001[music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Hello. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Come >> [music] [music] >> on. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Good evening and welcome to the board of education meeting for Gley Evans School District 6. This meeting will now come to order. Please join us for the pledge of >> allegiance. I aliance
002to 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. >> Miss Lemon, will you please call the role? >> Director Ozari, >> present. >> Director Bentley, >> present. >> Director Campus Fitzy, >> present. Director Mash, >> present. Director Matthews >> present. >> Director Norwood >> five board members present. >> Well, thank you for joining us this evening. It is a night of celebrations and proclamations. I just wanted to remind everyone that we are in our open enrollment period of time. So, if your student would like to participate in a specific program in a school outside of their um neighborhood school, this is the time to submit that paperwork and um if a spot is available, then your
003student would be able to attend that school. I also wanted to congratulate our theater troops at both Gley Central and Gley West high schools who put on fantastic performances this last weekend, both involving witches but with very different themes. We had a comedy of puffs at Gley West and the very dark tragedy of McBth at Gley Central. And congratulations to all of the actors who I know that is just an all-encompassing endeavor um in the midst of trying to keep up with studies and things like that. So hopefully they're all enjoying um some rest after that. Um also congratulations to our Gley Central men's soccer team to making it to the final four. Um they will be playing their next game this Wednesday. So if you have the opportunity to um I'm sorry I forget
004the location, but I'm sure we can you can find that out on the Gley uh Gley Central website and um we need a bunch of fans there to cheer on our Wildcats. Um we're a little late getting started because we were honoring our outgoing board members. As you know, there was an election last week and we have three new board members that we're excited to welcome. Weston Edmonds, Robin Rogi, and Dina Lamos Garcia. Um, but this evening is um Mr. Matthews last board meeting. Um, Mr. Norwood isn't with us. Um, but we want to thank him for serving as well and for bringing his perspective as a former educator and his connections to the community. That was um, valuable to have on the board as well. Um, as Mr. Matthews is leaving after eight years.
005Um, some of you may have already heard this, but I just thought it was fun to kind of look at the numbers for a person who served on the board of education for eight years. They likely attended around 144 meetings, 80 to 100 school visits, uh, spent 24 days at CASBY and 24 days in negotiations. Um, Mr. Matthews served with 14 different board members. He was involved in three MLO campaigns, one bond measure, one global pandemic, um countless um capital visits and executive sessions. Um and got to serve with one superintendent, our wonderful superintendent of the year, Dr. Pelch. Um but Michael um weathered a lot of trying times in the district and with his steady leadership and his calm demeanor um just really has mentored all of us up here and and many of
006those other 14 board members um has championed school funding and new curriculum, sports events, um helping our students to be college and career ready. And we just can't really put into words um the impact that Mr. Matthews has had. and President Matthews for six and a half of those eight years. Um so on behalf of the board and um all of the staff, we would like to thank you and give you an opportunity to say something if you like. >> Uh well, thank you, President Mash. And um it it 8 years does it does go by quickly and um even even when there's a pandemic in in the middle of it, it it still seems to go by quickly. And as I as I look out at the room, um again, I'm I'm very thankful
007for the relationships that I've got to make in in this district. um people who have as I look AC down the board uh disasu as well and we just had a a celebration with with former board members and people who were were mentors to me and um again I'm so so very thankful to have gotten to to get to be a part of this district. Um it is it is such an amazing place with so many amazing people and so many amazing students and um I I don't know if everybody really uh from the outside if you really get to appreciate how great a place that this is. And and I will I will miss it. I will miss all of all of you. Uh some of you I I know I will get to
008see a lot and some of you I probably won't get to see quite near nearly as much and so um I will miss that. I do want to thank uh some some special people. Um and that is uh the people when you do this it as you read it off it's a it's a lot of time uh it's a lot of time for for all of all of these guys uh and it's um and that comes from from somewhere and a lot um you know for most people I think it comes from their either from their work when when Dr. Campo Spitzy or um President Mash when they're when they're at a school they're that's actually they're actually losing money uh when they every time that they're there, right? They there's a shift that they
009don't sign up for. For me, it I I'm able to incorporate a lot of this work into into my work. And so I never could have done uh spent as much time given as much time uh without um the support of the people of St. Patrick. uh the church that I serve. And so um I'm very thankful uh to to that group because they they gave a lot of my time uh to to the school district especially in in some of those years uh that were uh that required a lot of time. And then um and then to my family uh to uh to my wife and five boys uh and and more extended family. they you again they have they have given a lot of of of me as well and so I'm very
010appreciative to them could not have um been able to do this and experience this without uh without their sacrifice as well and um yeah they they have been such a such a great support to me in in difficult moments and I'm so thankful uh for them and um and I would be sad except that except that I believe that this district is in such a good place. I'm so excited about where we are. I'm so excited about the four board members that are going to come and and join uh you you guys. Well, the three board members because Mr. Bentley's uh remaining. Uh but but I'm so excited about the board that we'll have. I'm so excited uh that our superintendents agreed to stay for another 10 years and [laughter] um but to see the
011progress uh that that this district has made and the things that that uh again those remarkable people that I talked about earlier that they they've accomplished. Um it uh I'm I'm so excited for for what is next and and to get to and get to watch it from uh from a more comfortable chair on Monday nights. And so thank you all. [snorts] Thank you, Mr. Matthews. Um, real quick before we move along, I wanted to recognize our council of stu student representatives that are with us tonight, Sarah Venegas and Abby Tobar. Thank you as always for being here and for your input into our business here. Um, the next item on the agenda is to approve the agenda. >> I move that the board of education agree school district 6 approves the agenda as presented.
012>> Second. >> Thank you both. Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, Miss Lemon, will you please give us a vote? >> Director Ozari, >> I. >> Director Bentley, >> I. >> Director Campos Spitzy, >> I. >> Director Mash, >> I. >> Director Matthews, >> I. >> Motion carries 5 Z. And I am pleased to move along to our special items. Dr. Pilch, I will hand it over to you. Thank you, President Mash. Um, it's my honor tonight to recognize the Colorado Teacher of the Year for 2026, Mr. Stephen Pollson. Um, and we'll start this with a video that Miss Lemon is getting ready to queue up. And then we have um some of Mr. Pollson's colleagues here tonight to to share about him. Uh, Mr. Steven Burch and Mrs. Amy Zulaf. And
013then uh we are going to give Mr. Pollson a chance to share as well. Uh we are we are so honored by this recognition for Mr. Pollson and for Girly Central High School and for for district 6. I think the state of Colorado has truly chosen a fine fine educator to serve in this role. Um on Thursday of this week, Mr. Pollson and um Miss Meyers and I will will go down to the state board of education uh to their state board meeting where he will be recognized by the state board. And I know this is so hard for him to be out of the classroom. I know I know that that that asking him to leave his classroom so that he can be recognized um is just not a very cool thing. He he
014wants to be in the classroom, but but he does understand the significance of being recognized by the Colorado Department of Education, Board of Education, um here at the state level. So, with that, I'd like to share the video and then I'm going to pass it over. Is Miss Zulaf, are you going to go first or Mr. Burch? Well, I'll let them work that out. Okay. >> He's just like so amazing and he's a teacher that I'll always remember. I've always been asked, "Who's your favorite teacher?" And I never had an answer before. >> First of all, we learned that you are on from the moment you walk in this door to the time that you leave. And I have a feeling even beyond that. I will [music] forever cherish everything he has taught me, everything
015he has made me experience. >> You are a world opener. You teach students and other adults that there are opportunities beyond what they thought they could achieve. >> I am pleased to introduce a very special guest, our education commissioner for the state of Colorado, Susanna Cordova. So, we are very excited to be here today and we were here just a few weeks ago to celebrate somebody very special. Mr. Carlson, Mr. a red color. We're here to announce that your teacher, Mr. Steven Pollson, is the Colorado Teacher of the Year. He just tells you what you need to hear and not what you want to hear. And I think for anybody who just wants to, you know, help their students and connect with their students and support [music] their students, Paulson is exactly the type of
016teacher that you want to look up for because you can tell by all the supporters that he has. It's for a reason. Never before has the Gley Evans School District had a Colorado teacher of the year. You all have a star among you, a superstar, and we're so honored he chooses to work in the district and at Gilly Central High School. We're so honored. I honestly was not surprised when he [music] was named a finalist. I was like, "You're going to win." I just knew he was going to win. So, as his wife, I I know what he's capable of. I love this school. I love our colors. I love all of you. [music] >> I'm just very glad that you guys get to be celebrated. I think this is the best place I've ever
017worked. You guys are the best. And I'm going to make some kids angry at this comment. You are the best students I've ever had and I've had a lot of good students. So, I'm just glad that people got to walk into this gym and see you guys. Good evening, President Mash, members of the board, Superintendent Pilch, and our reps for the student council of representatives, and of course, our Gley Evans community. It is my honor to celebrate Mr. Steven Pollson, our Colorado teacher of the year. And I'm going to have him and Mr. Burch come and stand up here with me. Stephen is one of the finest educators I have worked with in my near 20 years in education. He welcomes every single student into a rigorous learning environment. And his AP human geography classroom
018is a place where 9th graders find their voice, build confidence, and learn to think critically about our world. His students consistently outperform expectations because Steven creates an environment where all of his students feel supported. challenged and truly believed in. Steven's impact extends far beyond his classroom. He mentors colleagues, partners with families, and builds opportunities for students, most notably by organizing career mentors for nearly 90 avid sophomores last year and supporting students in earning more than $10 million in scholarships over his year as a mentor. He brings people together in ways that strengthen our entire school community. On a personal level, Steven has made me a better leader. He is an exceptional thought partner. He is honest, reflective, and unafraid to challenge my thinking. We don't always agree. Nope. But that's one of the things that
019I value most. Our conversations sharpen ideas. We deepen our perspectives. And we help our entire school grow. What Stephen What sets Steven apart is his heart, his passion for teaching, and his belief in young people are felt by everyone who crosses his path. We at Gley Central have long known he is exceptional and we are proud that Colorado now knows it too. Congratulations Stephen. You have earned this honor and we are very proud of you. It's an honor to speak on behalf of Mr. Pollson this evening. Our entire community is sincerely proud to celebrate the first ever Colorado Teacher of the Year that we've seen here at District 6. Mr. Pollson began his teaching journey here at Franklin Middle School. Um made a short stop at Winterrad and then spent some time at West and
020for the past three years he's proudly called Gley Central High School his home where he has been a dedicated Wildcat and adopted our colors from day one. I've never seen someone someone wear so much orange and look so good. So, I I'm jealous. At each stop, Mr. Pollson has contributed um continued to hone his craft and and I've seen him he and I met 10 years ago and he was just starting an AP econ class and I've just seen him hone and hone and hone and hone and he's still getting better. And that if you ask him, it's still not good enough. Each lesson is that way. The thing that sticks out though is he he continues to demonstrate his passion for students and learning and he embodies what it means to be an outstanding
021educator. I swear if we looked it up in the dictionary, it'd be his picture. You know, there he is. It's an outstanding educator. So when he came to Grievy Central, his impact was immediate. We could feel it. Um, we had two honor, we had two AP, uh, human geography classes and by a year later there were four and they were two smaller sections and now it's we we're shoving 35 people into four sections. So really that's the small part of it. The biggest part um is his first freshman AVID class. are now juniors and I'm seeing them in my AP classes and they're not just they they are our leaders. They are our best students. They are committed educa that students and they demand a good education. Mr. Pollson has just imparted in them that
022they deserve the best and I know I better bring it because they'll go tell Mr. Pollson. I asked several of his students what makes Mr. Paulson's such a great teacher and there was some themes and you guys have heard the themes because he cares about us. He cares that we do our work well. He tells us that we need to step it up. He's approachable. He's passionate about teaching. And then this is one I I loved because it was from this very quiet young lady and she looks at me and she goes, "He never sugarcoats anything." And and yes, you know that. Yeah. as do we with professionals that work with him. He holds us accountable, grades our work quickly, and always asks for our feedback so he can improve as a teacher. I think
023that that what a hallmark of a great teacher is going back to the people he's serving and going, "How did that work for you?" And I know that he's continually just driven to improve. Mr. Pollson teaches his students to expect a great education, to expect to do hard things, and to understand that success must be earned through effort and perseverance. He doesn't just teach his kids, he's he's empowering kids. He's changing their lives. As a colleague, it's often said that a rising tide lifts all boats. And you'll appreciate this. Kennedy said that in reference to economics. So, as an econ teacher, we we geek out about that stuff. And that's what exactly that's exactly what Mr. Pollson does. He is the high tide and all boats will rise whether it's student whether it's staff um
024the people around him will have to rise to keep up with him and I've been challenged in so many different ways. I just love it. Um the other day just on a personal note avid teacher they're TRF and we we were there late and I'm like TRF talked to me about this and he I haven't done one you know I'm not an avid teacher but I'm a teacher and they're like you ought to do it. So what I did in AP psychology before test with Mr. Pollson and Mrs. Kirby's coaching I did the TRF but you know who did the TRF? The students that were in Mr. Pollson's class because they were so schooled at it that they led the whole classroom learning because they got the gift of learning. Mr. Torres um who's here
025this evening and he came over uh to join us as Wildcats and he said that Mr. Pollson can take an ordinary class and avidize it which he did to me. He avidized it, bringing bringing everything to life. And we know that he does that for kids. He has a gift for knowing exactly which teaching uh moves to make to increase engagement, push student thinking to a higher level. He's a master of the science of teaching and his knowledge, drive, and focus on improve um improving student learning are remarkable. Now, we've even joked he may be a cyborg. He does not eat at school. He does not drink not drink water at school >> any kind of >> any beverages. He does not drink it. He does not eat at school. So what the heck? But
026while his energy is superhuman and his commitment to education is too, his passion for kids, his mastery of the art of teaching are somehow uh something no machine, no AI, nothing you can do with a computer could ever replicate or duplicate or even match. So it's teachers like Mr. Pollson and Mr. Pollson does it at such a high level that bring life to a brightness to students. I've known Steve for a decade, over a decade. We started teaching AP economics when he started at West. We met and talked about approaches to the class and he he's reached out to Mr. Frasier and he reaches out to find resources to get better and he's constantly doing that. As he and I went to dinner, breakfast, um, or for a drink of water, we talked about we
027need to teach together. And I'm like, you got to come to Central. And there was a point where he's like, "No, no, you got to come to West." And we always had this running joke that this just might happen. Well, and I'm I'm sure glad that things some things had to fall into place and all a sudden Mr. Pollson said he wanted to interview at our place for a job. Now, I knew he was good, guys. We we all knew. He came in for that interview and he blew us away. I could not believe how prepared, how great, how everything was the best interview I've ever been part of. And we're going to hire the guy probably anyway. I mean, he could have walked in and said hello. We would have hired him. But oh
028my gosh, guys, that's not his mo. That's not how he does things. He comes in and gives it everything when it comes to education. And we were blown away. But we didn't even know the tip of the iceberg. That was just a part of what we were going to get. And at Gley Central now, we have got to see him continue to hone his craft, continue to drive to get better. And I know these things, um, you know, he he is an amazing teacher, but I can tell you this, as you get to know him, I can attest he's an even better man. And I'm a better man for knowing him. So, I'm thankful for that. as we've gotten to know each other. Just so you know, I'm only a day older. Our birthdays are
029a day apart. So, so just Yeah. Yep. We have We found all these crossovers. I'm only a day older. This stuff drives him crazy. And I told him, "Hey, tonight I get to talk to you and you don't get to say anything back." Um, but I I forgot he got to talk after this. Um he really this stuff you know national teacher of the year is his biggest fear because it take him from his classroom. He is a devoted educator guys and we all know this stuff but I'm so happy that the state of Colorado got to know this guy and that he got recognized. I'm going to tell you, I'm fearful he would win that National Teacher of the Year because I've never known anybody even close to better or as good. So, please
030join me in congratulate, if I could speak, congratulating and welcoming the 2025 Colorado Teacher of the Year, Mr. Steven Pollson. I I have a hard time accepting this because the three of the best teachers I've ever worked for are one, two, and three right over there. So, uh, Mrs. Kirby, Mr. Burch, and Mr. Torres, and I wouldn't be where I am today without them. So, it's a little silly to me that I get it and they don't. Um, that there's just been a lot of people that have made me better. and the students we have in this district are the best I've ever worked with. And I did get a lot of angry text messages and phone calls after this video was published. So, thanks a lot for that. Um, but I I really didn't
031want to do this. I don't want to be standing right here right now if we're being honest. But I do want to represent our community and our district with pride because our students and our staff, our school board, our principles, our teachers, they all deserve to be recognized. And Gley has been a home for me since 2007. and for our community to get recognized for the excellent that we excellence that we have. That that's what makes me want to continue to do it. I did withdraw from the national teacher of the year and that was by choice because I don't want to take a year-long sobatical and I feel good about the decision I made. But I am honored to represent our community and our students because there's been a lot of jokes about Gley
032for a long time and I'm I don't think they have much to joke about now and that makes me happy. So, thank you all for having me here tonight. Oh, no. [applause] That was perfectly fine. >> This is for you. Teresa, wait. Come here, you guys. Come here, you guys. Yes. Come on, Torres. >> Come on, Kirby. >> Kirby, come on. Jeez, you all get up here. >> He said like three times. [laughter] You guys are good. Well, we don't always allow for board member comments following special items, but I have people buzzing in like the the calls are coming in. So, um, Dr. Campos Spitzy, if you'd like to share your thoughts. So, I happened to stop by Gley Central today to pick up this shirt that Mr. Pollson had promised me. Um, and
033I got there around 3:05 and I talked to front desk and said, "Uh, my name's Brenda Campo Spitzy. I um, Mr. Pollson was supposed to leave a shirt here at the front desk." And, um, she's like, "Oh, what the front desk staff person said she could call him, but he's in the middle of class." And I was like, "No, no, no, no. [laughter] Don't do that. If I know anything from what I heard from Kelly Langley Cook's interview, um she was one of the panelists who was interviewed to decide on um Mr. Pollson getting this award and she who is a UNCC professor in the department of education said she would come into his classroom, you know, to ask him some question. And Mr. Pollson is so student centered and student first that he would
034completely ignore her until she would have to clear her throat and say, "Actually, I have something I really do have to tell you and can't wait until the end of the class." And so, I knew I wasn't going to interrupt you for a t-shirt. And so, I came back at 3:40, which is when class was over, [laughter] and grabbed my t-shirt. Um, but so proud of you. I uh got to work with Mr. Pollson on the career mentorship uh project um that uh Miss Zulaf mentioned where 91 students in sophomores at Gley Central were connected with career mentors from architects to welders to doctors. Um, and it was just such a cool project to be a part of and just felt like so above and beyond um to to reach out on Facebook and put
035out this call to the community to sign up and mentor these kids and and let them see what their dreams could be, their dream careers could look like. Um, and I know I I'll never forget working with those two students that I got um was was really cool. I think it went both ways. um my own medical assistant, and I've talked about her before, had Mr. Pollson in Mexican-American studies at Gley West. And when she heard um that you were awarded this, she said uh and I love this because it echoes some of the words that were already spoken, but um and this is from Angie Rodriguez, and she said, "He gives, how can I say, he gives his all to students." And so um once I had interacted more with Mr. Pulse and I
036I was certain he was not married cuz who can give that much to his job and have a family and then I found out no as you have seen in this video he has a beautiful wife and kids and so I don't know how you do it um but you are a master of your craft and you're elevating the profession and um and we we are so lucky to have you. >> Thank you Dr. Kempos. Um, Sarah Venegas, is that you? Or is it who? Somebody you. Okay, Abby Tobar. Sorry. Um, I'm gonna try and make this really quick, but I remember my sophomore year was when Mr. Pollson came to Gilly Central and at first I was like, I don't know if I like this guy. He's coming from West and I don't really
037like that school, you know, like uh but I like a lot of my like freshman friends, they weren't doing so hot in his AP human geography class and I was like, man, like he's so hard on these kids. like they're just freshmen, you know, but they're in that AP class. And I I finally came to like a realization, my friends ended up passing the class, by the way, but um I came to the realization that like Pollson is genuinely so hard on his students because he believes in them to the point like that they will persevere past that. And I genuinely think that like you teaching um a bunch of freshmen is what's really going to change the culture and student body at Gilly Central. And I have a lot of pride in the class
038of 2026. But don't tell them I said this, but the class of 27 when you came and with your AVID students, like genuinely you see the leadership in them and like they genuinely represent like pride, class, and dignity, which is all that girly central is about. So I acknowledge like Pollson for that and I like you now. I I I see your teaching method now, but at first I was like, man, this guy, you know, I don't know about him, but I do know about you now and I hope that like all the other like teachers at like really central can kind of like look up to you in a way. And honestly, I see it today as well. Like my avid teacher, Mr. Sibi, he's always talking about, I'll go check with Pson. Let
039me go work on my plan with Pollson. And I think it's really interesting cuz like Sibi was here before Pollson and yet he's looking up to Pollson. And I think it's a great thing. Like you are seriously doing a lot of stuff for Girly Central and I hope you know that. And this is coming from a student who I've never actually had a class with Pollson and maybe that makes it less significant, but I just think that seeing like all of the work that he's put in, it's genuinely showing at Girly Central and we truly appreciate having you. So thank you. Well, I'll also offer my congratulations and thank you all for coming to share your experiences with Mr. Pollson and um just very welld deserved. Thank you for serving our students and representing our
040community. And I'm sorry, but today Miss Zulaf is winning the orange competition. So, I think y'all need to have like an orange crush competition and um just keep that. You don't want a Gly Central Christmas sweater. It's fantastic. All right. Well, thank you all for being here. We love celebrating our staff and our students. Moving on, we will um have a proclamation recognizing school psychology week. And Dr. Campos, would you Oh, this is an action item that requires a motion. I move that the board of education of Gley Evans School District 6 approve the proclamation declaring November 3 through 7, 2025 as school psychology week in district 6. >> Second. >> Thank you both. Dr. Campus, will you please read the proclamation? >> Proclamation of the board of education of Weld County School District 6,
041school psychologist week, November 3rd through 7th, 2025. Whereas children and youth learn best when they are healthy, supported, and receive an education that enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. And whereas schools can more effectively ensure that all students are able to learn when they meet the needs of the whole child and provide integrated multi-tered supports. And whereas children's mental health is directly linked to their learning and development and benefits when the learning environment provides an optimal context to promote good mental health through connectedness within the school and community. And whereas sound psychological principles are integral to instruction and learning, school safety, social and emotional development, prevention, early intervention, and support of culturally diverse student populations. And whereas school psychology has more than 60 years of wellestablished, widely recognized and highly effective practice and
042standards that are clearly articulated in the National Association of School Psychologists model for comprehensive and integrated school psychological services. And whereas school psychologists are specifically trained to foster and deliver in the school and community a continuum of mental health services and academic supports that lower barriers to teaching and learning. And I'm having technical difficulties. Oh, thank you. Whereas school psychologists help children thrive by nurturing their individual strengths across both personal and academic endeavors. And whereas school psychologists are trained to assess student and school-based barriers to learning and individual strengths, make databased decisions, implement research-driven prevention and intervention strategies, and evaluate outcomes and improve accountability. And whereas Gley Evans School District 6 recognizes the vital role that school psychologists play in the personal and academic development of our students. Therefore, the board of education of Weld
043County School District 6 hereby proclaims November 3rd through 7th, 2025 as school psychology week in district 6. given under the hand and the executive seal of Weld County School District 6 this 10th day of November 2025. President Natalie Mash. >> Thank you, Dr. Campos Fitzy. Is there any conversation on the motion? >> I would just like to say that I also would like to recognize and thank our school psychologists for the invaluable work that they do with our students. Um, I believe that this is a position that we've worked really hard to increase in our district. Um, knowing that originally, um, the case loads and the the students needing those mental health supports were far greater than the staff that we had. And um, again, we know that the mental health of our children is
044vital in order for them to be able to learn and for in order for them to be able to thrive in our schools. So, um I'm excited to approve this proclamation and again just um please hear that your position is very valued and thank you for working with our students and Mr. Matthews. >> Yeah, I would just um want to echo what what you said, President Mash, that our school psychologists mean mean so much to to this district. they are um and it's such an emotionally difficult job meaning because of the situations that they often deal with. They are often the the people that and we do have um a certain certain number of uh of accidents and a certain uh every year uh unfortunate uh deaths and our school psychologists go in and and
045meet with our students sometimes uh meet with our teachers, meet with meet with staff. Um, and so we're so thankful for for the work that they do and just want you to know how how much we appreciate you um and what you provide for this district and our students. >> Thank you very much. Miss Lemon, will you give us a vote, please? >> Director Zari, >> I. >> Director Bentley, >> I. >> Director Campos Spitzy, >> I. >> Director Mash, >> I. >> Director Matthews, >> I. >> Motion carries 5. >> Thank you. And I'd like to invite Kristen Arnold up, our lead psychologist, to accept this proclamation. Hi, my name is Kristen Arnold. I am the lead school psychologist here in the district. I have been here for 25 years and I have to
046say that I love my job. I have the pleasure of being able to support some amazing school psychologists. I'm not assigned to a building. I just get to support some amazing school psychologists. So, thank you so much for all of your support. Um, Dr. Pilch, the board, the directors, and all of the administration and people that we work with in this district. Thank you so much. I was also hoping we could have some of these amazing school psychologists come up here, please, and introduce themselves. Will you just uh I'm Tiffany Martin and I serve Prairie Heights Middle School and help out with some other district stuff when needed. >> I'm Britney King and I'm the school psychologist for Gley West High School. >> I'm Jenna Wily and I support Mclliff STEM Academy and Jackson Elementary
047School. I'm Stephanie Hill and I support Bella Romero and Early College Academy. >> My name is Kim Pales and I uh work at Scott Elementary School and Union Colony Preparatory. Thank you all for being here and thank you for your work with our students. All right, celebrations and proclamations continuing. Uh, the next item on our agenda is a proclamation recognizing education support professionals day. This is an action item. I move that the board of education at Gley Evans School District 6 approve the proclamation declaring November 19th as November 19th, 2025 is education support professional day in district 6. >> Second. >> Thank you both. Mr. Aari, would you please read the proclamation? Proclamation of the board of education of Weld County School District 6, Education Support Professionals Day, November 19th, 2025. Whereas public schools are
048the backbone of our democracy, providing young people with the tools they need to maintain our nation's precious values of freedom, civility, and equality. And whereas education support professionals are an integral part of the education process. And whereas education support professionals provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students and whereas education support professionals work tirelessly to serve our children and communities with care and professionalism. Now therefore, the board of education of Gley Evans School District 6 hereby proclaims Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 as Education Support Professionals Day in District 6. Given under my hand in the executive seal of Wel County School District 6, this 10th day of November, 2025, Natalie Mash, President. >> Thank you, Mr. Ozari. Is there any discussion on the proclamation? I will also make comment about our education support professionals. Oftentimes
049for my children um the person that they've made a close connection with is an educational support person. Of course, um they have their teachers in each of their classes, but um I think I've shared this story a number of times, but um one of my sons, uh there was a spirit day that was dressed as, you know, your favorite person in the building. And so he dressed as Brenda, the lunch lady, and he had kind of long hair at the time, did a bun and a and a hairet and everything. Um so again, just every single person in the building is a integral part of of our students day. um often is that person that sees the student, you know, in their moment of frustration or or a sad moment or something like that where
050they can speak into that student's life. So very excited to bring this proclamation forward as well. Miss Lemon, will you give us a vote? >> Director Zari, >> I. >> Director Bentley, >> I. >> Director Campos Spitzy, >> I. >> Director Mash, >> I. >> Director Matthews, >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> And I would like to invite uh Wen Morado forward. classified council president to accept this proclamation. [clears throat] >> Thank you, President Mash, uh board, and Dr. Pilch. Uh it's my honor to accept the proclamation. Obviously, um I hold great value and support staff because I am a support staff. I feel like the duties that they do are so far in the background that not very many people get recognized for it every day. Uh pair of professionals is probably somebody
051that you're probably talking about. Um I'd like to recognize, you know, transportation, uh kitchen staff, custodial, um jeez, I know I'm going to forget a whole bunch of people. Uh plumbers, um IT people, electricians. So, whenever you're in a building next week, please grab somebody, let them know that you're grateful for everything they do in the buildings. Okay? Thank you. The next item on our agenda is our Council of Student Representatives report from Early College Academy. President Mash, members of the board, Dr. Pilch, um it's my pleasure to introduce um Miss Sarah Venegas and Levi Aldridge. These two truly embody what it means to be an Early College Academy Tiger with their open mindset, work effort, and love of learning. >> Good evening, members of the board, Dr. Pilch and President Mash. You guys know
052me by now. I'm Sarah Venegas, and I am a proud senior at Early College Academy. Our school is not only built on strong academic success, but we have an even stronger community. Early College Academy is a school that allows students to take dual enrollment classes through Ames Community College starting their freshman year, which means ECA students are not only D6 students, but we are Ames students as well. That's pretty cool. In doing so, students can graduate not only with their high school diploma, but also with an associates degree, too. ECA has always offered an associates of arts degree. However, as of three years ago, our admin has been working to implement more science classes to hopefully offer an associates of science degree in the future. This would allow students to take the path of the
053degree they wish to earn that would benefit mo benefit them most in their career. As AIM students, our seniors have the privilege to take classes on the main campus, which means their classes are more personalized to the career path they wish to take. They also have the opportunity to receive a degree and of designation in math, history, or psychology if they choose to, which means they offer more than the general classes at ECA. Not only is ECA growing academically, but our school spirit keeps growing more every year. We have some great traditions at ECA throughout the school that strengthen our connections and offer that high school experience many think we miss. We get those first a j its nav crew is no stranger to going all out to welcome our students loud and proud through
054making posters and making them feel welcomed and along with Arty the Arbark giving some good luck high fives. ACA has allowed me to explore a new version of myself. A version who is a strong leader not only in her school but in her community as well. All the amazing opportunities I have been given such as being student body president, president of National Honor Society, president of the council of student representatives and being able to be a student representative here on the board meetings are all due to the challenges and support ECA has provided me. There has never been a dull moment for me at UCA, especially since freshman year I started being a member of student council, dedicating my time and ideas to improving all those fun school events such as our dances, our spirit
055weeks, and so much more. I have never felt so connected to both the students and the staff as I have at ECA. spending all of my offblocks in my dream team teacher's office eating all of her snacks and playing card games with underassman or snapping some fun pictures for yearbook because that is my favorite class. There is never a dull moment in that class with all of our fun conversations. ECA has prepared me for the challenges that college courses bring and how to take those challenges through seeking help to build that resilience. I hope to take those new skills to New York University, my dream school, where I plan to major in biomed, and live that city life. As I mentioned, the student council never fails to plan out some fun activities where students can
056showcase their skills, competitiveness, and grow connections. At the beginning of the year, we have our popcorn social where our incoming students can socialize with teachers and our student body to build those connections and those friendships. Plus, who doesn't love some good popcorn? The fun doesn't stop there because in September, the student council hosts our fall festival where our clubs have some great games, food, and music for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of the year is our spirit weeks because at the end of those weeks, we have our class competition assembly games. ECA is filled with creative people. We see this creativity flourish in the prior days of spirit week because of our students and staff love to go all out. Mr. Fern is not shy to participate in those spirit weeks. Dressing up
057as Groo from Despicable Me and as a popular saying among the students right now 67. He is such a great principal who is very attentive to his students, knowing everyone by name in order to make sure they are reaching their potential. Our students are quite competitive. On assembly days, our cathogatorium or newly named Tiger Den fills with encouragement and determination. ECA is unique. We are the only D6 high school that has a field day at the end of every year. During this day, we hold award ceremonies for our students and our seniors receive their cords and a senior sendoff. Additionally, we have our dodgeball tournament where our students have yet to beat the staff, unfortunately. You can't have a field day without a sweet treat. So, student council always has a Kona ice truck to
058help our students cool off on a hot day. I'm a huge people person who loves to build good energy with others. On field day, that energy is through the roof. And it's a day where fun is the goal. No work, no stress, just enjoying a nice hot day, playing with friends, acting like kids again. We are not only dedicated to creating fun experience for our students, but also providing resources if they are struggling or need a quiet place to be. Our student support center houses all of our resources. You can find our counselors, our dream team teachers, our special education teachers, and of course, our front-range therapist. Additionally, we have our Ames tutors for every subject to help our students if they are struggling on any assignments. There have been many times when I find
059myself so stressed I can't even think. But I know that the tutors that AS is providing and ECA is providing truly help me reach be better versions of myself. Taking dual enrollment classes, much like calculus one, is difficult, but our tutors work during our offblocks in order to help us get through those difficult challenges. Our student support center has truly become a safe space for many students. Because of the calm atmosphere and amazing help that they offer, students can easily access these resources in order for them to seek help or have a safe space to focus. Our NAV crew is an addition to those student resources who love to support our students during harder times like finals week when they make goodie bags to encourage our students to stay motivated and help their finals week
060be slightly stress-free. I love being a member of NAVC crew helping to remind the incoming students that they are capable of everything. It's such a wonderful group of people who all dedicate themselves to making ECA a welcoming place for all. Although ECA continues improving yearbyear, many of our students have mentioned the benefit of a bigger parking lot. Our building is quite small, which means our parking lot is too. When there is pickup after school, our driving students struggle to get out because of how limited the space is. This could be a helpful improvement to a building. So, just keep that in mind. [laughter] Finally, I have the pleasure of introducing a student who truly embodies what ECA is all about in order to tell you more of the amazing things we offer. Levi Aldridge. [applause]
061Good evening, District 6 Board of Education President Mash and Dr. Pilch. It is my pleasure to be speaking to you this evening. I am Levi Aldridge, currently a junior who has the privilege of attending Early College Academy along with Sarah. She is quite the role model for me. [clears throat] And it is my privilege to get to highlight some of the many awesome things about ECA. ECA offers many incredible academic opportunities as Sarah mentioned in the midst of a very lively school spirit. In addition to all of this, and yes, it does get better somehow, ECA gives students opportunity opportunities to participate in clubs and the many privileges of being Ames students. Let's start by talking about clubs. EC the clubs available at ECA are studentled and student initiated. Any and all students have the
062ability to start and run a club so long as they have three prerequisites. One, an idea. Two, a handful of students who share the interest. And finally, a teacher who's willing to sponsor that club. Some school clubs that I participate in, and let me tell you, there are many offered at ECA are Bible study club, music club, um, insight magazine, and one of the most popular clubs at Early College Academy is snacks and crafts, which just gives you a taste, get it, for the school spirit that ECA has. In addition to all these clubs, ECA has a very engaged and active student council full of students who are wanting to make positive change in the school in the student body. In addition to this, Early College Academy is home to a chapter of National Honor
063Society and also has a group known as NavCrew, which Sarah did mention. NAVC crew is a group of students dedicated to making ECA an enjoyable and comfortable place especially for incoming students and under underassmen. NAV crew members visit underclassman during their seminar periods to play team building games and discuss topics like friendship and gratitude as well as how to strive for excellence in classes and extracurriculars. NAV crew leaders also volunteer at school events to help students and families navigate with ease. Another club and opportunity very unique to ECA is Insight Magazine. Insight Magazine is a showcase of creative works from ECA students. This magazine contains literary works such as poems and essays as well as artwork including photography um as well as online media. Those of us who are in the club get to organize
064the magazine for it to be published through Ames, both in physical print and online, making every student whose work is included a an official published author, which is pretty neat. And the marvel of ECA extends far beyond clubs. As Sarah mentioned, all students at ECA are dual enrolled at Ames. as A as students, all facilities, uh, all Ames facilities, all Ames events, um, and Ames privileges are available to ECA students. For example, the Ames perk, the physical education and recreation center is a free privilege for all Ames students and therefore all ECA students. I personally have made use of this several times, especially for their very nice indoor track. Uh, and let me tell you, it is it is a privilege. In addition to this, the perks of being Ames students do not end there.
065Every student at ECA can also make use of Ames resources such as Arty's pantry, which is a program that provides Ames students and therefore ECA students with grocery items as well as personal care items for free. And being aligned with Ames also allows Early College Academy to uh use Ames uh facilities such as their ballroom to host ECA dances and the annual National Honor Society induction ceremony. ECA is proud to be a small school. The small school size of approximately 255 students allows ECA to be more to be a more tight-knit community and for students to have better relationships or more accurately friendships with their teachers and professors. And finally, a small school size enables ECA to have events such as the field day that Sarah mentioned and popcorn socials that are manageable and also,
066I think, more beneficial to students having such a small student body. I echo Sarah's request for the possibility of a larger parking lot. Hint hint, maybe. Um, thank you so much for the opportunity to speak here this evening. We appreciate all of your support for ECA and we are excited for all the wonderful things that lie ahead. Thank you. Thank you very much for being here. We have a few questions or comments. Dr. Campos Spitzy. And so I really like your pride in the small school. I I love that. Just embracing it. Um I've always been so proud that we have ECA as part of District 6, which is basically a college prep school um that's open to all of our kids. And you two are highlighting two different school systems you came from. I
067just um heard that Sara Venegas that you were a Bella Romero kid and then Levi, you actually gave me a tour of McAuliff back in the day. [laughter] Yeah. So, um, thank you for sharing. It it sounds like you have a special place and that you you do get to form these bonds with your educators and and that there's a ton of support. I do think a college prep school sounds a little bit stressful. Like it's a little competitive and all the kids are wanting to go to college and and building up those applications um can can be stressful, but it sounds like you guys have the staff to support you all so that nobody is pulling their hair out. Is that right? [laughter] >> That is correct. Hands down. >> Thank you very much.
068And um I was [clears throat] just thinking what a fantastic advertisement during open enrollment. So the floodgates are now open. [laughter] >> Just keep on your radar, everyone. >> There you go. >> School private. >> Not private. >> Right. Absolutely. Well, I do feel like there is just something special about every ECA student that [clears throat] has shared with us their their pride and their love of ECA. And as it is a fully open enrolled school, you all choose to be there. you want to be there. You want that experience. And so, thank you for sharing that the full gamut of of what's offered there and your experience. And best wishes in the rest of your senior year, Sarah, and we'll look forward to continuing to see you and maybe we'll see you next year,
069Levi, when you bring the next um update. So, thank you for being here. We know you probably have school work and things like that. So, we always appreciate when our students spend their Monday evening with us. >> Pleasure. Thank you. >> Thank you. My computer went to sleep, so hold on just a second. Oh, okay. And now we are on to superintendent's report. Dr. Pilch, thank you, President Mash, members of the board of education. I just have a few things. I just want to remind everyone that tonight we did a reception to honor our outgoing board members, Mr. Rob Norwood and Mr. Michael Matthews. I want to thank Mr. Norwood for his four years of service um and his dedication to the students and staff here in district 6. And then President Matthew, vice former
070president Matthews, what are your role? He will always be he'll always have been one of my presidents. Um I want to thank you for all that you've done for district 6 over the last eight years and recognize you for uh the contribution to our students, our staff, and our community. uh we are a far better school district because of you and your leadership and um I think we're far better humans. So, thank you, President Matthews. And then I'll just remind everyone that uh we do have a break coming up um the week of November 24th. We do take that week and and close our schools for Thanksgiving. And so the board meeting that would have been held on November 24th has been cancelled and so we won't come back together until December. I do uh
071want to encourage you to to pay close attention if you're interested in the oath of office uh for our newest board members and our reorganization meeting um for the board of education. We had originally planned that for that first week in December. It does look like we will have official results back from the county sooner than planned and so uh that meeting will very likely occur uh early to mid next week uh in the afternoon most likely. I want to welcome the three new board members that will join us and be sworn in um at that that oath meeting. U welcoming Dina Lamos Garcia and Robin Roi and Weston Edmunds and just so pleased that we have community members who are willing to give of their time and and to serve in this volunteer elected
072role and and pleased that you're willing to run a campaign. It's certainly something I never want to do. So, thank you and and welcome to District 6. Thank you, President Mash. >> Thank you, Dr. Pilch. Our next item on the agenda is public participation, but we did not have anyone signed up to speak this evening. Our next item is to approve our consent agenda. This is an action item and will require a motion. >> I move that the board of education of Gley Evans School District 6 approves items as presented on the consent agenda and authorizes the officers to sign any and all contracts. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion on the motion? Seeing none, will you give us a vote, please? >> Director Zari, >> I. >> Director Bentley, >> I. >> Director
073Campos Spitzy, >> I. >> Director Mash, >> I. >> Director Matthews, >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. >> The final item on our agenda is to approve our district evaluation council membership. Um, and this is also an action item. I move that the board of education of Gle Evans School District 6 approves the membership of the district evaluation council as presented. >> Second. >> Thank you both. And I see Mrs. Overton. I'll give it over to you now. >> Good evening, President Mash, board members and Dr. Pilch. We're here annually that we come here to ask you to consider all of the members of our evaluation council and um approve those members for the current year. State law requires that stu that school districts maintain an evaluation council called a 1338 council and that includes
074a minimum of um one teacher, one administrator, one principal and one parent who resides in the district and one community member that doesn't have um children currently enrolled in the district. Um the D6 evaluation council was established in 1979. um few decades ago and um it was it is set in motion to study, provide oversight, evaluate, address concerns and provide um uh develop specific recommendations for improving the district evaluation policy and procedures. The council is co-chared by the assistant superintendent of human resources or um a designate in our case and the president of the Gley Education Association or a designate. The evaluation council has a longstanding history of collaboration and partnership. The committee is co-chared by Matthew Dr. Matthew Thompson, director of human resources and Aaron Snyder, president of Gley Education Association. Each year, the
075council reviews ideas, insights, and challenges that arise from the use of the certified evaluation instrument, ensuring that it continues to support effective performance feedback as well as meaningful professional growth for both teachers and principles. Tonight, I'd like to invite Dr. Thompson to come up and present the recent accomplishments of the 1338 and share the proposed membership roster for your consideration tonight. Thank you. Um, I'd like to report that our 1338 council is in a great position. Uh, there are no recommendations uh for changes uh from the state of Colorado or CDE at this time. Uh we've maintained consistent membership in our committee from last year to this year. uh which is a collaboration between um that members are identified collaboratively between GA and our human resources department. Uh the past year we've done a lot
076of work on our evaluation handbook ensuring that it meets the accessibility requirements uh for the state. We've made some changes to add clarity and to simplify language. uh we meet at a rotating basis at a variety of different school locations uh that are hosted by members of our committee uh teachers and administrators alike. Uh our current work this year involves assessing available measures of student learning which are MSLs or and we have an MSL worksheet and so we're identifying uh what measures are meeting the needs of all educators and the students that they serve. Uh so we're seeking clarity of understanding for that for both teachers and administrators as well as on uh complex ideas such as how median growth percentiles are defined and how they're measured. Uh so at this time we'd like to
077offer uh for your approval uh the following proposed list of members of our evaluation council uh which includes uh myself as a co-chair and the proud parent of an ECA student. Uh Miss Aaron Snyder who's the GA president is also co-chair. Uh Mr. Andrew Palmer is a parent and administrator in our district. Annette Overton is also a member of our district leadership. Anthony Osmus, who's a member of district leadership and a parent. Uh Kim Silva, who's also a member of our district leadership, Kelly Kennedy, who's an educator in our district. Uh Melissa Wooden, who's a educator and a parent. Jason Ghoffer, who's our non-parent community member. Uh Ron Anderson, who's also a non-parent community member. Zachary Armstrong, who's an educator and a parent in our district. Kelly Stewart, who's a district administrator, Heather Svert, who's
078a district school administrator, and Terresa Santos, who's also an educator and a parent. So, we appreciate your time and approval of our proposed membership. So, thank you. >> Thank you very much. Is there any questions or any comments on the motion? Thank you very much for bringing this forward. Um, seeing the collaboration between the GA and the administration gives me lots of confidence that this is um, a team that works well together and um, you know, accomplishes the goals they set forward. So, thank you very much and we will have a vote. >> Director Zari, >> I. >> Director Bentley, >> I. >> Director Campos Bitsy. >> I, Director Mash, >> I. >> Director Matthews, >> I. >> Motion carries 5-0. That is all the business we have for this evening. And once again, thank
079you to our outgoing board member, former president, Mr. Michael Matthews. Next time will look just a little bit different, but happy Thanksgiving to everyone and have a good evening. This meeting is adjourned. [music] Heat. [music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] That's heat. [music] >> [music]