Board Update - October 22, 2025 Board Meeting - Cassie Haskell

Happy Fall!

As the fall season is wrapping up in the holiday season is approaching, there is a lot going on!  Our October 22 board meeting began the evening with ‘Shine the Light,’ recognizing our incredible transportation department, who safely transport our students every single day across the district. Their commitment ensures that our kids get to school safely and on time, and we are grateful for their hard work.

District Accountability Committee (DAC) reported they reviewed the district’s Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) during their meeting this past week and followed it up with a SWOT analysis.

• Strengths included a dedicated staff, engaged parents, and a strong strategic plan.

• Weaknesses identified were the local cost of living and the abundance of acronyms used throughout district communication.

• Opportunities focused on continued partnerships with Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and the expansion of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways.

• Threats (Concerns) funding, staffing, and housing challenges.

The DAC invites you all to attend their next meeting on November 18 at Rifle High School.

Next, representatives from Glenwood Insurance presented an overview of current insurance trends at the national, state, and rural Colorado levels. The presentation highlighted key factors contributing to premium increases, noting that the district should anticipate a 10–12% annual increase moving forward.

Our Finance Team presented the FY 2024–25 year end results and FY 2025–26 quarterly reports, confirming that the district remains on track with budget projections. Thank you to our finance team for keeping a close eye on district funds and keeping the board informed along with the community.

The board approved and the district is moving forward with the implementation of a new security camera system designed to enhance safety and visibility across all schools and facilities—a key priority from the five-year Master Facility Plan. The system will include coverage of interior common areas, exterior entrances, parking lots, and perimeters, with full privacy protections in place.

The total project cost is $899,368.30, funded through a combination of sources:

• $223,845 from the BEST Grant

• $300,000 from the GCFMLD Grant

• $375,523 from the district’s contribution

Installation is projected to be completed by the end of 2025. The Board extends sincere appreciation to our Technology, Facilities, Finance, and Communications teams for their extensive collaboration on this important project.

The Board also approved the following policies:

• IJ – Instructional Materials and Library Resources

• KEC – Public Concerns/Complaints About Instructional Materials and Library Resources

• KFA – Public Conduct on School Property

We look forward to our next Board of Education meeting on November 12 at Grand Mesa Elementary, beginning with “Showing the Light” at 4:45 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Thank you for your continued support of Garfield Re-2 Schools.