonight. Um We are looking at every line item salaries non-salaries, programs with the recognition that this is not just a one-year issue that we are looking at future declines in population
071and future issues with state funding as well. There are apparently one or two ballot initiatives that may be on the November election that would bring additional funding to schools. We do not have the final language on that. We have not know know what the what the they were doing amendments to the things that are in the legislature. There's some that are petitions that may become legislative action. We will keep you informed on that as well at this point. We are not projecting anything coming from that in next year's budget at the moment. Currently we're going into negotiations. I'm not going to say one way or the other but uh salary raises are part of what would be additional cost to the budget process. Turn it over to Tiffany for updating what's going on at the
072school level. Hi, thank you for having us this evening. I would just want to give you an update on where we're at with the school planning process. There is what we call an FTE planning committee that's been meeting gosh since I think I started here in August. So we started meeting in September working on work to prepare staffing plans for our schools and our principals to work on those. Those were released about a week and a half before spring break and so about a week before spring break and our principals have been hard at work with their student projections as well as their FTE planning for what the 26-27 school year will look like. We have been holding office hours for our principals to be able to connect with us to talk about their staffing
073plans and work through that process. We've had a big focus on transparency and looking at how a kind of a base model is built for our schools and working with our principals to help staff our schools so it's meeting the best needs of our students. At this time we are in the process of the final few days where our principals are finalizing their staffing plans which will be submitted back this Friday and then our committee our FTE planning committee will be getting together and will be reviewing those plans and determining what the go forward is for those and then preparing those to go back out to school so we may begin kind of the hiring process for any open positions that remain and placing making sure that we have placements for all of our teachers
074and staff. So that's kind of the update there. We have really focused this year on um the I guess the part the part of the process we focused on schools first. So really when we talked about our budgeting process, really the focus was directly at our schools building from schools and working our way backwards from an FTE perspective. So making sure that we're serving our students and families the best that we can. Questions from the board. All right, board questions. Lori, start with you. Question or comment? None at this time but thank you for your work. All right, Mike. Bob, I just had a quick question about I know we talked about it before so I apologize but the some of the the the effort that's going on at the state level to put some
075something on the ballot. What is it is it a is it shifting funding? I mean are there tax increases sales tax or So two different proposals. One proposal is actually to to implement a graduated income tax with the lower income folks getting a reduction of their tax and the higher income getting a higher income tax. That's one proposal. The other thing is to adjust the limits of TABOR. It's a really back of the envelope discussions which would then allow additional funding to come to the schools as a result of elimination of that limit. Cool. Thank you. Nancy. Um So every this is I think my fifth the budget cycle I think. And so every time and I know that you haven't been present for all of them but every time it's always an issue where
076it keeps progressing and we really don't as the board we don't have a lot of data as we're asked to prioritize some of the negotiating items. Don't really understand what are the expenses what do we you know what does the revenue look like? It's the end of March and we really have five more meetings where we could be presented the budget and really allowed to go through it before the sixth meeting when we vote on it. Every year I I bring up that there's something with this process that needs to change because the board is who is accountable and responsible to the voters for how and where this money is spent and we are headed towards some really tough budget times and it's really difficult to even fathom what might we recommend to Dr. Heller
077what what are our priorities what should we do thinking about for next year when we we just really don't have a lot of data and so I hope that at the April 8th session study session that we do get some numbers because we're we're in a critical time and I really as someone who's done done a lot of budgets I understand that they it's really important for the people responsible for it we we need to get the data so that's really all I have to say. Thank you. All right, Denise. No questions at this time. Don. I'm just going to wait. All right, I don't have any questions at this time. Follow up from anyone or Dr. Heller do you have anything you'd like to say? No, I mean certainly we have been you know
078we've sent out some communication to our to our staff a couple times now over the last month or so trying to keep them updated on the process that we've been going through. I think as we've shared with with the with our staff community based on a number of factors declining enrollment increased costs self you know insurance being one of those costs a number of factors you know we were targeting a range of six to nine million dollars in reductions for the Thompson School District. Um that upper range of nine million is we hope worst case scenario if certain things like specific ownership tax and some of these pieces that continue to be discussed actually happen for this current budget cycle. We have really already identified essentially the six million dollars worth of reductions across the
079system which include everything from personnel as was discussed but also non-personnel expenses. Um there's we're hoping that that's the the limit of what the reductions are required but also we are going into negotiation season and we have some decisions that we have to make together with our negotiating partners with the board in terms of things like compensation and when you're reducing six million dollars from your budget that is necessarily without accounting for additional expenditures if you're going to increase compensation so there's going to have to be continued conversations to to identify how we do what we need to do to also remain competitive as a school district to make sure that we're able to recruit and retain the best people. So plenty of challenges as Director Rumfelt mentioned we have a lot of budget challenges
080coming our way as do all of the districts in the state and I will tell you it occupies a large portion of a lot of people's time right now and I was talking to TEA today and I know it is also occupying a lot of emotional energy in our buildings for all of our people who are very nervous about what this means for them are you know their position their pay all of those things. So none of it's fun but I think there's a lot of people trying to do it the right way and be really thoughtful in making those decisions. All right, board anyone else want to make a comment or ask a question? All right, thank you. Thank you. Before we move to agenda item 9.0 which is board communication those of you
081who often attend board meetings may notice that the order of agenda items has been altered this meeting. We had decided a while back that we wanted to reorganize the order of items and so rather than having board reports earlier in the meeting at I believe they generally followed the superintendent's report which is actually moved down also to a lower place in the agenda that we're going to have board reports which we're now calling board communication um toward the end of the meeting. I'll read the statement that is part of the agenda. Each member of the board has the opportunity to report on events or to communicate with other board members and the community with a limit of three minutes per board member. And with that as an introduction for the last set of questions I
082started at this end with Lori and so for this I'd like to start at the other end. Don do you have a some board communications to share with us? I will just say that um this is a tough time to do this. Right? I mean we just talked about budget and clearly um that is a big deal. Um it's [clears throat] an even tougher time I think to do the the work day in and day out. Right? I mean what I'm struggling with as far as hard decisions is nothing compared to thinking about that and then still doing the work in front of you. And our our staff is doing that every day. Um and I just one want to recognize that that the ability to maintain all of the important things while still trying
083to figure out what is what might happen and how's it going to affect me day in and day out and the people I care about. How's it Ultimately every adult who's talked to me has included really what's it going to mean for kids. Um but we're at the point of talking about what it also means to their families you know our staff's families and in the end that then is a really hard discussion and so I will um just say that I I don't like any of this. I don't feel good about any of this. Um knowing that some of these things are going to potentially be on the ballot for people to make decisions about. I hope that they're that you know if you feel the same way about our kids really being our
084future and how important it is that they're well educated when they're going to be my doctor or my lawyer or whatever any important job that we have in our community um the challenges we're facing are unsustainable. Colorado has long prioritized education only in words not in deeds. And we are at a point where we can't maintain we can't cover it we can't continue to ask our teachers and our bus drivers to make up for what our community doesn't want to do. And I hope that if other people feel the same way and care about their neighbors who are in working in schools and working with their kids or their neighbors' kids or their grandkids that you can also support making some some significant changes to how we do this because we can't keep trying to
085figure it out. And our community has has our own um teeth in the game. We haven't always supported education. I think it was like 20-some years that we didn't. And so I think we have to think about how are we going to make up for this, too, cuz we can't depend on the state or the feds to make up for it. Thank you, Denise. Uh no nothing this month. All right. Um I'll do the wrap-up again. Nancy, go ahead. So first I'd like to start off by saying that we held the first meeting of the Citizens Bond Oversight. I'm really excited because the membership that was present it was just really wide and varied with the different skill sets. So I think that's going to be a great group, especially with the using the project
086number system. And then I did also go and see the Chicago performance and oh my goodness those two lead women high schoolers were amazing. I mean they were amazing. And just kudos to that whole team. And then I'd like to wrap up with because this is Women's History Month and I think it's important to recognize women who've made a difference of trying to help women earn money and stay home and take care of their kids. Women who like Mary Kay Ash who was told she couldn't do it and she started a multi-multimillion-dollar company and because of that many women were able to get their own career stay at home and take care of their kids. There's even the woman um Betty Nesmith Grant Graham and if you're not as old as me you may not
087appreciate this but she invented White Out. White Out was a lifesaver I have to tell you. That's all I It's just It was a white It was a lifesaver. And from that she employed a lot more women and created a lot of opportunities for women. And so I think there's many different ways of women in history to recognize. But now I'd like to recognize someone in our very own community that I think we don't appreciate all of her skills and that would be Marily Bowers who was awarded the Case Manager of the Year. I don't know how many were aware of that. She is part of Foothills Gateway and she has excelled through constant change with positivity, adaptability, strong leadership, quickly mastering new systems, and helping colleagues succeed. She maintains a high caseload while meeting
088all HCPF quality standards, is a dedicated advocate working with courts, schools, providers, families to ensure members receive the services they need. She's known for her clear communication, skilled IEP guidance, and well-facilitated meetings. She has earned deep trust and praise from families and partners. She also strengthens internal systems through process improvements and consistently steps up during shortages making her an exemplary case manager and highly deserving of this recognition. And I want to applaud and recognize Marily Bowers as someone in our very own community as a woman who really has gone the extra mile to show just how much real women rock. And I just I just It's amazing and we should recognize and appreciate her skills. Thank you. Thank you, Nancy. Mike? Uh nothing for me, thank you. Lori? Thank you, President Boyd. Uh good evening
089again to my fellow board members, Dr. Heller parents, students, faculty, and staff of the Thompson School District. It is with a grateful heart and a deep sense of purpose that I'm here before you tonight. The majority of voters placed their trust in me last November and I carry that responsibility with love, determination, and a clear commitment to serve every child, every family and every one of you with integrity. Speaking plainly and truthfully about something that keeps coming up in our conversations about education several times during public comment the phrase {quote} separation of church and state many well-meaning people repeated as though it appears in our founding documents and have stated as such. But I must tell you with clarity and love it is nowhere in the United States Constitution. Not one word. It came from
090a personal letter Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1802 to the Danbury Baptist reiterating to them that there would not be a state church to the exclusion of all others. This phrase separation of church and state is not from the supreme law of our land. What the Constitution actually says is that Congress shall make no law respecting establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. That is protection, not exclusion. Our founders drew their wisdom straight from God's word and they wanted faith to flourish freely not to be silenced in public spaces like our schools. Here in Colorado we are even more blessed. Our own state constitution begins with an open acknowledgement of the Lord. As we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado statehood on August 1st I believe it is fitting that we remember
091the very words our forefathers chose when they established this great state. The preamble of the Colorado Constitution We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the supreme ruler of the universe and grateful for the blessings of freedom and liberty do ordain and establish this constitution for the state of Colorado. That is who we are. That is the foundation we stand on and that is why I will continue to fight lovingly, respectfully and without apology for the policies that protect every student respect every parent's God-given authority and equip every child with truth, excellence, [clears throat] and hope. Thank you for the honor of serving. God bless you. God bless our students and God bless the Thompson School District. Thank you. Okay, thank you. I'll conclude then. At a recent board meeting at which we were
092talking about the challenges presented by Thompson School District's declining enrollment one of the board members suggested that one of the reasons may be parent dissatisfaction with the education we provide. The comments set me to thinking and knowing that I would have the opportunity to respond at tonight's meeting I started to do some research. Here's some of what I found. Impact of declining birth rate. Our current senior classes at the five high schools have just under 1,200 students. We have 956 kindergarteners, approximately 250 fewer kinders. Obviously not all of that difference is due to just declining birth rate but research indicates much of it is. The US fertility rate is at an historic low. There was a 2% drop in the birth rate between 2022 and 2023. The impact of COVID. According to the Denver Post
093before COVID [snorts] Colorado enrollment had grown every year since the 1980s. During the first year of COVID 30,000 students left Colorado public schools and 1.4 million students left public schools nationally. Why did they leave? When public schools like ours were mandated to close working parents especially needed places for their kids. Many turned to private schools which weren't forced to close and the children have never returned to public school. Many others found online schools or chose homeschooling and made those choices work for them and the children haven't returned. And as my colleague noted at the previous board meeting undoubtedly some have left TSD due to dissatisfaction. Some fascinating research. A Stanford University research team discovered this concerning fact. During the pandemic many families moved their children to untracked alternatives. Among students who left public schools between
0942019 and 2022 during the pandemic 13% remain unaccounted for and there's no record that they ever enrolled anywhere. The challenges. The absence of all these children who've left public ed for other options or who just disappeared has resulted in fewer dollars for education. And then there's Colorado's current historic billion-dollar plus budget shortfall which we know will reduce TSD's budget our next school year between six and nine million dollars at least. Is it time to throw up or throw up our hands in despair? For this board member throw up maybe but not throw up my hands in despair. The superintendent and his cabinet have been meeting for weeks to present the board with options to ensure that TSD kids will continue to receive the high quality education that parents are used to and the community expects.
095Options that will allow us to do everything we can to minimize the impact on our kids. And that concludes the board reports. Item 10.0, written reports. Uh DAC minutes are the written report this time and you will be able to find those. Board, are there any requests for information? That's agenda item number 11. Hearing no requests, I declare this meeting adjourned. Thank you.