ready to go. Okay. All right. It is Tuesday, May 12th, 2026, and I call this special meeting of the Elizabeth School District Board of Education to order. Can I get a roll call? >> Do you want to say the time? Oh, it is
502. >> Okay. So, I have Director Callahan >> here. >> Director Fletcher >> here. >> Director Hunt >> here. >> Director Olsen >> here. >> Director Pal. >> Hi. Or here. Whatever it is. >> I am here. >> Yes, I'm here.
>> Okay. >> Stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Here. I pledge allegiance to 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. >> Okay. I move that the board approve the special meeting agenda as presented. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> And any discussion? Okay. Can I get a roll call? Director Callahan. >> Hi, >> Director Fletcher. >> Hi,
>> Director Hurts. >> Hi, >> Director Olsen. >> Hi, >> Director Pal. >> Hi. >> Okay. Um, next up, I am going to move or I move that the board move into executive session pursuant to Colorado
Revised Statute 24-6-424F for discussion of a personnel matter concerning the superintendent. Can I get a second? Second. And can I get a roll call? >> Director Callahan. >> Hi. >> Director Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Director Hunt.
>> Hi. >> Director Olsen. >> Hi. >> Director Pal. >> Hi. >> Okay. So, with that, we're going to go into the other room. All right, it's 6 o'clock and we will move on with the rest of the regular
board meeting. So, uh, first up, we have approval of minutes. I move that the board approve the board of education business meeting minutes from April 28th. Can I get a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion on those? All right. Can I get a roll call? >> Director Callahan. >> Hi.
>> Director Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Director Hunt. >> Hi. >> Director Olsen. >> Hi. >> Director Pal. >> Hi. >> Okay. Now it's the fun part of the meeting. So we have um communications. So first up we have our transportation showcase.
I don't know how many of you have met Jeff before. Jeff Canella is our director of transportation and I've been very fortunate to have him assume the helm of transportation this year and he's done amazing. So thank you Jeff. >> I appreciate that. Um so I just wanted
so my name is Jeff Canela. I want to thank you for having me tonight. Um I wanted to uh give a brief overview of what we've done for the year as far as transportation goes. Um, our buses, which we have 25 school buses, drove 262,5
853 miles this school year. Uh, we did a total of 231 athletic trips and that made up 246 buses. Some buses have multiple some trips have multiple buses on them. We also did 88 field trips and
that consisted of 111 buses. We currently have five special needs routes. Um we have six paraprofessionals on those routes and one sub. Uh we are looking to add a couple more pair of professionals for the next school year.
Um as I said, we have 25 school buses and they are a mix of 2018 and 2024 buses. So they're all relatively new. Uh we do have one older bus um bus 70 that is a favorite of our parts specialist. So we're hanging on to that one for a little while longer. it has been used.
So, but that one is an older one, but it's not too much older. I think it's a 2009. Um, four of those school buses are special needs buses. We have three that are full size and we have one that's an activity bus that a small vehicle driver can drive. Uh, we also currently have
six small vehicles in service. Um, three of them are newer and three of them are much older. U we're looking to at some point in the future um upgrade those because they're they are bidding beyond their um years of use. Um we have two maintenance trucks. Um we have a total
of 22 CDL drivers. That includes our bus drivers and staff. Uh we have 14 routes currently that are CDL and we have three that are nonCDL. So we have two that are out of district small vehicle routes and then our one um special needs driver is
a nonCDL that is a 14 passenger bus so she can drive that one. Um our goals for going forward is um I'm hoping to we've hired a couple extra pe couple more drivers not extra a couple more drivers. I have lost a few uh lost one to
retirement and a couple others due to attrition but my goal for next year is to bring back one of our she routes. Right now we only have three sending hills general education routes and one of our drivers we currently have trained and passed. Um he is going to bring back the sheep route. So if any of you know
the routes out there, the sheep route basically um serviced north of 166 east of um uh the church and then west of basically 13. to the Deer Creek area, Territory
Way, Madrid, that whole area up there for Singing Hill. So, we're going to bring that route back. We had combined some those students onto the Independence She route and Gamble Oaks and then this Spring Valley. As you can imagine, those neighborhoods are still
growing. So, those routes are getting pretty full. So, bringing the she back she route back will take that pressure off those two routes and allow for more expansion when independence gets done. I'm going to need one bus just for that neighborhood because it's so big. Um my
one of our other goals, Dan and I both, is to reduce route times. It's it's less of a load issue at this point and it's more of kids being on the bus two two and a half hours. So, we're looking to add a couple more drivers so I can split a few routes. um looking to get another
route out in the um Sun Country area for middle school, high school because we have we get those bigger kids out there and the buses are rated for 72 passengers. Those are honestly 72 kindergarteners. So, doesn't really translate to high school and middle
school. >> You can fit two of those kids per seat and that's pretty much capacity. >> So, we're looking to um add a route out there and then we're going to rearrange a route close to town. We have one driver that goes down 86 to K Cabota and
then down 1721 all the way to Elbert and picks up kids. And that's one of the longest routes by time just because she's, you know, has to go down those neighborhoods there and stop each one and those kids are going for about two two and a half hours. We're trying to reduce that route time, but that's what
I'm striving for now. Um, we've also, uh, my predecessor applied for a grant last year for tablets for the every bus.
>> We didn't get it because the company we used, Traversa, they put all of their customers into that lot to submit it. >> So, we were smaller and we didn't wind up getting it. Well, we reapplied this year and this time Traversa only put us
in. Now, it's more of a state. Anybody can apply for it. You can have DMV departments apply for it and anybody can apply for this uh for this this uh grant grant. Thank you. Apply for this grant. But our company that uh we use
right now just put our name in. So, we have a much better chance of getting it. Fingers crossed if we do get it, it'll supply tablets for all the buses, parent app for all the parents, there will be key cards involved, and it'll be Traverse's complete suite of products.
So, it'll be a advanced fleet fleet management system where we can track pretty much every aspect of the bus. Not only that, there'll be equipped with GPS so we can get alerts live of what's happening with the bus. If a check engine light comes on, it'll alert me live on my computer that something's
going on with this bus before the driver even knows what it is. So, we applied for it and we hopefully we get it. If we don't, we'll keep applying for it. Franchesca's really good at writing these grants for us. So, she helped me out and the guy with Traversa helped me
out as well. So, we're we should know maybe middle of June or I was hoping to know sooner, but they don't. They started a month later this year, so it's going to wait going into May before they decide. So, we're we're hoping we get it. Fingers crossed. And it'll be an implementation process or it won't be
immediate. We have to go through and find what we need, order it, they have to install it. So, if we do get it, the earliest we can deploy it would be probably spring break of next year. But, it'll be and then with the training and everything else, but it'll be a game changer for all the parents out here and
for us from transportation that can track a bus live wherever wherever it is and >> see what's going on with it. So, that's something also we apply for. Um, we recently added a a second mechanic. Um, and he just recently got his annual inspectorship certification
certification. So, we have Corey who's been here for 27 going on 27 years. And now we have Chad who's also our second mechanic. So, I we have two mechanics that can do everything with the buses. And Chad's really stepped up and he's
because Corey went out on our medical leave >> and Chad was here and he has been a godset for our department. He's taking care of all the buses and we started working recently with repairing and doing maintenance on their Elizabeth Police Department vehicles. >> So, we've been doing redoing that as
well. And we it's cheaper for them. We make a little money on it as well. And we can fix their vehicles and they they seem pretty happy. They keep coming back to us. So, it's kind of our little It's a win-win. Exactly. So, >> uh we've been doing that recently as well. Uh we do have one current applicant that just applied thanks to
Jeff and his uh advertisement for me. >> Um he hasn't started training yet, but we are in the process of getting him started training. This was a paperwork process. We do we do have one more. I am looking for three more um >> bus drivers. >> Bus driver. Yes, I am looking for three more bus drivers that we have an ad on
our district website. So, click it. It's a perfect opportunity for stay-at-home parents. I mean, I >> I started with the district at a short time in 22 and I did it for the insurance. I had time during the day. I I had a second job that was I took a
computer. I could work from anywhere. So, I had time during the day and I wanted health insurance. So, I started doing it and >> four years later, somehow I'm director of transportation. So, you know, it's the sky's is the limit with our district. So, it's it's nice. But it's a great opportunity for parents that have
stay-at-home kids or kids that go to school. They can take their kids on the bus with them and drop them off at school and get paid for it. They can, you know, they can go on field trips, go on their band trips or watch the football game and they get paid the entire time they're doing it and their kids involved. It's even better. So, >> and they get the training.
>> Yeah. And they get the training and they get the CDL class B with their, you know, passenger and school bus and that's theirs to keep long as they keep doing their DOT every year, it's theirs. So it's a and we pay for training. The only thing we require is you you stay a certain amount of time and you know just
run our routes. So it's a lot of the parents that have joined are grateful for the opportunity and I've had I have a couple parents that came on with drivers now and they've stepped up and done more in the department. So it's there's definitely opportunity for growth and it's a great job for a stay-at-home parent.
Um, one more thing I wanted to cover real quick is we also used 14 of our buses for the big help day. Um, we had all hands on deck for that and I think that went off pretty well. We got got everybody where they needed to be on time and a lot of the the kids all
helped the community out. Um, we are also um doing bus service this year for Stampede. Um, we're looking at using the high school and middle school parking lots and we're going to bust for Stampede and they're going to, you know,
contract us for that. So, four days of Stampede. So, I'll be there >> all four days, probably 14 hours a day to make sure everything runs smoothly, but we're going to we'll also be doing that. We've done the past couple years, but this time a little bit different. >> They aren't going to be using a dirt lock just because,
>> as it always happens during Stampede, it rains and it becomes a mud pit and people get stuck. So, we're gonna shifting it all to their high school, middle school to utilize those slots that typically aren't used during the summer and you know we can be contracted out for it. So it's going to be a good it's going to be a win-win for everybody
on that scope. >> That's awesome. People know >> we are being compensated for it. So this is not something the district is spending money on. >> Yes. No, they compensated. >> Yes. Stampede is paying us to do this and there's so they're covering all the
expenses and so it's and it's going to be win for them. It's a win for us. one for the department and one for the income for the district. So, it's gonna it's going to be a win-win. And then, uh the last thing we did was the homecoming busing. We did home uh busing for the homecoming parade. And that went off pretty well, too. We managed to get all
the kids there and we got most of them back, but a lot of them walked. They, you know, the high schoolers and middle schoolers, they just want to walk in group. So, we did get all of them there. And I can't guarantee they all got back on our buses, but they did get back to where they were supposed to be. So, >> we accounted for them all.
We all made it back. >> Um, >> so that's pretty much a overview of how our year's gone so far. I'm looking forward to next year. We have a busy summer ahead. I mean, we're going to go through all of our buses. Uh, we do still have the five that we're trying to
offload. Um, we're working on working through that, but we're going to inspect all the other ones. Uh, we are looking at all, but we're going to redo all our camera. Now, we do our camera system, just going to check them all, make sure everything's working properly. Um, I'll be going to summit. The uh, CSBTA holds
an annual um, summit, like an educational summit. So, I'll be attending that in a few weeks at actually the day after Stampede. So, I I get to be exhausted and then wake up at 5 in the morning and go up to North Glenn to go to the two days. So, um, so
I'll be doing that, but we'll be redoing routes and getting all the kids assigned and getting ready for the next school year. >> I have a question, Jeff. Yes. You mentioned that there's one route that's the longest route that's like two two and a half hours. Is that round trip or is that just one way?
>> That's from the time we pick that the students up at the running creek >> and then the last student getting off. >> Wow. >> That last student was gone for a very long time. >> That's a long one. What is the average route time for kids? We've managed with a lot not a lot of kids have been as the
years year progresses they more kids either drive with older siblings or the parents are bringing them in. The average time I would say is about an hour and 45 minutes. Um my to two hours >> from pickup at school to the last kid. >> Yeah. From pickup at school because they we start at Running Creek typically for
the little ones and then they go to the high the high school and then we wait for them. Legacy comes and drops off at the high school. their kids >> and then we go to the middle school and by the time we do the middle school it's the kids get on the bus at Ring Creek like 3:00 3:10 they don't leave and pull
out of the middle school till 3:45 so all they're already on the bus the first is really sitting on the busitt >> collecting kids from each of the schools >> from each of the schools I see >> and then from that point we try and that's why I want to try and I can't reduce that just because of how it flows
now but I can try and reduce how long they're actually driving to get to their So trying to add a few more routes, split some ones up and I can have them to their location quicker >> when they finally leave the last school. >> And is it is it be is it only with Running Creek Elementary kids that it's
the longest or does it also play out at singing house? >> No, that's because Running Creek gets out at 3:10. The middle school gets out or the high school gets out about 3:20 and then the middle school gets out at 3:25. So they're still in school, but those little ones are still on the
longest. It doesn't really affect Sydney Hills at all because those routes are just singing hills. So those kids get out 3 and a lot of them are home by 3:15 3:30 just because that's all they do. >> I see. >> We have the middle school and high school routes that we have to take them from here all the way out to Sun Country,
>> you know, and all the way down to Elbert Elbert line basically. So sing hills is a different animal because they kind of have their own buses there. It's mainly effects of running creek little ones because they're they're on for so long and they're the ones that >> shouldn't really be on that long, you know, but it's just the way it it flows
that it makes the most sense and especially with the >> the times that the schools let out. >> So once we >> when we when we we try and arrange the times that make sense to where nobody's waiting. So we pick up creep by the time we get to the high school. Legacy is just about showing up to drop
their kids off because of their release time and then when they're all loaded, the high school kids are pretty much walking out and then they all load. So, they're not there too long. >> Just they they're there long enough to allow for all the other feeder buses. >> Yeah. >> To uh get there and then get to the middle school. And by the time we get to
the middle school, those kids are typically already out. So, they get out, load, and they were gone. So, we're not there very long, just long enough for them to get on and get roll call and then we take off. >> Thank you. I look forward to hearing your suggestions on how to minimize it at the tail side tail end of it.
>> Yes. And that's what that's what we're we're going to work through this year is trying to see see where we can minimize and >> get the drivers to do that because I have the buses. >> I just need the drivers. >> Thank you. >> Get a good cell
if I didn't have a day job and a night job. >> And a weekend job >> and a volunteer job. Well, thank you. >> Thank you. Our thanks to everybody over in transportation, please.
>> All right. >> Okay. Next up, we have Independence Classical Academy. They're here to give us an update. Uh, thank you all. Um, I had to write things down because I didn't want to forget anything. >> I can relate.
>> So, um, you probably all can relate. Um, so, good evening, board president, board directors, uh, superintendent Snowberger, and then members of our Elizabeth community. Uh tonight I rise not only to speak for Independence Classical Academy, but I'm also here on
behalf of our families, students, and a community that has already demonstrated its commitment um to the school through action, sacrifice, and partnership. Independence Classical Academy is no longer a proposal on paper. It is a
school that has met its milestones, honored its commitments, and proven its readiness. Over the past year, a has worked handinhand with the Elizabeth School District. Together, we executed a charter um contract that was effective
on November 19th, 2025. Together, we secured a fully leased district-owned facility at the former Frontier High School. And together, we have ensured that this building meets all occupancy and safety requirements.
While a invested nearly 200,000 of its own funds um to restore and improve the spaces it will occupy, these benefits not just a students but all the tenants in the building as well. So this is not
the work of a speculative organization, but it's a work of a committed partner. Financially, a is sound. The school has been awarded a $1.29 29 million uh Colorado charter school program grant uh
a highly competitive award reserved for schools that demonstrate sound planning and sustainability. A submitted a budget to the Elizabeth School Board that demonstrates viability at just 60 students while already exceeding that number with 79 confirmed
and registered students as of today. Our budget was also reviewed by a third party uh the Charter School Institute and ICA's budget was determined to be sound. Quite simply, ICA has done its work um done what was asked of us on
time and in good faith. But tonight is more than just a checklist and conditions. It's about why this matters. Independence Classical Academy exists because families in this district asked for it. They wanted rigorous education
grounded in strong academics, character development, and civic responsibility. They asked for a school that partners with parents, challenges students to think, and prepares them not just for the next grade, but for life.
And so, and those families have showed up. They enrolled their children. They volunteered their time. And they placed trust in this district and in the charter process. A vote tonight allows for a to open is a vote that honors that
trust. Importantly, a is not in competition with the Elizabeth School District. We are an extension of its commitment to serve students well. ICA is a public school. Its success strengthens the district's portfolios of
options and demonstrates the Elizabeth School Board's willingness to meet a diverse community needs while maintaining accountability and oversight. Looking ahead, A is not asking for shortcuts or extensions or exceptions. Um, we are asking for
approval to move forward because we have met all the requirements of the Elizabeth School Board. We are looking for permission to open our doors, educate our students, and continue working together um toward a long-term partnership with the district, including
a future permanent facility that could serve the northwestern side of the district for decades to come. Board members, the hard work has already been done, the planning, the collaboration, the implementation. Um, what remains is
a decision that says to this community, when you do the work, meet the conditions, and act in good faith, we will stand with you. Tonight, a yes vote is a vote for students whose families are ready right now for this school to open. On behalf of Independence
Classical Academy and the families it serves, I respectfully request that you formally acknowledge that a has met its conditions and allow this school to open in the fall. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your commitment um to the students of
Elizabeth. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay, next up we have board member reports. Who wants to kick it off? >> I will. >> Okay. This is our last, this Sunday is
our last um restaurant fundraiser for Elizabeth Education Foundation for this this school year. um Fox's Pizza uh who has been a wonderful partner for EF and our school district and just they're they're wonderful people and uh so all
day long uh they are open 11 to 8:00 p.m. They specifically I have to really shout out call out them because I set up the various fundraisers with different restaurants for EF and most restaurants
will not allow you to do a fundraiser on a Sunday because it's their biggest day. They specifically said why don't you do this on a Sunday because you're going to get more. I love this guy. Anyway, so um I encourage you all to eat pizza this
Sunday and uh they I mean and they also give uh 20% of all proceeds that day to EF. So uh just remember that and uh just plan on eating pizza on Sunday. And they also have really good wings and really good strombolies. The stromboli is my favorite. Can you tell?
Anyway, thank you. Um, I had the pleasure of attending a private donor opening of the Elizabeth High School auto shop yesterday and that was really special and I just wanted to take a moment to publicly say thank you to all of the donors because we had a significant amount of donors who made
that happen. We couldn't have done it without them and um it was a it was a great event yesterday. Many of them were there and um I was just grateful to be part of it. Um, and then just I can't I can't go without mentioning I had a I had a great um reading time in at
Singing Hills. I love it when the teachers open up the classroom to invite mystery readers to come and read to the class. So, I got to do that this last week and had a lot of fun. So, um you know, any teachers out there, if you're looking for mystery readers, I'm your girl. >> Me, too.
>> Invite me, please. So, just thank you to those teachers. Um, it was just, it's always a blessing to go into the classroom and just see the kids so eager to learn, excited to see you, polite, kind, like we have great kids. And I just wanted to take a moment to say
thank you for giving us an opportunity to to be a part of the story because it's special what what our district is doing. >> I'd like to tag on to that and extend a thanks to Dan because the auto shop, I believe, is open because of you. Yeah,
>> it forced to kick it off. It was >> it was kind of uh in disarray to say the least. Um the progress in the building and you picked up the ball and you pulled the people together that needed to get it done and and yesterday we opened >> and wow on the inside. Oh my gosh,
state-of-the-art stuff in there. It's amazing. >> Yeah, >> it was definitely teamwork and and certainly people like Derek Spawn, who was our former teacher, um Brett McClendon, John Everheart, and the team at the high school. Cory Robinson. Um I think everyone's pitched in. Building a
building under state and I think ICA can attest to this. Um when you have to get the state involved, the bureaucracy is huge. Um and so I know there's >> there's definitely there's definitely some frustration with the amount of time, but um the good news is it's
behind us and it will fully open and students will begin using it fully next year and that's exciting. is and and Dan still has hair through it all. >> It's awesome. It's great. I used to have black hair now. >> Um so yeah,
>> uh the uh I attended the was it last Thursday >> Ted uh yeah present presented the new kind of uh teacher team model over at Running Creek. Um, I think there were
some parents who came in there uh suspect, but I think everybody left uh with my kids not going to be hosed. >> I would go as far as to say feeling hopeful. >> Yeah. >> That this is really going to work.
>> So, I I think they did. I think I think everybody uh really kind of warmed up to the idea and I think it's I think it's really going to be great. Um I think uh um the kids are going to probably respond pretty well to it, you know, and
uh the parents were definitely on board. So, I appreciate you and Ted kind of fielding the, you know, the questions and everything. I think everybody left. >> Yeah. And a shout out to the parents because there was a lot of folks who
showed up and they asked really good questions for like two hours. >> Yeah, it was a two-hour meeting. So, >> it was a long meeting. >> That's great. >> Yeah, they were engaged. So yeah, for all you parents out there, stay engaged. >> That's great.
>> See, I can't I can't add anything more to that. I was I was at uh the um Running Creek presentation and the auto shop and both were very exciting. Very exciting. >> So if anybody gets a chance to go poke
their head in, you'll see the big plaques for the donors. very big >> big plaques, >> but they were big money, so they they deserve a big plaque. >> Yes. >> Yeah, those ones like that. Yeah. >> I don't know. >> Okay.
>> All right. Just a couple of things. Graduation is on Saturday the 23rd at 10 o'clock in the morning at the high school. That's always a, you know, sometimes people think it's a high school celebration. It's a district celebration. and every person in our district that works really um I always
encourage people to go because it's it's about celebrating 13 years of of completion and for many of the students who have been here we always recognize the schools they went to uh the elementary schools they went to and I think it's important that uh we all
celebrate that obviously summer is coming rather rapidly it's hard to believe um uh district office typically does shift to a 4 day week um for our 12-month employees to get a little downtime over the summer. We do work
410s and so do if uh anyone's looking for uh connection with district office, it's probably Monday through Thursday and and do watch their doors for for hours. Um but that's a chance for us to really get some major projects done.
Everyone says to our 12-month employees, have a great summer. and of course they still do what they always do which is show up at work and continue to get our district ready for next year. So um just want to acknowledge that and and certainly thank all of those folks. We do kick off the year and board members
you're invited um the 2nd June 2nd we do a barbecue um here at the central office um 11 to1 to just kind of kick off the summer and thank our 12-month employees who are continuing to to work through the summer. So, anyone who's interested,
please feel free to stop by and celebrate with our with our 12-month employees the great year and and the summer work ahead. So, >> with that, I'll go ahead and stop. >> I'll celebrate working 12 months, too. >> Okay. So, next up, we have public
comment sheets here. And first up, we have Maggie Witherby. It looks like the mic is still on. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Good evening. >> Good evening. >> How is everyone?
>> Good. Good. Great. >> How are you? >> Great. Um, I'm going to keep my comments short. I just want to thank all of you for your your consideration of a continuing force
from here. Um, a lot of work I'm not really going to repeat what Jess said because I think she said it all, but a lot of work has gone into making sure that a is already ready to go and we will be ready in August. And the one key
point that I wanted to make is that we would really appreciate the seal of approval which is unconditional and not fettered with any things that might say to the public you're not ready. We need to be able
within the next few months to be able to market and say we are an totally accepted entity within the Elizabeth School District and we're going to go forth uh from there and we would really appreciate an unconditional approval
seal. We need that seal of approval from all of you. It's so important. It's going to make a big difference in our ability to continue to do enrollment, our continued ability to reach out into the community. So, that's the one point
I want to make. I think it's really critical at this point in time. It'll help us our PR, our advertising, our marketing, whatever you want to call it, social media. We really are, we can really sincerely appreciate that. So,
that's my one point. So, thank you very much and um we will continue talking with all of you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And I sincerely apologize for I will probably
mispronounce. So, we have is it Kelsey Laame Mer? >> Hi. Good evening board Dan. >> My name is Kelsey La Mer and I'd like to just take a moment to introduce myself and my history with the Elizabeth School District. Currently I am a mother to two
students that are at the Running Creek program. Um previously I was a student of the Elizabeth School District from 1997 to 2003. In my time here, I attended Running Creek Elementary School, Elizabeth Middle School, and the Elbert
County Charter School, which is now Legacy Academy. I loved my education and my experience here at Elizabeth that it is actually one of the main reasons that we chose to move back here and raise our family
here. This past year has been really rough at Ren Creek, which I know you all have been made aware of. So much so that I actually started to look at different options for the education of my children.
Sorry. Um, I have done a lot of research and I've looked into all of the options that we have available in our district and that is actually something that I'd really love to highlight and talk about is what a blessing it is for us to have
options as parents in our district. I know that there is a group of people in our community that are very against the opening of independence and they just keep labeling as another charter school. Independence is not just another charter
school. There are major differences between Legacy Academy and Independence. While Legacy is a more STEM and technology based school, Independence is focusing on the foundation of learning
and the love of learning. Slowing things down, focusing on handwriting. Um they are pulling the plug on technology. Both schools have sound but varied curriculums and our community would be nothing but
blessed to be able to add independence into one of our choices as a parent. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Next we have Candy Punch. Hello and good evening. Uh, my name is Candy Cotch and I'm the board chair of
Independence Classical Academy. Two years ago, the Elizabeth School Board made the decision to initiate the development of a classical charter school here in Elizabeth. A small group of individuals was entrusted with the responsibility of bringing that vision
to life and I was honored to be one of them. Since then we have worked tirelessly to fulfill that mandate. Along the way we have faced many challenges but I am proud to say that we are on a positive trajectory towards
accomplishing our mission. On behalf of the ICA board members, headmaster, parents, and students, I would sincerely like to thank the Elizabeth School District board and administrative staff for your support. Um, if we are so
fortunate as to receive your approval tonight on the A resolution, we will be grateful for the opportunity to bring this school of choice to our community and we will look forward to continuing our partnership in the years ahead.
Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Amber Boom. So, some of what I wanted to say has kind of already been said, but um thank you for allowing me to speak and I
really just want to say um I really hope you guys approve ICA at this point. Um I have three kids in the district, two of which would be going to ICA. Um, and
I understand that um, enrollment has been a little bit stagnant in the last month, but as a parent, I've been dealing with um, finals, teacher appreciation. I've been dealing with field trips. I've been dealing with
field day happened today. So, it hasn't really been on the top of my priority. Um, but I have a long list of other families that have been asking about what does a look like? How do I enroll?
What does this look like for me? And I've been giving your information out to them, and whether or not they've been actually reaching out to you, I don't know, but hopefully they have been. Um, and over the next probably two weeks, I
think they will be honestly. So, I really, really hope I see it happens. I don't see a negative thing with ICA happening in this community, honestly. And I really hope that you guys
understand how positive this will be for our community. >> Thank you, Okay, next up we have consent items. Items 91 through 94. I move that the
board approve consent items 91.94 as presented. >> Second. >> Can I get a roll call? >> Director Callahan. >> Hi. Director Fletcher. >> Hi, >> Director Hunt. >> Hi, >> Director Olsen. >> Hi, >> Director P.
>> Hi. >> Okay, next up we have action item uh 10.1 action items. And 10.1 is the resolution of Independence Classical Academy completion of
requirements. And um so I move that the board approve the resolution regarding the completion of requirements for Independence Classical Academy. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? And you know what? Perhaps I should read
the resolution. >> Ya. >> So whereas the Elizabeth School District is author is the authorizing agency for the Independent Classical Academy Charter School. And whereas on May 12th, 2026, the board of education approved
the charter petition for the charter school subject to the fulfillment of specific pre-opening and operational conditions. And whereas the district's oversight team has conducted a comprehensive review of the charter
school's documentation, facilities, and operational protocols. And whereas the charter school has successfully provided evidence of compliance. Whereas the district superintendent and staff have verified that all conditions
and contingencies previously imposed by the board have been met in full. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of education of the Elizabeth School District as follows. One, certificate of compliance. The board hereby finds and determines
Independence Classical Academy has fully satisfied every condition, requirement, and contingency set forth in the May 12th, 2026 approval action. Removal of two, removal of contingencies. Any and all conditional status previously applied to the charter
school's authorization is hereby removed. Three, authorized status. The charter school is recognized as being in good standing and is authorized to operate in accordance with the charter schools act in terms of its approved charter. And four, direction to staff.
District staff are directed to notify the Colorado Department of Education and all relevant fiscal agencies of the charter schools full satisfaction of conditions to ensure the timely release of all entitled funding.
So, um, discussion. >> Well, I'm excited for ICA to start. I got to have a tour. You know, I think several of us got a tour of the facility. We see, you know, you're well on track to get that place going and it's an exciting place. I think it's
going to be an exciting place to be and uh and I'm excited for it to start. One thing I would like to throw out there because I know there are the naysayers and there's all of this stuff on social media like you know the social
media fodder um because I knew no matter what we said there would be some on this side there would be some on this side. So we had it reviewed by the charter school institute and you know they are the experts. They look at this um from a
perspective of is is it viable and they came back with their recommendation that we go ahead and move forward. So um with that I I'm satisfied. I'm satisfied. >> It takes out any it takes out
>> anything >> in my mind on either side. the fact that we had an independent review for viability. >> Agreed. >> Yeah, I I think they they've met their requirements. They've done what they set
out to do to to get this started. The uh um it's theirs to win or lose at this point. I mean, I think I think they got a I love the I've always loved the classical education model and uh I think that they have uh the the people on
board to to make it work at this point and which is really the most important part is the people that have a heart for classical education and to that love the students. So, I think they're I think they're ready.
>> Yeah. I just want to take a second to say that I think y'all went above and beyond. I think you didn't only just meet the requirements, but I mean, I took the tour of the school. You guys did a really fantastic job with the renovations. I think it's going to make a difference in how the kids learn. Um,
it's a great place to be able to use a space that we have in a way that's going to benefit families and children, students. um you guys provided 79 redacted enrollment applications for us to see that they are real children and
there were some parts that you left unredacted that had to do with why why parents or why families are interested in going to a fills a gap that like what I saw a lot was we're really interested in classical education we're really interested in this type of an
environment for our children to learn and that it is different you know as one of our speakers said it's very different than a legacy which is more STEM focused or a traditional public school. There's a focus on traditional western civilization and the great books and uh
certain type of learning, you know, a more more attentive type of learning with with less group projects, more individual Socratic type method. And so I just I think it does fit a need um that that this district um doesn't quite serve in the same way. And I just think
you went above and beyond to provide extra evidence to demonstrate that you have the you have the real students who can sit in these seats. You can make it work with 60 students, but it looks like you've got even more than that interested in coming. And I did want to take a second because folks who don't
see these redacted paper this redacted paperwork wouldn't know, but the very last um subpoint for the terms of the enrollment form says by submitting this application I fully intend to enroll my student at ICA should my student be offered acceptance and they have to say
yes in order to submit this form. So in my mind this is you know a done deal that folks who are signing up for this they are very serious. if they are offered the seat, they're taking the seat. And that I'm I'm excited for you guys because I think that there's a lot of kids who could benefit from this model. And overall, I think this is just
reflective of our board's position, which is we want to give parents choices. This is about education freedom. And one fit isn't perfect for every family or every child. And I appreciate that we're going to have this offering to potentially bring others from outside of our district who are
interested in classical education as well. So, thank you. I'm glad you I'm glad you said that because you know we one of the things that we have been wanting to do in this district is provide parents choice. You know your kids the best. You know what kind of education works for your child.
We have all sorts of choices here and we're proud of that and we are excited for this to be another one. the skeptic that I am. Uh I will say I do want parent choice. Um being a parent in the district, um I do want choice.
However, as a board member, I also have to protect the financial interests of this district. Um and should something happen in a um not be able to move forward or start
and not be able to move forward after that puts the district in a bind. Um initially when two years ago or whatever when ICA came out they were looking at a budget of 200 students and now we're
down to 60 with 79 enrollments. um the margin for the surplus or the margin is pretty small. Um I don't know if it takes into account any unexpected expenditures that
may occur and if it does it's going to eat into your taper reserve. Um so especially in year two where your surplus is about $2,400. That's concerning to me. Um I know the
charter institute charter school institute signed off on it and gave their okay but as a accounting and finance background for 22 years I'm going to rely on my own expertise um also looking at teacher salaries uh
they're a little concerning they're a little low to to recruit and retain high quality teachers especially teaching the classical curriculum. Um, I know they're similar to uh this district's salaries,
but I I would think teaching that kind of curriculum is going to take a special person and may require um a higher salary. So, looking at that, I hope you guys can find teachers at it
that way if you haven't already. Um, on the enrollment forms, I was a little confused why some that list why they're applying were unredacted and some were redacted.
Um, makes me kind of skeptical on maybe didn't want us to see what people said. Um, also in one of them, or maybe there was two, it said in why they were applying, they were deciding between ICA
and legacy, which tells me they haven't made a decision yet. Um, so that's not really a guaranteed enrollment. And then also kind of the carelessness in the redacting on the enrollment forms. Um, one of them actually left a child's name
on it. I don't know if clearly you guys didn't catch that, but um if if you wanted them redacted, I would have thought that definitely shouldn't have been. Some of them the entire thing was redacted, which seems a little um
a little concerning like why would every single thing be redacted in there? um meaning the grade level, the school, the reason why they want to go there, all the names, the addresses, the phone
numbers. Um others just had their their city and state and zip code were there. The reason why was there, the kids grade and what school they're at now was there. So that kind of threw me off. um seeing a completely redacted one was
like was was is this a real one? I guess it made me think. Um and then all the parents that completed the enrollment forms had to acknowledge several terms like u Nicole said at the bottom of the
form. One of the terms has a link to the enrollment policy. When you click on that link, it takes you to a dead dead web page because I went through that today on the actual website. U so all the parents who have agreed to these terms never even read
the enrollment policy which is also a little concerning. So that's all I have. >> Okay. >> So with that, if there's no further discussion, we can go ahead and do a roll call. Callahan. >> No,
>> Director Fletcher. >> Hi, >> Director. H >> I >> Director Olsen. >> I >> Director Pal. >> I >> Okay, next up we have addendum to the IGA for wastewater services. Dan, you
want to talk about this one a little bit? >> Sure. Um, we we contract with the town. They have the professional staff certified to oversee our well and septic tank at um Singing Hills. Um this has been an agreement that's been in effect for a long time. So it is just time to
renew that. Um we work with them. We do compensate them obviously for their time and any materials that they need to meet the state requirements for inspection. So uh this is actually going to the town's board of trustees as well. So, we
wanted to simultaneously bring it to you um so that we can go ahead and execute this. At the next board meeting, we will have an IG on our school resource officers that will come to you as well. Um so, that'll be the next one that So, we're just trying to reup our IGAs um
that are expiring this year. All right. So, I move that the board approve the addendum to the IG for wastewater services. Can I get a second? Second. >> And any further discussion on this one? Okay. Can I get a roll call?
>> Director Callahan. >> Hi. >> Director Fletcher. >> Hi. >> Director Hunt. >> Hi. >> Director Olsen. >> Hi. >> Director Pal. >> Hi. >> And next up we have um a repeal of our policy GBGN
hard to fill difficult to retain incentive purpose. And you want to talk about this? >> I'm happy to. this this policy is actually outdated. It's it's not accurate. Um we will be bringing back to you a policy, but because it's not in effect, we felt like we need to go ahead
and repeal it. Obviously, this is the time of the year. Um we do have hard to fill and uh recruitment and retention bonuses right now that we're using that are outside of this. Those are determined based upon the hard to fill nature of the job. The other thing that's important for our district to
know and for the community to know is we are rural district. Um, and there is there are rules that allow a retired teacher to actually come back and work in a rural district and continue to re uh draw their um retirement and work for
us. So, um, that is something that, um, Ted Knight has really brought to the district and tried to clarify on our our postings because obviously we have a teacher who may have retired from a metro area district and tired of the rigomearroll that they're doing there that, you know, we have a district
that's is very focused and and gives them that opportunity to come out here. So, we'd like to make sure all of that's captured in our new policy, but we really felt like we needed to repeal this one just so it's very clear that this is not how we're moving forward. >> So, quick question on that. Um, so for
the retired teacher who might come here and they're collecting retirement as well, and that's great. I'm so glad that that is available, but um would they qualify in a certain situation also for a hard to fill bonus? unlike unlikely
because they would be drawing the two salaries um at this point in time. It also can be an administrator. So administrator opening right now that we've tried to emphasize that for principal who still wants to lead a school but maybe wants to get out of the
room or role of a larger district >> that that is eligible. The individual does have to retire through the natural retirement process. They can't retire early. Um, so if you retire early and then want to go to a rural district, that's not going to work. They're just a
a period of time you have to sit out before you can come back and work. Um, so typically I want to just clarify that if anyone's watching and thinking, you know, I I'm going to retire from my district early and go out and work in Elizabeth. Doesn't work that way. So you have to have completed the natural
retirement course, which is certain number of years by a certain age before you can be eligible for that. >> Cool. Thank you. Okay. So, I move that the board repeal policy GBGN, hard to fill, difficult to retain incentive purpose.
>> Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion on this one? >> I'd be excited to get some some experienced retired teachers that want to join us. >> Okay. Can I get a roll call? >> Director Callahan. >> Hi. >> Director Fletcher. Hi. >> Director Hunt.
>> Hi. >> Director Olsen. >> Hi. >> Director Pal. >> Hi. Okay, next up we have board planning new business. Our next board of education meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026
in the boardroom district office at 6 pm. Same time, same place. Do you have an item for new business? So, um I just want to announce to the community um and the board has been
aware of this for a period of time that um I needless to say have greatly enjoyed my time here in the district. This has been an amazing opportunity uh to come back to a district and lead. Um I care a lot about this community and what I want to make sure is that um you
know at the time that I choose to step away there is a transition plan. there's an opportunity to have new leadership come in that there's that overlap time. I think we've done a great job with so many jobs in our district to make sure there's that overlap time. So, I have notified the board that I plan to retire
in May of 2027. Now, people will say, gosh, that's awfully early, and yes, it is. Um, but my intent really is to make sure that the board has time to to make some decisions about continued leadership. We've had a very distracting year with a lot of strategic initiatives
we've had on our plate. Um, and it's really important to me we're we're extremely excited about the academic efforts that we've started um this semester and the work that's happening at Running Creek and and all of our schools, our distributed leadership teams. And so to me, it just was really
important for me to tell the board that um because obviously I think it's important that they begin thinking through um their transition plan because obviously it's not mine to determine it's theirs. So I do want to announce that because I think it's important that that you understand that's that's a
decision I've made. Um again, May of 2027, I have a year left and that would be a a four-year period of time that I've been here in Elizabeth. Um, but I want to turn it back over to the board to share a little of what their thoughts are. So, >> well, I think everybody knows how much
we appreciate you and it just feels like it went by just like that. Um, but you know, again, you know, May 2027, so we get we get to enjoy Dan for another year. Um,
let's just make that clear. Um and we will work on a transition plan to bring in a new superintendent. Um Dan is going to is going to stay with us to help that transition um until May of 2027.
So, um what we will do is we will go ahead and um work on getting a posting put together and go through the process to get applications and um and uh go ahead
and get who we feel is going to be the best leader for the district um moving forward as Dan transitions into his role. Um, so again, it's I've been through this way.
Um, so, um, you know, I'm I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited for Dan and I'm excited that he, you know, we get another year and he gets to go up into retirement and enjoy life. Um I'm excited for the opportunities to um
advance the everything that we've started as far as the educational initiatives. Um we just need to make sure that we find the right person to pick up the pick up the baton and continue on with it. So, um, we will go
ahead and again we will post and we will go through the process and Dan is going to remain in that superintendent role until we make an official decision on who's going to be the next who's going to be the next superintendent. So, do you guys have comment?
>> Well, I just I just want to say thank you to all that you've done. This four years has been a whirlwind. We've gotten a lot accomplished. There's lots more to do, but we have gotten a lot accomplished. It wasn't an easy road to hoe, and um there were things that
worked, some things that didn't, but Dan kept us in course correction. He brought many amazing ideas and processes to this school district that were sorely needed and that we wouldn't have known about without you. So, thank you.
>> Thank you. Do want to say it's a it's an important time to think about this. uh we currently have an open COO position and an open CEO position. And so I think it's important to note that that this is the right time for the board to to start thinking about these decisions. Another
reason why um we've begun this conversation because obviously we've had three executive leaders at the in the district. Right now we're down to me um and a consultant who is working on our academic programming. So, um, it's the right time for the board to start
thinking about how they want to proceed. And I think that's really important. It's actually a cost savings right now to look at potentially, um, partnering with with a new leader who's going to carry this forward long term. So, I'm excited at that opportunity.
>> Yeah. I'd just like to add, I mean, I thank you so much, Dan, for all that you've had on your plate. >> You've had a lot on your plate. I like the idea of you being able to focus on strategic initiatives in this final year. And I like the idea I mean I think what I heard a lot on the campaign trail was that families want us to have
excellent excellent academics in our district. And that is so important to me. I think that this is a great district to be a part of. I think it's a great place to work. I think we're going to attract really fantastic candidates to be able to step in to that
superintendent role. So, I'm excited about um I'm excited about what that future looks like. So, thank you for your service. Thank you for um how you've led us. And I look forward to this next year. >> Great. Thank you. >> I'll congratulate you when you really
leave. >> Because because you still got, you know, work to do. >> Long road up. >> No doubt about it. >> It's for another year. >> Yeah. You're not getting off that easy. And I know the timing, you know, the timing is right before the school end, but you know, the school year ends, but
we want to make sure that we have, you know, all of the staff buy in and that everybody, you know, we we get you some. We don't want to leave you in the lurch over the summer make letting you wonder what's going on. So, we're going to try and make this as quick of a process as possible. >> Stay tuned.
>> Okay. Well, um, with that, I will adjourn this meeting at 7:01.