Board Update - May 27, 2026 School Board Meeting - Chance Jenkins

Graduation Ceremonies

Prior to Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting, board members had the privilege of attending graduation ceremonies at both Rifle High School and Coal Ridge High School. This is truly one of the most rewarding times of the year — a moment where our entire community can see the very product of what our schools provide.

Watching our students walk across that stage and celebrate their achievements is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

A special congratulations and recognition is owed to Steve Johnston and the entire Rifle High School team. The culture, pride, and excellence Steve has built at Rifle High School is truly something to behold, and the results speak for themselves. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to students make a difference every single day, and this community is fortunate to have him.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Jackie Davis for her outstanding commitment to excellence at Coal Ridge High School. Dr. Davis has been a tireless advocate for her students and a model of educational leadership throughout her tenure. As she moves forward in her next endeavors, we wish her all the very best — she leaves Coal Ridge better than she found it, and that legacy will endure.

Speaking personally, I am extremely proud of and happy with this year’s graduating classes. The achievements of our students are a testament to the hard work of our staff, the support of our families, and the strength of our community. Congratulations to the Class of 2026.

Shine the Light Presentation – One Door Program

Board members and attendees participated in a “Shine the Light” presentation hosted at the Grumley-Pierce building. The presentation highlighted the district’s One Door Program and the strong partnerships we have built throughout the community to support students and families.

District staff provided an overview of the ISP program, expulsion services, and the wraparound support systems our district has pioneered to ensure every student continues to receive meaningful educational opportunities. It was emphasized that expulsion is always considered a last resort. Even in those difficult situations, the district remains statutorily responsible for meeting the educational needs of students, and our staff continues to work diligently to provide support, intervention, and pathways toward success.

FlexPath Educational Pathway Update

The regular meeting was then called to order, where the Board received an update from Jacob Pingel and Amanda Vaughn regarding the district’s FlexPath educational pathway. Their presentation highlighted not only the innovation behind the program but also the comprehensive support structure built around it to ensure students can thrive in nontraditional educational environments.

FlexPath continues to demonstrate the district’s commitment to meeting students where they are and providing flexible, individualized pathways toward graduation and long-term success. The program reflects a modern understanding of education — one that recognizes students learn differently and often need alternative opportunities to remain engaged and connected. The level of support built around the pathway is exceptional and serves as another example of this district leading the way in student-centered education.

Academic Progress & Assessment Data

The Board also reviewed district academic progress data and internal testing metrics. Districtwide K–8 iReady assessments showed outstanding student growth, with math performance surpassing district goals by 6% and reading performance also exceeding goals by 6%. At the 9–12 level, Progress Learning assessments demonstrated similarly strong outcomes, with math scores surpassing yearly goals by 8% and reading performance slightly exceeding targets.

Particularly encouraging was the success demonstrated among student subgroups. English Language Learner (ELL) students exceeded growth goals by 9%, while Special Education (SPED) students surpassed math goals by 13% and reading goals by 3%.

These results reflect the dedication of district staff and reinforce the effectiveness of the support structures, interventions, and instructional strategies being implemented across the district.

Insurance & Risk Management Update

The Board also received an insurance update from Glenwood Insurance. Discussion centered around the district’s continued efforts to minimize exposure to claims and proactively manage risk. Facilities and Human Resources deserve significant recognition for their leadership and diligence in this area. Through intentional policy work, training, safety improvements, and operational oversight, both departments have played a major role in strengthening district practices and reducing liability exposure.

Budget Planning – 2026–2027 School Year

Jason Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, then provided an update regarding the district’s budget planning process for the 2026–2027 school year. With the Colorado Legislature now adjourned, the district is finally able to work with more stable numbers and planning scenarios moving forward.

Through the tireless efforts of our district’s financial department, the district has dramatically improved its fiscal outlook. What was once projected to be a deficit exceeding $2 million has now been reduced to approximately $500,000 through careful planning, disciplined management, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. Had the state followed through on its original commitment regarding COLA adjustments, our district would be operating close to a balanced budget position heading into the next school year.

Colorado COLA Funding Inequities

A significant portion of the discussion focused on Colorado’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) rankings and the inequities that continue to exist within the state funding process. The district had previously been informed — and had verified through state data — that our COLA ranking would improve by nine positions. This adjustment was largely made possible through the tireless advocacy and legislative engagement of Superintendent Banghart, who worked extensively to highlight inaccuracies and inequities within the existing formula.

Unfortunately, once the updated rankings were released, districts negatively impacted by the change immediately mobilized legal counsel and governmental advocates to pressure the legislature. In response, the state moved forward with legislation specifically designed to delay implementation of the adjustment affecting our district.

This situation reflects a broader concern shared by many in rural and western Colorado communities: that the priorities and realities of our communities are too often overlooked by decision-makers along the Front Range. While wealthier and more politically connected districts were able to quickly influence the process, communities like ours continue fighting for equitable recognition and funding despite clear evidence supporting the need for adjustment.

The state’s willingness to sideline communities like ours further highlights the importance of local ownership and investment in our schools. If our community wants to ensure long-term stability, opportunity, and educational excellence for our students, we must continue strengthening our commitment to supporting the district locally. Our schools are not simply state institutions — they are community institutions — and their success ultimately depends on the willingness of our community to invest in and advocate for them.

Our district will continue advocating for fairness, transparency, and funding structures that recognize the realities faced by our students, staff, and taxpayers. We remain committed to ensuring our community’s voice is heard and that Western Colorado students receive the same level of consideration and opportunity afforded elsewhere in the state.

Overall, Wednesday night’s meeting highlighted the incredible work being done across the district — from innovative educational pathways and student support services to strong academic growth, responsible fiscal planning, and operational leadership. The district continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to students, families, and the community we serve.