From the Board, August 28, 2024

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Aug 28^th board meeting held at the District Office.  Our Shine the Light focused on Transportation, where we learned a little more about the intricacies of getting our students safely to and from school. Many times, it's our teams like Transportation that are the forgotten heroes of the school year, but we found out this group can come together and get the job done.  It's going to start getting dark earlier, so everyone be aware when you see those big buses and those flashing lights to give them plenty of room. 

Holly Miller showed up to give an update on our District Accountability Committee (DAC).  This hard-working group of volunteers has already had their first meeting of the year and are gearing up to put in some serious work.  Each school should have a School Accountability Committee (SAC).  Principals are working on integrating this information into PTA meetings, Booster Club meetings,  or a straight-up SAC.  The goal of this group is to hear first-hand from the principal what is happening inside the four walls of the school and then report that information to DAC.  What we are trying to create is a “two-way street” of communication.  But we need more help.  If you’re looking to be involved the best spot is in your school, talk to your school administrator and see when they are meeting.  The next DAC meeting is on 9/17 at 5:30 at Walmsley Elementary. 

We’ve been talking about it and had another update on the Re-2 Cell Phone Policy.  Assistant Superintendent Lisa Pierce feels we are closer than we think to truly roll out a policy that has buy-in from the staff, leadership, and the community.  Removing the distractions from cell phones and personal technology during class time will help students stay focused on learning and reduce distractions.  We all want it now, but being thoughtful and thorough will give us our best chance at long-term success.

Our newly appointed Director of Finance, Jason Lynch, and our amazing Financial Consultant, Jeff Blandford, updated the Board and community on the district finances.  So much conversation in Districts around the country revolves around finance.  Did you know about 82% of the budget is spent on staff payroll and benefits?  I didn’t attend an honors math class, but that seems to only leave 18% of our money to run the district, i.e..… keeping the lights on, purchasing teaching materials, and maintaining over 12 buildings.  Recent Colorado legislation is looking at reducing some of the property tax burden that has been put on homeowners over the last few years, and this could affect those funds.  Our district is at the bottom of the state when it comes to per pupil funding,- around 165 out of 178.  This is not something the board or district controls, but it is something we need to improve if we are going to attract top talent and retain quality staff.  I want to thank our finance team, in partnership with our HR squad, for keeping track of every 25-dollar gift card and balancing the books down to the penny.  The money we get from you means a lot and we will not waste any of it.

I want to thank Tony May for the time he has served on this Board.  To say that there were not some ups and downs would be an understatement.  I appreciate your viewpoint.  I think it is valuable to hear from everyone, regardless of whether we agree or not.  You never shied away from the tough questions and had no fear of holding people accountable for their actions.  Good luck to you as pursue other avenues to push this District forward.  I want to welcome Scott Bolitho to the board.  Scott is a long-time resident of this community and a steady businessman.  I will do my best to bring him up to speed on all things Garfield Re-2 as he settles into his new position.

Top districts focus on student achievement because it is the most direct measure of educational success.  This year as we head into the schools for board meetings, principals and building leaders will showcase that achievement and where we are falling short or finding success.   Yes, I want to see the student art, yes, I want to hear them sing, yes, I want to be a part of giving out awards, but my biggest YES is I want to see improvement.  As this Strategic Plan enters year two, we NEED to move the needle, and that is our focus.  Our next meeting is going to be at Wamsley Elementary on September 11^th, where we will be able to hear from them and see the over 3 million dollars in improvements that happened this summer .  I hope to see you there.

Britton Fletchall

Garfield Re2 School Board President

District A