Speaker 1: 5 31. So I'll go ahead and stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and then if you would please remain standing for just a moment of silence and the flag is right behind you. It took me a second. I pledge allegiance all to the flag Speaker 2: Of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands for one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Speaker 1: Thank you. If you'd please remain standing for just a moment of silence. Speaker 3: I forgot to Speaker 1: Great. Thank you. Oh wow. Let there be light. I like that you, yeah. Alright,
Speaker 3: I like that better. Speaker 1: That's, that's nicer. Alright. Are there any amendments to the agenda? Speaker 3: Yes. So we do have, oh, we have celebrations. Speaker 1: Celebrations first. Sorry. My bad. That's all right. I skipped it over. Speaker 3: That's okay. So I get the opportunity to present Scott with his thank you and appreciation for his time on the Garfield Re two school board. And so for all of us, we wanna thank you for your dedication to the children of re two and the time that you've put in
and all that you did during your time and your service for us. So thank you so much. Thank you. You and Devin had long conversations about that we felt was appropriate at this time. Very appropriate in there. Not Kirk. Kirk, we Speaker 1: Regulatory photo. Wait. Here Speaker 3: We hold your, hold your reward. You gotta do it without the, without the Speaker 1: Paper. Don't hold the cake, you'll drop it. Speaker 3: That could be all. Speaker 1: I have done that three. Speaker 3: Thank you. Speaker 1: Thank you. Speaker 3: Lemme get my paper set up for second and then I'll, Speaker 1: Sorry Scott, I keep just like pushing you back for one more meeting. One more. We got one more. One more. Just one more.
So, alright onto the approval of tonight's agenda. Are there any amendments to the agenda? Speaker 3: We do. Speaker 1: Okay. Speaker 3: So we'd ask to add a discussion item for the November 12th agenda to add collaborative solutions. Update for the discussions section. Speaker 1: Okay. Speaker 4: I move to approve the November 12th agenda as amended. Perfect. Speaker 1: May I get a second? No second. Thank you. Sharon, may I get roll call please? Yes. Speaker 3: Aye. Speaker 2: Aye. Aye. Speaker 3: Jenkins? Aye Jen. Speaker 1: Aye. Alright.
And then onto the approval of the October 22nd, 2025 draft board minutes. May I get a motion to approve the minutes from October, 2020 second? Speaker 5: I make a motion to approve October 22nd, 2025 draft board minutes. Speaker 1: Perfect, thank you. And then the consent agenda. Do we have any amendments to the consent agenda? We do. We vote. Vote on that right? Oh sorry, may I? You need a second? Second. I'll second. Thank you. May I get roll call? Speaker 5: Aye. Aye. Aye. Speaker 6: Aye. Objection Aye.
Speaker 1: Aye. Okay. Alright. And I apologize I am completely out of sorts this evening. Yeah. Go back to public audience. Yeah. Can we just start over? Go back and public. Yeah. All right. So we have got public audience this evening. I'm gonna go ahead and say a few welcoming notes for public audience. The board's meeting time is dedicated to its strategic mission and top priority focus areas. Public participation is an opportunity to present brief comments or pose questions to the board for consideration and follow up. Each person is asked to focus comments to three minutes.
The boundaries are designed to help keep the meeting focused and in no way should limit conversations beyond the board meeting. Please be aware that any individual student or personnel matters are considered confidential under Colorado law. It is out of respect for the individual students and staff that we ask for those conversations to be held in executive session. Insights are needed and welcomed and board and the board encourages you to meet with the most appropriate person among its district's menu leaders. So with that we'll go ahead and start public audience. I have got Mandy Wood. Yes. Come on up. Sorry.
You've got three minutes. If you wanna go ahead and have a seat. Okay. And then just state your name please. That would be great. Okay. Speaker 5: My name is Mandy Wood. Hi Mandy. Hi. I am a resident of Newcastle. I'm a true native to the valley. Having lived here my entire life, I've had the privilege of running an in-home daycare and preschool. I've worked for re two for 11 years and I am now proudly working for Two Rivers Community School. My own children have went to school at KSE and Coleridge.
I have been involved with education and families for a lot of years and one thing that I've seen in this valley is the struggle that families have with childcare, trying to find the best fit of school for their kids and making ends meet in this bedroom community. Today I am urging re two to reconsider and to put a halt to trying to shut down the transportation, the bus transportation of Two Rivers Community School before it costs both sides money and a division of community. We are really blessed in this valley with a lot of choices
and to find what is the best fit for our children, educational needs, social and emotional needs. We have all had to have that choice. We've all had to try and figure out what is the best fit for our kids. My question is, why is E two not embracing the diverse and the great schools that we do have in this valley? Why are we trying to make a choice unavailable? For example, I think of a single mom who's made the choice to put her kids in two rivers for many reasons.
But one reason is the bus transportation as she works long hours up in Aspen and this bus gets her kids safely to school and it runs five days a week and the hours that she needs. The bottom line is this threatened law school is an attack on a smaller school. It's a division of our valley and a non collaboration. I speak for several community members and they're asking why is re two spending money, time, and energy to try and stop the transportation
of a small two Rivers community school when that money could be spent increasing pay to hire and keep qualified staff, it could be used to fund your special education programs further, it could be used to update buildings such as playground equipment. I mean the list is endless. Really. In closing, I believe re two's law school lawsuit against Two Rivers Community School is an improper use of funds because it does not positively
impact the educational services staff or student body. Our kids deserve stability, so let's make the right decision because all of our kids are all of our kids. Speaker 1: Kelly, Adrian, come on up. Floor is yours. Speaker 7: Thank you so much for letting me speak. Good evening. Members of the board and community members, my name is Kelly. Adrian and I have had the honor of teaching for many years in Eagle County School District and now I, I currently have the honor of teaching at Two Rivers Community School, serving students
and families who care very deeply about their education, opportunity and community. In addition to teaching, I am actually one of the bus drivers at Two Rivers Community School. Yes, I teach and I drive. I spent many months training and I put a lot of effort into it because I know the value that it brings to our school. I take really great pride and it connects me directly to the students and the families in our community. I also live in New Castle, so I am a member of RE two. I am speaking here tonight respectfully but firmly in support of two Rivers Community school's right
to transport students within RE two school District Two Rivers is a public charter school. We are authorized by the state and it exists to give families a choice, a chance to find a learning environment that best fits their child's needs, interests and potential. But that choice only truly exists if families have equitable access to it. Transportation is what makes that access real. For many of our families that live in RE two, especially those who live in really rural areas who face economic challenges, buses are not a luxury,
they're a lifeline there. There's a difference between a student being able to attend a school that fits them best and a student who is forced to stay in a school that doesn't meet their needs simply because they don't have access to a ride. Preventing two rivers from transporting students to RE two doesn't just limit our school's operations. It also limits your family's right to an educational choice. It creates inequity when there should be inclusion. It sends a message to some families that their choice matters less simply
because of where they live and what they can afford. So Superintendent Kirk Bag Hart. I ask you to respectfully recognize that our buses and the teachers and the drivers like myself who operate them, we're not competitors, we're partners in education. We work together for the same goal to help every student in re two find a place where they can learn where and succeed. And again, that is coming from the heart of a teacher and a bus driver. By allowing two rivers to continue transporting students from RE two,
you are upholding the spirit of public education, one that values access, equity and student-centered choices. I thank you all for your time and your commitment to the students and families in this community. Speaker 1: All right, Emily Hodge. All right, three minutes is yours. Thank you. Speaker 8: Hello, my name is Emily Hodge and I am the parent of two children, Noah, who goes to Riverside in RE two and ELA who attends Two Rivers Community School. I love both of these schools. I believe in both of them. And I'm here tonight because I believe the decision
before you threatens to harm all of us. You are the school board. The leaders elected to represent this community to set the direction and tone for our public schools. If re two is represented by an agenda or someone that isn't in the public interest, then you the school board have not just the right but the responsibility to correct. Take the steps in and correct the course. I'm here tonight because so far you've ignored not only the voices of parents but also core American values. Competition and choice are at the heart of what it means to be an American. As a RE two parent, I know that having a variety
of educational options benefits every child including my own. And when government power is used to suppress choice, that's not leadership. It's socialism. And I don't think that's who you want to be. I understand the challenges of tight budgets and funding shortfalls, but when government authority is used to bully families out of their educational choices, it's not the answer. Choice is not threaten good schools. It challenges them to rise. Now let's talk about leadership because so far the only leadership I've seen from the superintendent is division. He spent his first month here writing chat.
GDP generated newsletters, intimidating teachers by showing up unannounced in classrooms without introducing himself, all while pushing an agenda no one asked for. If this agenda represents your direction as a board, own it say so loudly and clearly. But if it doesn't, then please have the courage to stop it. Our superintendent costs this district nearly $275,000 a year. If his ideas are coming from chat GDP, maybe we should just save the money and let AI do the job. At least it wouldn't spend its time bullying families. If you've started viewing our children
as funding units instead of human beings, then this district has lost its way. And if this is the kind of example my son is supposed to look up to, it makes me question whether I want him in this district at all. Maybe instead of trying to strong arm families, you could ask why so many chose two rivers in the first place. 'cause here's the truth for us, we didn't choose it because of the bus, we chose it because of the school. So even if re two wins this legal fight, parents aren't gonna suddenly stop choosing two rivers. All this will do is waste money on both sides. Damage relationships sustain the reputation of re two
and clog I 70 up even more in the mornings you were elected to lead to stand for parents, students and teachers, not against them. So do the right thing and this agenda, stop wasting money fighting families and start listening to the people you're here to serve. Let's choose to strengthen our community, not divide it because in the end, this is about our kids and our kids should never be the collateral damage and a fight for money. Thank you. Speaker 1: Rob Glassmeyer. Okay, I will circle back. I'll put Rob on the bottom and hopefully by the time we get here he's get back to him.
He'll be here. Amy, your goddess. Did I say that even remotely close? Okay, close. Sorry. I'd say come on down, but you just had a hop right here. We're good right there. Speaker 9: Good evening. My name is Amy Ess. Many of you know me as Miss Y at the Two Rivers Community School or Miss Amy here at the Grand Mesa pre-K classrooms. I'm also the mother of twin fourth grade daughters who attend two Rivers community school and use the bus system to get to school every day. I'm here tonight to speak about why my family chose TRCS for our daughter's education
and the impact of ending the TRCS bus route. This bus route is more than just a transportation, it's a lifeline for families who children attend TRCS. For my family and many others, it allows our children to attend a school that truly meets their needs. My daughters have been at TRCS since kindergarten, and during that time we've seen firsthand how the school's place-based learning model helps students grow not only academically, but engage as compassionate members of our community. Two rivers isn't just a school, as you can see, we're a community. Teachers and staff know every student by name and most students know one another across grade levels.
TRCS provides each grade with 10 to 20 field studies each year, helping students learn through real world experiences. Right here in our own valley, whether it's rafting down the Colorado River or hiking to the rifle arch, our children are learning outside of the classroom. My children and many others thrive with this kind of hands-on community center education. Children at TRCS have the opportunity to take Spanish class every day. I find great value in this program and would love for my daughters to continue this path that they started in kindergarten. Working in education, you're not just worried about the test scores or where funding is coming from.
With childhood depression on the rise, it is our jobs as educators to be aware of children's social and emotional wellbeing. This bus route helps maintain relationships and connections that have been made across district lines. As a mother, I would be deeply concerned about my daughters and the entire TRCS student body, social and emotional wellbeing. If this bus route ends, I understand that transportation decisions are complex and based off of funding, but do you ask, but I ask you this, have you factored in the emotional wellbeing of our children? And do you still feel the pros outweigh the cons? With this decision, I urge you to look beyond the numbers
and see the faces, the faces of the students, the parents, and the teachers and staff who make TRCS such a vibrant part of our Roaring four community. Please consider the impact this decision will have and help us find a way to keep this vital bus route in place our children's education, safety, and wellbeing. Rely on it. Thank you for your time. Speaker 10: Thank you. Jessica Burton. Vijo Applause. Speaker 8: Hello everyone. Hello. Alright. Thank you guys for your time. I came before you tonight. As a concerned citizen, a taxpayer and RE two
and a parent of two children attending local schools, my children began their educational careers in RE two schools. We were frequently disappointed by the curriculum and the academic underachievement of RE two schools. In 2020, we became very disappointed in the manner in which re two capitulated to outspoken parents and community members and their return to school policies after COVID. At this point, we made the difficult decision to remove our second grader and fourth grader from RE two and enroll them in two rivers. This turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made for my kids. I saw an immediate improvement in academic progress
and a new love for school. I provide anesthesia services at Grand River Hospital and my husband flies with Caref flight out of St. Mary's and the Rifle airport. Our medical care of this community requires us to work odd hours, including early mornings and late evenings. The bus service to and from TRCS has been instrumental for us to care, to care for our community, and to get our kids to our school of choice. This year my daughter returned to re two schools as a high school freshman. She was met with some resistance of the high school because they were quote unquote going to have to make room for her.
This is a freshman carrying a 4.0 GPA in honors AP classes and is involved in school organizations. We are the kind of family that you guys want to return to the district. If this bus service at Two River stops next year, we will not return to RE two. We will struggle to find a way for our son to get to every day of his eighth grade year at TRCS when we find transportation for him. My daughter will follow and enroll her sophomore year at Glenwood High School. I understand that I am lucky to have the means to ensure my children can go to our school of choice. But many families have financial stress
that doesn't give them this freedom. I stand before you all tonight to advocate for them. This predatory behavior towards the BUS program at TRCS will not bring students back to RE two, but will further push TRCS families away from ever returning to this district. As a taxpayer, I ask you to use our tax dollars to improve academic performance in this district. A attacks on TRCS are not helping your district and will only create a negative view of this board and the new superintendent. Our students are more than their per pupil fees and deserve to go to the school of their choice without boundary boundaries being placed in their way.
Please keep our bus routes open. Speaker 10: Thank you. Thank you. Jen Veo. Jessica, hello. Hi. Speaker 5: Good evenings, evening board and community members. My name is Jen Velo. I live in New Castle and my daughter has attended Two Rivers Community School since second grade. I'm attending this meeting tonight to discuss the recent communication, directed it to Rivers Community School from the new superintendent Kirk Benhart. His opening salvo when he came into this position was to threaten TRCS with legal action in a transparent attempt to disenfranchise 100 plus families from
transportation to their school. This gentleman doesn't know our community and doesn't know that we support each other across the districts. I would ask the board to educate him on how our valley works and how to be a supportive community member and neighbor. We don't threaten our neighbors with legal action because we've peered over their fence to see what we believe we are entitled to. I understand that he's under the impression that RA two is entitled to those students, but that's not how School Choice works. And Mr. Bang Hart's mythbuster's newsletter, he claims that his interests are altruistic and certainly not about money yet.
His first ask when meeting with our school director was to demand a cut of per pupil of of students per families that have availed themselves of the transportation provided by two rivers for the past 12 years. He asserts that his only interest lies in protecting RA two taxpayers disregarding the fact that the property taxes of the a hundred plus families that avail themselves of two rivers transportation are paid into RE two via property taxes. Yet we get nor ask for anything in return. TRCS operates within the law. Our transportation program was developed in full compliance
with Colorado Law, including CRS 2030 0.5 dash 1 0 6, which requires charter schools to create a plan ensuring compliance with state and federal transportation regulations. Our plan was submitted to and approved by our author Roaring Fork School District. Consistent with state procedures, we have repeatedly sought collaboration and clarity from Garfield RE two to ensure mutual understandings not confrontation. At no point has the State Board of Education, the Colorado Department of Education or authorizers found TRCS to be in violation of any statute. Mr. Bang Hart's legal analysis of TRCS is faulty.
As illustrated by the Colorado Attorney General's office, I have a copy of the letter for each of the board members. You'll note that the letters refer only to charter schools, which TRCS is legally classified as a charter school. This letter does not state the reference statutes only apply if the charter school in question is authorized under the Charter School Institute versus the school district. Transportation is about equity. Access to education should not depend on a family's ability to drive. Providing transportation for families who live further from TRCS is not only legal, it's essential
to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to attend school that best meets their needs. TRC S'S transportation system is operated safely, responsibly and transparently. If I could have just 30 more seconds. Sure. Mr. Benhart seek to further marginalize already economically vulnerable community members that do not all have access to vehicles to transport their children to Glenwood. Consider families that do live and and work and rifle. For example, if they were to transport their children to school by 8:00 AM and return a rifle by eight 30 and work through to 3:00 PM in order to pick up their children by three 30, not counting early
as Wednesdays, then each, that's a five hour workday to pick up their children. That's 31 hours in a week. Does anybody know of any jobs that you can afford to live in this valley based on 30 hours a week? So the desired outcome for this superintendent is to intentionally orchestrate it so that families have to either reduce their hours to part-time, lose their health insurance through work and deprive their households that extra income or be forced to enroll their kids in a school district that families chose to leave in the first place. But a school district that has manufactured an issue to an issue to, to victimize them. How does this spell equity and respect for family choice?
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter and I would request that you shut down this aggressive legal posturing and let us all get back to the business of educating our children and raising our families as best we know how. Thank you. Can I give you this? Speaker 10: Sean Strode. Hi, welcome. Alright, Speaker 11: Good evening. Board members and staff. I'd like to thank you first for serving on the school board. I respect that you stood up to lead in your community. My name is Sean Strody. I'm a resident of the RE two School District, a parent of students at Two Rivers Community School and the mayor of the City of the Rifle.
I have a strong vested interest in both sides of this disagreement. As mayor, our E two students, staff and families are the lifeblood of our community. However, as a parent of children that attend tours school is, we switched because there was able to provide certain educational opportunities that RE two was not. And candidly, I failed to see the strategy behind the initiative from re two. The answer of upholding the law, which I have received, is a weak and scapegoat answer. It'd be nice if there is more transparency. I have three comments I'd like to offer for consideration.
First, as others have stated, this will waste tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees from both schools. That could be benefiting students and staff. Both parties believe they're right and each party seat party is referencing a different section of the Colorado revised statutes. After spending these unnecessary funds, it's a roll of the dice what a judge will determine because there is no clear black and white answer. Didn't we learn enough about wasting funds during the American birthright debate? Second, you already know you already get my property tax. So the only additional funding will likely be from the state.
And most likely you'll only get 50 to 60% of the students from two Rivers if that people will continue to support the school that they go to at roughly $10,000 per student of state funding. That's 750 to a million dollars in added to your budget. But with an annual budget of 89 million, that's a 1.12% increase in your budget. So you're striving to strip away transportation so that students are forced to leave their current school and go to RE two for 1% of your budget.
Children who love their school teachers and friends for 1% of your budget. Third, your exploiting members of the community who rely on transportation for their children. Your actions are forcing people in a socio-economic position of needing transportation for their children to choose your school. They still have the option of for school of choice, but they don't have the means. And you're removing the opportunity. You can say it is just upholding the law, but your actions create a very specific consequence to very specific people. If this decision between disrupting children
and families in our community in exchange for money would ever come to the Rifle City Council, it would never be discussed or considered. Prioritizing revenue over people is the antithesis of our community values. Thank you for listening to my perspective. As stated in the beginning, I want to see the best for our E two, but most of all, I wanna see the best for our communities, for our region, and mostly for our children. Thank you. Thank Speaker 10: You. Speaker 1: Michelle Williams. I don't believe she was gonna make it. So I will just circle back just in case.
Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 1: Lily Alvarado, come on forward. Yes. How do I get there? It's a maze. Go forward. Go do your left. Three steps to your right. Yeah. Speaker 10: Good Speaker 9: Afternoon everybody. I'm here to speak on regards to the Two Rivers Community School being impacted by the buses, the bus routes that are being restricted for our children. Sorry, I just came in. Speaker 1: No, you're good Rush. You're good. Speaker 9: And I have two kids that take the bus. A kindergartner and a first grader. We've been taking the bus since she started last year.
I live in New Castle. The one thing that I did notice with the bus system is that both two rivers and re two school buses come to the Lakota bus stop at the same time. Which had, we never had a conflict, there's never been an issue with both buses stopping at the same location at the same time. So I feel like this issue is something that isn't really necessary and it's impacting our children's education as well as the accessibility to our choice of school. But thank you. That's all I needed to let you guys know
so we can all be able to talk. Speaker 10: Thank. Speaker 1: Alright, Rosie Reed. Hi Rosie. Speaker 10: Hi, Speaker 12: My name's Naomi. My nickname is Rosie, but her real name's Naomi. Speaker 1: Oh, how'd you get the nickname Rosie? Speaker 12: My nana. Speaker 1: Hi Nanas. Do give the best nicknames Speaker 12: Now. Can I start talking? Yeah, Speaker 1: Go ahead Rosie. The floor is yours. Speaker 12: I, my name's Naomi Reed and I'm eight. I go to Two River School already. Two. Speaker 10: It's Speaker 12: Okay. So and so and so the buses are gonna get canceled,
but I don't want them to. Speaker 10: So Speaker 12: I, before I went into a different school, what was it called again? Speaker 10: Tomsley. Speaker 12: Wamsley. Wamsley and being. And they, I didn't have, I couldn't get any of education there. And plus I had, I was diagnosed with autism in A DHD that made it hard for me. And, and that school didn't give me any help with my learning. Then my parents decided my, then my parents decided
we should move to Two Rivers Community School. They, I did have to take a test to learn for anything and get like proper educ education. Yeah. So they just started, I started like going to like reading classes, writing classes, anything. And also, but I took the buses. I have, I have to wake up early and everything else. So, so with the buses gone, it means extra time for my parents to go work if we didn't, if we can't,
we can't just, we can't, we can't just skip work or school whenever we want. Speaker 1: Sometimes we wish we could. Speaker 12: Well, well without, without the buses. Parents, we, it couldn't be, it couldn't be. So the parents could had to be late for work. That means they might get less money. But here's how it's gonna work. Well Speaker 10: We Speaker 12: Please don't laugh for me. No, Speaker 10: You're, we're not. Speaker 12: Okay. Speaker 1: This is gonna be the
best solution. All right. Long. Speaker 12: Here's the other. If we please, please can you stop. I we need this will everything. And also the parents will move us to a different school. That means, that means the two river would the Two Rivers Community School wouldn't get the money for insurance, healthy food in the car. It's just, yeah. It's just that we need money for this. You care And we, we need this school. Our school is what makes us part of the community
Speaker 10: Much. Yes. Great job. Thank you Rosie. Now does she get a cookie? Great. Can I, can I Speaker 13: Say I'm her Speaker 10: Father? Yeah. Speaker 13: Since we have a little more time, both my wife and I work and live in Rifle and as Rosie said, she was diagnosed a year and a half ago with autism and we and A DHD. And we have found an amazing school
that supports her. And knowing that she can go there from K through eight is for a parent Is very important for us to know that she doesn't need to transfer and she can be there and she knows everyone. She knows her classmates, she knows it's just such a great community there. So, but we both work full-time. My wife works at Grand River. I'm a cabinet maker and a small shop here. We love the community and it, I know people that are in the school district as well that are great teachers.
I know everyone's committed. It's nothing about that. It's just us having the choice to be able to send our daughter to RE two has been just such a game changer. And the bus we really rely on. 'cause I'm at work at seven. My wife gets out of work at six or seven o'clock at night. So it would put a real damper on us and I just, you know, would ask that you just cease and desist this legal aspect of it
and just come to a conclusion that we can all be happy with. Okay. So thank Speaker 10: You. Thank you. And I'm sorry, your name? Josh Reed. Josh. Thank you Brent. I, there's Kyki. Okay. Usually it's like next to it and it, I just had Brent. Speaker 13: Good evening everyone. Thank you for giving me the chance to come and, and speak to you. I too am here to, to support TRCS. We have a kindergartner and a third grader that attend the school. We're very fortunate to have gotten into that school. Ditto to everyone that spoke before me. I agree with all their points and statements. So I won't belabor the point,
but I'm, I'm here to understand the genesis of this request. When I heard about this, essentially a cease and desist letter to our school, it, it, it kind of struck me out, you know, outta right field. And knowing our head of school, Jamie Nims, he was very concerned about this as well. And to concern Jamie takes a lot. So this is a, a, a big matter in, in that topic. So, Mr. Bain, I would ask you personally, what is the genesis
of this request? Is it a request for boosting enrollment in your own district under the guise of a legal challenge? Or is it truly that you think this is a legal matter? If that's the case? I think there's been a lot of opinion letters and a lot of other legal jargon that kind of defeat your, your stance on that. And to put this to lawyers, it's just gonna make the lawyers rich. It's gonna take away from our kids. It's going to detract resources that need to be in your district and in our district.
And at the end of the day, this is just a shot over the bow for a small community school. And you know, if there's other parents listening from other schools, whether it be private schools or other charter schools, where does, what's, what's the pretense of this? I mean, where does, where does that stop? I I think the busing program is invaluable and critical to a lot of the families in our district. I love this school and I will see the remaining 58 seconds to ask the board possibly what your stance is in support or against this letter that was sent
to TRCS. Can I do that? Speaker 1: We won't respond, unfortunately. We can't respond during until comment, but Speaker 13: Well, you can, Speaker 1: You can present the question. That's Speaker 13: Fine. Yeah. Yeah. I I I would, I would ask the board to publicly state at some point or another their support or denial of this letter and whether that was driven solely by Kirk Bang Hart by himself or the direction of the board. Thank you very much. Speaker 1: And I'm sorry, Brent. Yes. So under your contact information is your last name. Do you mind adding your Yes. I, yeah. Your best contact information on there for me please. Yes ma'am. Sorry, didn't mean to put you
Speaker 10: On. Speaker 1: Thank you very much. And do you have a preference for contact Speaker 13: Email or Speaker 1: Whatever? Okay. Either one. Great. Thank you. Okay. Kaitlyn de Crowe, Speaker 10: She's not able, she sent an email, she's not gonna be able to make Speaker 1: It. Oh dang it. Okay. Rob Glassmeyer. He was my last one. Okay. I don't think he made it. And then Michelle Williams. I don't think she made it either. We had another one too that Nope, nope. I just had, yeah, Michelle, Caitlin, and Rob. Speaker 10: I do too. Okay.
Speaker 1: Alright. Thank you everybody for your public comment. Now we'll I'll get my agenda back in order. So we'll go back to the consent agenda. Were there any changes to the consent agenda? Speaker 10: Yes, Speaker 3: We do have an addition to the consent agenda to approve Tisha Rich Meyer as a voting member of the DAC. Speaker 10: Okay, Speaker 1: Perfect. May I get a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended? I, Speaker 14: I do have a question on this consent agenda. Speaker 10: The Speaker 14: Speech language pathologist that we hired,
I thought we had one under boces. Speaker 10: Is this the maternity leave? Where Speaker 14: Is it listed? It was approval of a recommendation Amanda being meant to hire, it's like three points down Speaker 10: Under Speaker 14: The consent agenda. Speaker 1: We can wait while everybody shuffles out so that we can continue our business. Speaker 10: Oh, Speaker 1: Sorry. Speaker 14: We had board board to give that guy an answer. Speaker 10: Well, hopefully they watch Speaker 1: Go back. Speaker 10: Thanks Speaker 14: To the rest of you for staying. Speaker 1: Yeah, thanks. I know board meetings are Oh, so much fun. So thank Speaker 10: You. Right here? Yes, you are correct.
Yeah, that's the But you think that's the maternity leave one? It is if she desire to take for a maternity leave. Okay. Speaker 3: It's for a maternity leave one. And so we, we do some that we contract through both c some that are district specific. Okay. And that particular one is for a maternity leave. Speaker 14: Okay. Position. Thank you. I was like, wait, I was a little. Speaker 3: Yeah. Speaker 14: Okay. Thank you. Sorry. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 1: May I get a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended? Speaker 14: I make a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended. Speaker 1: Thank you. May I get a second?
Speaker 10: All second. Speaker 1: You guys can rock paper, scissors out. Go Speaker 10: Ahead Megan. Okay. Second seconds. Speaker 1: Megan. Thank Speaker 10: You Speaker 1: Sharon. Speaker 10: Eli. Aye pass. Aye Kyle. Aye. Jenkins. Aye. Speaker 1: Aye. All right. Onto board reports. So we did have board reports this meeting. I know we did last meeting as well, but we felt it pertinent to have some board reports for this meeting. Scott, did you have anything?
Speaker 4: Nothing really to add to what I said last meeting, but I do feel like the, we're heading in the right direction. I think we've got a lot of good things going for staff, buildings, leadership, everything. So it's been a privilege. It really has. Thank you all. Speaker 1: Thank you. Thank you Scott. Yeah, Speaker 10: Thank you. Speaker 1: Chance? Do you wanna go next? Sure. Speaker 15: I Sorry they all left. Is anybody TRCS still here? Yep. Speaker 10: Perfect. Sweet. Speaker 15: I'll speak to you. It's obvious. TRCS has a very
important part to play in our community. Right? That's my belief. I have family members that currently are, are enrolled there. In fact, I have family members that use the same buses that are in question. This issue. I don't believe it had to get here to this to where we're at. And there's really nothing I'm gonna say in this meeting or anybody else that is gonna make you change your minds. All I can try to do is relay the information that I know it respectfully so we can open this dialogue back up so we can all come to a point to where this is in the rear view mirror. And I was, I was hoping Mr.
Nams would stay 'cause I would've appealed directly to him. Garfield re two respects two Rivers Community School and the work they do. Their educators care deeply about their students and provide an important program for families across our valley as evidences of the support tonight. That respect though must be mutual and it come and with it comes shared responsibility. Responsibility to follow the law, to communicate openly and to collaborate with integrity. I fully support school choice as a parent that took my child out of school during COVI and even went so far as to look at TRCS as an option.
Every day families across our district decide, decide which educational setting best meets their child's needs. And they take on the responsibility of getting their child to that chosen school. With choice comes both opportunity and accountability. TRCS operates under the authorization of Roaring Fork School district, RE one, not the state. That structure carries with it a defined legal framework. While TRCS has certain waivers as a charter school, those waivers do not supersede. Colorado law State statute is unambiguous.
Colorado revised statute 22 dash 32 dash 13 one c states a school district may furnish transportation to and from public schools for pupils residing in another district only with the consent of the board of education of the district of residence. Speaker 10: So they don't approve them. Speaker 15: I'll get there in plain. I'm Hey sir. Well, I can ask you to leave. I'm, I'm, this is my time case, sir. In plain terms, that means a charter school or any school cannot operate or contract for or for bus routes that could cross into another district without that district's consent. That's not opinion. It's in the law.
This superintendent Kirk Bang Art reached out directly to re one superintendent Anna Cole, to ensure clarity and collaboration between the two districts. Following that conversation, he sent a summary email documenting our understanding and citing the relevant legal authority. That email has been described in some places as a cease and desist letter. It was nothing of the sort super banger's. Email was nothing of the sort. It was a professional follow-up intended to confirm the discussion, outline our district's legal position, and establish clear expectations that standard and transparent
communication between professionals. The same spirit guided our proposals about transportation, logistics, cost sharing, and possible partnerships. These are not ultimatums. They were starting points for a negotiation that unfortunately couldn't be discussed fully 'cause they were shot down on the spot. It is, it's important to remember that TRCS made the decision to affiliate with Roaring Fork School School districts several years ago. That choice came with certain advantages and also with that the responsibility to follow the statutes and procedures that govern public education in Colorado situation didn't need to become divisive. In fact, I believe it began in the right way
through the charter's authorizer with the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. But somewhere along the way, misunderstanding and misplaced assumption have overshadowed what could have remained a cooperative process. I still believe there's a collaborative solution here, one that provides clarity for everyone involved, keep students safe, and ensures all districts are operating within the bounds of state law. Garfield RE two is ready to be a part of that solution, but we, but we also have a duty to protect the interests of our 4,000 students, our staff, and the taxpayers who fund our operations.
That duty include includes making sure that all education educational entities within our boundaries operate legally, transparently, and responsibly. TRCS is part of the broader public education family and we value the choice and opportunity they bring to families. But accountability, transparency, and respect for governance are the cornerstones of strong public education system cooperation, not confrontation is how we best serve students. Our field, RE two, will continue to work collaboratively, wherever possible, While protecting the integrity of our district, the professionalism of our staff,
and the trust of our community. Thank you. Speaker 10: Cassie. Could you Oh, Megan. Speaker 16: First I want to update the fact that safety meeting was canceled and I was able to attend Highland Elementary School and Rifle High Schools, vet Veterans Day celebrations. And they were phenomenal. They nailed it, did an amazing job representing our community and showing significant pride for those that observed our country. They, they did a stellar job. So I was super impressed and grateful to be a part of that. And then I also had an opportunity to attend the Cole Ridge High School Homecoming Parade,
which my child was very enamored with the band. They also did an amazing job. It was, it was wonderful. It felt like a great part of community to, to be involved in those events. Great stewards of our, you don't have to bring that any closer, great stewards of, of our community. So I was very appreciative of that. For the matter at hand, I want to publicly state that I absolutely and wholeheartedly support Superintendent bang Hart's decision. It was not something that he did solely, it was at,
at the direction of the board. It was prior to my arrival. But regardless, I, I wholeheartedly support his decision. And it is not one to me about clawing back students or requiring, or forcing somebody to attend a school that doesn't fit their needs. Some of you may or may not know I also have a child with special needs that does not attend the school district. And that was a decision that we made that was best for him. He very much needed smaller class size. So we found a community that fit his needs. I understand passionately where you guys are coming from.
However, as a law enforcement officer for 20 years, I stand by the rule of law. Okay? We did not legislate the law, but we cannot be complicit in breaking it. And now that we understand that there is a violation of rule of law, superintendent Benhart was asked to negotiate a reasonable solution that fit both district's needs. And I believe wholeheartedly that he did that in good faith and transparency with integrity and honor. And I stand by that. Negotiations in my mind are not done.
And we welcome TRCS back to the drawing board to figure out what collaboration, if any, we can make. But regardless, I stand behind Superintendent Benhart wholeheartedly in upholding rule of law. He didn't legislate the law. He's not going to enforce it. Okay? If it gets to the point where it needs to see, need to seek legal matter as a district, in my opinion, I believe that we have to do what protects our district. I appreciate all of your time and your passion
and your energy behind it. That's absolutely where I stand. Speaker 14: Kathy, thank you. Well, I'm going to read, so I don't get my emotions in the way, but as we come together this evening, I would like to begin by honoring all of our veterans once again, who are currently serving or have served our country. Their courage, commitment and sacrifice ensures the freedom we cherish each and every day. Thank you. We especially honor those who gave their lives in service to others or our deepest gratitude to those goes to our, to their families for the strength and love they have shown.
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Veteran Day ceremonies at Coleridge High School and Rifle High School, which were both led by the National Honor Society students. Both schools did an outstanding job or organizing heartfelt tributes to our veterans, having guest speakers and providing a meal. These events reflect the best of who we are as a district, demonstrating leadership, gratitude and the importance of a community connection, Which is part of our strategic plan.
This work truly supports that plan. And I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of the National Honor Society members, advisors, and staff who made these celebrations happen. Thank you. And I would assume the board would say this same. We all, we all got to take partake in that. In regards to the Two Rivers Community school situation, I believe we have had two potential paths to go down. The one, the first option, and the one I feel that we should continue to pursue is a collaborate, collaborative effort
to negotiate and find common ground. The second option would be to involve legal. My sincere hope is that re two and TRCS can work together in the spirit of cooperation and open dialogue to resolve this matter in a way that benefits both districts and most importantly our students. I would like to add that I live in this district. Obviously I'm on the board. My kids go to school in this district, but not in the area of, of where we live, right? They're supposed to go to rifle schools. My kids go to Newcastle and Forge and I am solely responsibility to take them there.
When we moved back here almost eight years ago, our kids came from a private school and we looked at Two Rivers, basalt Christian School, Glenwood High School for our one that was in high school. And we knew by taking that on, we were gonna be responsible for transporting 'em out of the district. I didn't even think that there would be a bus. So as a parent, I know that school choice is very important. I had a decision to make what school my kids went to, and I value having a choice to take my kids wherever.
But I also know as a parent that holds a responsibility as well. So that is my 2 cents on that. And in closing, I would like to express a heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributes to re two. We couldn't do anything that we're doing without any of you from our superintendent, assistant superintendent communications, our lovely hand, right hand, our right hand. We couldn't do amazing things. Devin, thank you for all you do. You guys do more than we even know.
You just make us look good a lot of the time. So we appreciate you. I wanted to just say thank you and onto the next meeting or task. I guess you still have to report. Speaker 1: Yep. I still have my board report and I, I too wanna send out a heartfelt thank you to the National Honor Society and to the six schools out of our 10 that did Veterans Day celebrations yesterday. That was definitely fun to see. I attended Highland and to listen to K through five, try
to say the Pledge of Allegiance altogether was pretty amazing. And if that didn't warm somebody's heart, I don't know what would also attended Coleridge. And then Rifle High School as well. Both bands performed at both at Coleridge. They had a soloist play taps, and I won't lie, I turned into a blub blubbering idiot. Yes. And taps, no matter who, what, where, when or why, always, always makes me cry. So they did an amazing job. I'd also like to say too that the support of our veterans goes well beyond Veterans Day.
So I, I think they both schools, all schools that I attended yesterday made that very clear that it was not just appreciation today, but appreciation of all times. So, so that was very nice, very nice to see. So I, I, I too wrote something up. So I have said several times in many meetings that there are three sides to every story. There is yours, mine, and the truth. I would like to take this opportunity to share one side of the story in regards to the transportation discussion with two, with Two Rivers Community School.
As a parent and as a board member, I believe in the importance of choice. The choice to do what I feel as a parent is right for my children. There are choices that we make every day in support of their safe of the safety for our children and in support of their education and the things that they want to accomplish. We want the best for our children. And although we have 10 great schools doing 10 great things, our schools may not fit with the families. Two Rivers Community School is a great school and has plenty to offer to its students that we're not denying. And obviously we can see that here with the audience that we have tonight. It was great to see teachers, parents, teachers,
and bus drivers come. That was, that was pretty nice. We do appreciate, we appreciate the open communication, we appreciate the respect while being a charter school. They can exempt themselves from board policies, but not from state law. With the right of choice for education comes the responsibility of transportation to the Chosen School. This is true for in-district choices as well with this process. We don't want to take parental choice away. We're not trying to force our students back into our district. And we understand the importance and necessity for some families
to have Two Rivers Community School offer transportation. What we are, what we were expecting was an, was an open and respectful dialogue allowing both districts schools to offer suggestions and counter offers until a solution or compromise was met. Superintendent Bang Hart was invited to Two Rivers Community School and enjoyed the tour. Had nothing but great things to say about the school and the happiness and the kids that you could see and offered suggestions and was turned down. Kirk suggested to take it back to their board of directors. And we haven't seen a counter yet. That is how negotiations go, usually back
and forth until a compromise or a solution can be met. We value the relationship with our neighboring districts and want to work together because let's face it, when we work together as a community, we all thrive. But the type of communication needs to go both ways. So I do appreciate everybody coming in here tonight and the respect that they showed to us as well. So that definitely goes both ways and we're excited to have that open communication and to see what choices can be made
and where we can go from there. Speaker 17: You, you said a solution and you, what was the problem with what's been going on in the first place? What you guys want to keep talking about negotiating. I'm, I'm curious about what do you guys want and what did you see as the problem to cause this in the first place? Speaker 15: So point of order this Yeah. This isn't really a discussion. Yeah. You know, these are our reports and we have business to attend to. That's my point. Speaker 1: Yeah. Speaker 17: Good. So Speaker 1: We'll go ahead and move on to advocacy.
Kirk, you had a few things for advocacy. Speaker 3: Yes. So in your packet you have the legislative agenda from the Colorado Association of School Boards that has been presented. So you, you had those highlighting their big areas for their 2026 platform. Wanted you all to have that in, in light of attendance of the, the CASB conference. And so happy to, to answer any questions that folks have best of my ability on the CASB platform, but wanted to have you have that. The other thing that I attached in for advocacy is
the get it done campaign, which is the second item that I wanted to bring to your attention. I think to me Speaker 17: This is, is is probably Speaker 3: The more interesting of the two items. This is really a statewide movement that we're looking at, which really has a kind of multi-prong look at how do we get more resources into the pipeline for all schools across Colorado. One is, is that it, it's looking at a couple different ways of doing that. One is, is looking at opposing a federal tax credit
for voucher programs. I think we've proven in many in Colorado, it's been voted down many, many times because it takes, takes taxes, tax dollars out of public education. And so we're looking at, at a this, this group would be looking at opposing any federal voucher program. It also looks at supporting some sort of fiscal reform on the ballot. Right now. There's probably two different options that are going forward in looking at it.
We don't know at this point which one would be moving forward, but they're both in like in the early stages. One would be a possible DEB debriefing of education and one would be a graduated tax for high income earners that would be focused all on K 12 education. So that's the second one. And and the third part of that is what's called the ever Every Student Welcome Network, which is really focused on communication hubs around public education supporters.
And really that's grassroots component. So I wanted to give you that. One of the main sponsors of that is Grayed Colorado, which is an advocacy organization that I'm a part of. And so I wanted to bring that forward to the board so that you are aware of get it done and what, what's going on in that. And I'll keep the board informed as it keeps moving forward. But that's starting to gear up. And so I just wanted the board aware of what's happening at the state level about getting more resources into the K 12 side of the pie at the state level.
Because we know that the governor was presenting to the JBC today, his budget and he had had had done that. And so we know that finance at the state level continues to be fairly flatlined as an overall component. And so finance is always gonna be a big question for us at the school level. And so it's really more about how do we get more resources into the Colorado coffers so that they can get it back out to all schools across Colorado. And so I wanted you to have both of those pieces of information. Thank you. So that's what I've got for advocacy
for you all. Thank Speaker 1: You. Thank you. Okay. Governance, discussion items, collaborative solutions. Do we need to grab some extra chairs? Speaker 10: Yeah, Speaker 18: I am looking a cluster around the mic. So first of all, thank you guys for hosting us. We are part of our team for Collaborative Solutions. We are the team that works with administrators, directors, classified and certified staff throughout the district. And our goal is to talk about really important things throughout the year in order to hopefully make some
recommendations and suggestions. Today we are presenting our scope of work. So our scope of work is in agreement with the work to be performed by collaborative solutions as described. And our scope of work should contain goals, timelines, tasks and end products that are expected to be provided by the performing party, which is collaborative solutions. We have worked on this for September and October's meetings. So we have had a lot of discussion in our groups in order to come up with these bullet points. Things that we would like to focus on throughout the year and collaborative solutions we have two main goals. One of our goals and focuses is to secure
and maintain the resources necessary to attract and retain and recruit outstanding staff for our schools. We also want to maintain high job satisfaction, a productive workplace and a positive district climate and culture for all staff and students as well. We have three main committees in collaborative solutions. We have calendar, we have compensation and benefits, and we also have communication. We have representatives from each of those teams here tonight to present what we would like our scope of work to be this year. So starting us out, we're gonna begin with our tasks
that the calendar committee has proposed. All right. So, hi, I'm Carrie Ton. I'm the counselor at Highland Elementary and I'm gonna report out on calendar. So in the October meeting we did review the five day versus four day survey data that I know that you guys all received. And so then we did our bulk of our work proceeding moving forward with the four day school week as that was what most of the respondents preferred. But we did not ignore some of the comments and the feedback from the people that would prefer a five day school week.
So we read those comments. We looked for trends and themes and to see if there's any way that we can support those families that with childcare and some other things like just trying to see if we can get creative to support all of our students and some of the feedback that we got in regards to that. So next steps were to collaborate with the Garfield County Fair Board. 'cause that was something that happened this year. They, there was an overlap there. So one of our committee members is went to the fair board. We need to go collaborate with district accountability
and have some conversations with them around the calendar. Next steps are to survey stakeholders. There's always lots of priorities when you think about calendar and so get getting some information about what staff, community and parents, what their priorities are. As far as calendar goes, we're hoping to have drafts ready to be voted on in December or January. And then hope to have those review the survey data and get those calendars on the agenda for the February board meeting for a vote. Speaker 1: Sweet. Speaker 18: Any questions?
Speaker 15: You said you were gonna have those completed December. Speaker 18: I think the goal is to get the draft calendars out to staff to vote on end December or January. Then to be on the February board meeting for the board to vote on. Okay. And it's a, we're looking at a two year calendar I think I forgot to mention. Okay. Speaker 1: Yeah. And you guys usually send it out to parents as well? Speaker 18: Yep, yep, yep. Yeah. Yeah. Speaker 1: What were some of the main themes that you guys were seeing from the five day versus four day? Speaker 18: A lot of childcare feedback
and then just concerns about how the four day school week impacts academics and test scores. Speaker 1: Okay. Speaker 19: Yeah. And another big one was about either access to food on those Fridays or we did sadly have one from a student who wanted to be at school and not be at home. So we have those members. 'cause it was both students and all community members. Speaker 18: Yeah, that we reviewed their, yeah, we reviewed anybody that preferred the five day.
We looked at all of their comments and then tried to find some trends and Speaker 1: Solutions. Speaker 18: Solutions. Yeah. Speaker 1: Hence collaborative solutions. Yes. Gotcha. Perfect. Okay. Any other questions? Speaker 18: All right. Our next committee is Benefits and compensation. I'm Caitlin Wood, I teach at Coleridge and I also have, Speaker 20: I'm Joseph Richards. I'm a school social worker at Grand Mesa Cactus Valley in Wamsley. Speaker 18: So we're gonna kind of divvy this up a little bit 'cause there's, these are the really big topics and there's a lot all in this one committee. Speaker 20: So our first bullet point is research possibilities
to increase local level funding to supplement. Well supplement the lack of state funding through local tax-based revenue. Our second bullet point is market analysis research in terms of cost of living adjustment, increase at the base of each salary schedule. Then consider benefit plan, design change, and then research nearby district's benefit plans and exploring pooling options. Speaker 18: We also included on our scope of work to increase, honoring the years about a district experience. It would be really great to be able to move classified to five to 10 years honoring outside of the district
and certified from 10 to 20 years outside the district. We would also look like to look at achieving costing amounts to adjusting where on site interpreters, special ed teachers, special service providers and counselors are provided or are placed on each salary schedule. We have a proposal to look at how special education teachers and counselors could be placed on the special service provider schedule and for special service providers themselves looking at higher placements and compensations for being in-person providers. We also looked at decreasing the lane advancement threshold
from BA plus eight credits to BA plus four credits and decrease hours for AL for credit salary advancement from 15 to a lesser amount. Speaker 1: Have you gotten to that lesser amount yet? Speaker 18: Nope, we haven't decided on this again. Speaker 1: Gotcha. No questions for me. Okay. Megan, do you have any questions? No. Speaker 10: Okay. Scott, Speaker 1: That was pretty cut and dry. Speaker 19: All right. So I serve on the communications committee. Our scope of work is pretty straightforward. It's just continuing the common message slash newsletter
that we share out from all of our meetings so that we're being transparent on what we're doing in CS and to keep everyone informed of what we are spending our time doing. We also monitor a survey that's constantly open for concerns and questions that staff members can submit for us to talk about or to discuss. And then we distribute those to the different committees that they involve so that they know that there's certain concerns or stories from different people around our district.
Then we're wanting to work on recruitment and profile communication to all staff about what CS is, what collaborative solutions is, so that they have a, they know who represents them and who to go to if they need clarification or more information. We also are wanting to schedule opportunities for our staff to learn more about finances and benefits as well as other stakeholders so that a lot of the misconceptions
and ways that we can better utilize what we have for benefits can be known to them. And then our last one is developing and maintaining an organized communication system. So making sure that we are reaching everyone in whatever capacity that they receive information from. If it's from our parents squared email or physical posters or letters. Speaker 1: Do you have a representative from each school? Speaker 19: I believe we do for the most part. Yeah. Speaker 10: I think certified and classified sweet.
Yeah, for a lot of, Speaker 19: And so the majority of this year will be focused towards calendar and benefits 'cause of this being a year of a calendar year ending. So that's what we'll be focusing on the most, I believe. Yeah. Speaker 10: Sweet. Speaker 18: Do you get a lot of feedback on the questions and concern survey? Speaker 19: We do at times. It depends on how concerning some of the information that's passed on to staff is. So we received a lot last year after the first recommendation of the benefits package, but it's, it's pretty low until we get to those benefits
and salary conversations that we don't hear too much about. But we do hear things like we've, that's how we heard a little bit about the coaching stipend concerns as well. So, Speaker 18: Okay, thanks. Yeah. Speaker 14: Cassie only have anything you answered my, or asked my questions in the first part. Speaker 15: Can you elaborate on the concerns for the coaching stipend? Coaching Speaker 19: Stipend? It was just, if I remember correctly, it was like a balance, right? Bevin of like, sorry, she was the one, one that had to deal with it a lot.
But if I remember correctly, it was about busing and like certain coaches or certain programs they were getting a stipend for if the coach drove the bus versus if they used transportation. If I remember correctly, I could be wrong. It was a year ago. Speaker 18: Really? And you don't remember conversation. I mean Speaker 19: You're, when you're a teacher, there's a lot that goes on. Speaker 18: There's a lot. Speaker 19: It's good if I remember my schedule. Speaker 14: No thank you guys for all the work you do. I know it's an extra day added onto your week and it's a lot, it's a commitment, right?
It's a four year commitment. Speaker 10: Three. Three. Speaker 18: Okay. She's like, she looked like, wait, wait, what? I, I will commit to three. Okay. Speaker 14: Okay. Thank you. Yes, I know it's a commitment, so we appreciate that. We know what that feels like. Speaker 18: Gary, are you in year one or year two? I'm in year one. I've been to one meeting. Oh, you got many more to go. It's, I know, it's fine. Totally fine. My kids are old enough now. It was my time to, it was my time to serve. Speaker 14: How often do you guys meet? Once a month. Once a month. Once a month? Yeah. Speaker 10: On Fridays, correct? Yes. Okay.
Yes. Thank you. Speaker 1: Do you guys have anything? Speaker 4: Just one real quick one, and I'm sure you do this, but I, when you were talking about how you're changing some of the finance, like the compensation and that kind of thing, or what you're proposing, then you go in and talk with Jason and them and you have all this so that the numbers are out there so that we can take a look at that and see what that effect has on the whole financial picture. Not that I, I don't want to throw, you know, I don't wanna be a Debbie down or anything like that. But those are obviously pretty important things in addition
to the very first bullet point that you have there. So, Speaker 10: Okay. These are, Speaker 1: Are, well, Jason goes Speaker 10: Our meeting, right? Speaker 3: Recommendations that CS is looking into and they'll investigate 'em and then bring them back once they're fully investigated. And then especially depending on budget, the board has final say as far as the back and forth on whether it isn't. So this is, this is really the, their scope of work that their, that CS is looking to investigate going forward.
And so it it's giving you the board knowing what direction that they're looking at to investigate in, in doing that. So it, none, none of this is by any means in stone. It's the direction that the group is looking to investigate to go forward. Speaker 10: Sweet Speaker 4: Work. Thank you. Speaker 20: The benefits, it's like roughly ranked, like those first two bullet points are, are kind of the most important to us. And then, Speaker 3: Yeah, Speaker 10: So, yeah. Speaker 1: Well, and it's nice. I mean this is a living document too. So as things progress and needs
and concerns change, this will also change to reflect that as well. Thank you guys. Thank you Speaker 10: Guys. Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank you. Yeah. Speaker 1: We can take, yeah, five minutes. Yeah, we'll go ahead and take a five minute break and then we'll come back and finish up. So we have, I'm sorry, governance discussion. Didn't we already have? Yeah, we did. We had governance discussion items. 'cause it was Cs. Oh, CS. Yep. Okay, good. And then we've got governance action items. So we've got a second and final reading of the JLCD
administrating administering medic medications to students and then the JLCD dash R administrating medications to students. The procedures. Yep. The regulation and then the J-L-D-A-C, the screening and testing of students. Were there any, did anybody There was, I don't believe there were any changes last time I did. Speaker 15: So I do have a ch I do have a, on the second page of JLCD, we misspelled Tylenol. Speaker 1: Yeah, she's got, she just gave me that one too.
Okay, I've got that one. Then she gave one on the front page. She hit the space. Yep. Basically she paid attention in Speaker 15: Classroom. I did, yeah. Speaker 1: Okay. Speaker 15: Tighten up Sharon. Tighten up. You were Speaker 1: Saying something? Speaker 3: No, that's, that was going Sharon caught it. So, Speaker 1: Okay. Tylenol. Speaker 15: No, I actually caught it. Give me the credit. Speaker 1: I ask a question. Thank you. Speaker 16: Already done. It was like five minutes ago. Chance Speaker 1: Keep up. Speaker 16: I just have some discussion about it. Maybe not necessarily some changes, but so that I can better understand this. I, I'd like to really understand circumstances in which we would actually choose
to administer over the counter medications and, and why that would be a benefit to district and or students. What Speaker 1: Page are you on? Speaker 16: 72. It's the first page of JLCD. Okay. It's just the general question of, of Speaker 1: Why Speaker 15: We, we Speaker 16: Administer over the counter. Speaker 3: So we, it allows us, we don't, we don't do it unless it is certified by and I to clarify, no, we have to have doctor's orders and those people have to be trained to do it.
And so it's timed in places where it would be, and then they have permission to do it. So like insulin, That would be an example. But over the counter, like Tylenol and those kind of places would be, if they are, if we have a written order by a doctor, we can do it and then it's parent permission to then do it. So sometimes it, it's, it's to help support families so that if, you know, I guess I'll, I'll give you an example is
that I've used it before with like high schools and young ladies are asking for it to relieve menstrual cycle pain and they get permission from their parents and then we're covered under that because of this policy. Okay. And then the nurses do that. But it, that's an example that just comes up to unto my mind of when I've used every Speaker 16: Day in high school. I would imagine. Yeah. Speaker 3: But it's usually all through, it's, it's usually through parental component. It's not like we're, we're not giving 'em out like m and ms, like sure. Speaker 16: And then there was some terminology, and forgive me
'cause I'm not exactly sure where it was at, but there's some terminology to describe a, somebody that has prescription authority. My and I, sorry, I can't, I can't seem to remember where that's at. Anyways, my question on that specifically is how does the district ensure that somebody has a prescription writing authority? Because if we put that in our policy and it turns out later that that person did not have prescription writing authority, where are we at? Speaker 3: So to, to clarify
how the, we, the nurses take care of that and clarify with that. So they follow up on that in the medical side. So we have, we have a partnership with a doctor who oversees their side of it to do that. Okay. So that we have, we have a, we partner with a, with a, a doctor of medicine who is is our partner that does that. And I can't speak to who that is, if that's component Yeah,
Speaker 15: Okay. That's a cere be question. Yes. Speaker 3: It's a cere be Yeah. I need, I need the phrase our nurse to do that. Yeah. Speaker 21: You can always call Sarah Speaker 16: Too to find out if she Yeah, yeah. Speaker 21: You can always reach out to Speaker 3: Sarah, but we don't, we don't, we don't as a school would, would, we don't, we don't write prescrip, we don't do anything with children's prescriptions. We rely on their medical doctors to do that. But our nurses and our facilities will do that. We don't, we don't, we wouldn't be the ones responsible for that. Speaker 15: I mean, Megan, that, that's a great question because that does bring up a point.
If their family prac, their family doc doctor can write a prescription, how do we then verify it and like what's the procedures for that? True. That our, our nursing Speaker 3: Yeah. That is not our responsibility to to verify their, that authority, that side of that, that's parental responsibility. Okay. Speaker 1: Well, and I know, so just from personal experience too, so my son had to have an EpiPen. So we had of course a prescription for that. So then there was the specific dosage which was based out on the prescription, which was already established in
the EpiPen that was kept in the nurse's office. Speaker 3: Correct. Speaker 1: So I don't think it's, I are you referring to like prescription writing at the school or the prescriptions? No, that we're getting in. Speaker 16: I, I'm sorry I didn't take better notes. Speaker 21: Well, it's under the words prescriptive authority are in two A and then there is, then there's, so if you look at number one medication that is prescribed has to be in the labeled container with a prescribing healthcare practitioner.
So that information is available and able to be followed up on. Does that make sense Megan? Yes. Speaker 16: It was the, it was the terminology, the prescriptive authority under Colorado law because we have no way to verify that the prescription that we received is from somebody that has prescriptive authority. Speaker 3: Right. That, Speaker 16: That was my Speaker 3: Question. And so I, I think what what they do is they give guidance to their health clerks. Like they won't accept something if it's like a handwritten scribble. Like it, it's gotta be from something that they can verify is a pharmacy that they can,
that they feel if they feel uncomfortable with it, they can then ask to verify what it is. If they don't feel comfortable having it on the premises, they also don't like we can't handle narcotics, anything like that. So most of these are very low level components in that. Sure. 'cause we don't, we don't do it. If it is, there is some things that are allowed in the state of Colorado that are, and and if it's those cases, parents have to come check the child out and then administer those.
We don't administer them. Sure. And that's in these pol in our policies to do that. Okay. So in that case, I think really what this is saying is you gotta bring it in a, in the vial so that people know what it is, what it is. Like don't just show up with a baggie and say, here here's what it is. That's really what this is saying is like bring us the prescription, like the bring us the real thing from Walmart or Safeway or a, or a pharmacy so that we know it really is in fact what, what you're supposed to be bringing in. Bring in the ibuprofen that way.
Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 16: And then as I was reading through this, I know a, a later policy speaks to the administration of Narcan specifically, but do we have a Narcan policy? Speaker 3: Yes. Speaker 16: Yes. Okay. Speaker 10: Yep. We do. Speaker 1: I thought it was referenced in Speaker 16: It. It is, it is referenced in there. I just wasn't sure if we had a separate policy for Narcan Speaker 10: Administrative, an opiate antagonist. Speaker 1: Yeah. 'cause that was brought up last two years ago. Yeah. Yeah. Speaker 16: And then, sorry for all my questions, but I really wanna help understand this. So the, the use of the stock emergency epinephrine, I,
I know that the policy says that basically this is an option of, or out of the option are any of our schools stalking emergency epinephrine? No. So, but this just leaves the, leaves it open to stock if the school chooses to do so. We Speaker 3: Can't afford it. We can't afford it. Well Speaker 16: That was my next question. How are we affording this and monitoring the shelf life? We Speaker 3: Cannot. Speaker 10: Okay. But our local PD or emergency teams, Speaker 1: They, Speaker 3: I believe in any, all of our emt Yeah. EMTs have it. Yeah.
But we do not stock extra because it is, it is cost prohibitive Speaker 15: But leaves the door open in case we get money one day. Yeah. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 16: That, that's how I understood it too. I just wanted to Speaker 10: Use those follow, follow Speaker 16: Questions. Thank you. Wish. Speaker 10: Yep. Okay. Speaker 16: I'm done. Great questions. Sorry. Speaker 10: No, Speaker 1: You're don't Speaker 15: Be sorry. No. Thanks for hijacking the meeting. It's alright. Speaker 1: Any other questions or discussion? Speaker 10: Do we vote on that now? Speaker 1: Yeah, we vote on it. Next Speaker 10: I'd move to approve JLCD. Speaker 1: Okay. I'll second. Thank you Sharon. May I get roll call please?
Speaker 10: Eliza? Aye. Asco Aye. Aye. Speaker 16: Aye. Jenkins Speaker 10: Aye. Speaker 1: Aye. Okay. May I get a motion to approve approval of changes to the policy JLCD dash R? Speaker 15: I'll make a motion to approve changes to policy JCD dash R. Speaker 1: Great. May I get a second? Second. Thank you Scott. Sharon. Speaker 10: Aye. NACO Aye. May Speaker 16: Aye. Jenkins Speaker 10: Aye. Speaker 1: Aye. And then may I get a motion please to approve the changes to policy J-L-D-A-C, the screening testing of students Before
Speaker 16: We do that, there's a spelling error. Speaker 10: Sorry. DAC Speaker 16: GL LDAC. Line four. We've got way too many Ls for legal or illegal, whatever that was Speaker 1: Supposed to be. We, yeah, that was caught I thought last time. Speaker 10: Don't mind. We hadn't changed. Is that on? Bless you. Speaker 16: Yes ma'am. 26. Speaker 10: Oh legal, legal. Speaker 1: Legal. Speaker 16: Legal. Speaker 10: Legal. Okay. Thank you. Speaker 15: Annunciate the L. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 1: Thank you. Megan. May I get a motion to approve approval
of the changes to policy J-L-D-A-C, screening and testing? Speaker 16: I make an approval for the changes to J-L-D-A-C screening and testing and treatment of mental disorders. Speaker 10: Great. Speaker 1: May I get a second? Speaker 10: I second. Speaker 1: Thank you Sharon, may I get roll call please? Speaker 10: Eli? Aye. Aye. Aye. Speaker 16: Aye. Jenkins. Speaker 10: Aye Speaker 1: Jensen. Aye. Okay. On the policy focus, which I believe Kirk, these were, this was the end of the policies that were brought forward by CS B? Yes. Okay. So now I know we had discussed possibly doing
like section reviews. Yep. Okay. Speaker 3: Correct. And so I think at this point we we're, Sharon and I reviewed it and I think what we're gonna, we're gonna propose is for section reviews, unless CASB shoots us a bunch more legal, what we're gonna recommend is doing the sections and starting in the new year with sections. And so we're going to, we're gonna ask that we take December off since we only have one meeting and you have mill levy certifications in
December, we'll take December off. But starting in January we'll just pick up sections for review because I believe we have not done just a review of policies since 2018. So we will start section reviews in the new year and we will gauge what is a reasonable amount per section to do. But we will work with administrative staff and start with their sections and have them review and bring forward any major changes that they see first
and then go through the section. So explain to me what section review in the letters. So we just start at a You got it. Perfect. Speaker 1: And see if there's any policies in there that are redundant, not necessary. Out of date, out of date. May need revision 1988. Yep. Speaker 3: And it, and it's an 88 1 may still be very relevant and we may still want it, but at least we've been able to say we've been through data it and it still fits what we believe as a board and as a school district. Perfect. Speaker 6: But there there's still relevant so there hasn't been changes.
Speaker 1: Yeah, but it documents the review date so yeah. Okay. Speaker 3: So we will, we'll start that in the new year. Perfect. Speaker 1: Great. Future request. So we've got the mill levy override in December, right? Certification. Certification, yep. Okay. And that's, so we've got the one meeting December 3rd at Highland. Are we meeting next Tuesday? So my, Speaker 3: On Monday the 17th. Speaker 1: So here, will the election be certified by the 17th? Speaker 3: So we believe so. So I
Speaker 6: Talked to the county and she said that it should be by the 24th. So we should be able to do, we have to do it within 10 days and it gives it, it's like nine days. So it's just perfect for December 3rd. Speaker 1: Okay. 'cause I was the Speaker 6: Canvas. I should get the canvas by before the fourth she thought. Speaker 1: Okay. 'cause I was gonna say if we could maybe do that special board meeting on Monday where we've already got the meeting and do the swearing in. But that won't give us enough time. Speaker 3: Too early. It's too early to do it. It'll be a little bit Speaker 6: Early 17th and I don't think we'll have it back. If we do, I'll let her know
and we guys can, I just don't know if we'll be the way she talked, by the way they have the dates set and everything. She went through every date that they have to have something and she said it through the 24th. Speaker 1: It was worth a shot. Sorry Scott. I thought Speaker 15: Are you here another meeting? Nope. Damn. Speaker 10: He's here for Speaker 1: The next he'll. He'll The 17th. Speaker 15: What's that? Speaker 1: The 17th? You're coming Monday? I am. What's on, you have to at least come on the third because we have to bomb voyage Scott. And
Speaker 15: On the third? Speaker 1: On the third, yeah. December 3rd. Bring in Steven if Speaker 10: You can Speaker 1: Not required, you don't get another cake though. You Speaker 15: Don't get paid if you don't come. I don't get paid. Yeah, Speaker 1: We get paid. Speaker 15: You guys are getting paid. Speaker 10: I know. Speaker 1: Okay. That was, that was gonna be one of my requests. If we could do the It's at 5:00 PM five 30. I'm Speaker 15: The 17th. Yeah. Five Speaker 1: Five 5:00 PM at the district office, right? Yes. Yes. Speaker 15: Okay. The Speaker 10: LOCI Speaker 1: Think I put that in Speaker 15: Five days.
Five days. Five o'clock Do or learning opportunity center. Speaker 10: The Speaker 1: LOCL. O-C-L-O-C. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 15: I learn a bunch every time I walk in there. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 1: Okay. Any other future requests? Speaker 15: Nope. Calendar's coming in February. Like it seems like it's coming January, February. Yeah. Speaker 1: Yeah. I'm glad that they, I mean I know, I know we requested to have that survey put out for the four day versus five day. 'cause I know everybody that I talked to grumbles about it, including myself and I would rather go back to a five day.
But the numbers have spoken. But I do appreciate you guys definitely looking at those comments for sure. And trying to, and especially 'cause we did have a, one of the daycare centers closed down within a week's notice, so I'm sure that made now has made a lot of families scramble. So Well, we'll get there. Speaker 10: So yeah, Speaker 15: I still hold out hope for five days. Speaker 1: Me too. I'm putting the Monday meeting in my phone, so I apologize. Okay. Speaker 10: Okay. Speaker 1: Any other future requests? Okay, we'll move on to meeting debrief.
Scott, would you like to go? Speaker 15: I thought the Speaker 4: Public comment was interesting. Respectful. I appreciated that. Appreciate their passion. I also appreciate Kirk's leadership on this and what we're trying to do as a board to, in a, in a district just make things right. So that's, you know, it's, it's gonna be an ongoing thing and I hope we all can come to a compromise or some sort of a collaborative solution to use that word that, that is good for everybody
Speaker 10: Is, Speaker 4: And then I do appreciate the work that Collaborative Solutions does. It's, it's a heck of a deal and it's not easy. Presents us with a lot of very interesting decisions to make, but you guys are the boots on the ground and I appreciate that. Speaker 10: Okay. Chance? Speaker 15: Public comment was, and I would like to say on the record that was very respectful and even though, you know, we don't agree, it wasn't actually enjoyable. Like it was respectful. And I, and I appreciate that.
I echo Scott's sentiments on it. I I still believe we're, I believe there's a compromise in here somewhere and I think that we're working towards it. I hope we can continue to work towards it with TRCS and I really respect the work they do. 'cause they offer a priceless service to our community. Cs arguably the most important committee that we deal with every year. So thank you for your work. I know it's not, you're the punching bags for the staff and so I I I'm sorry for that, but it is appreciated.
So thank you guys for this. Other than that, looking forward to end of semester right around the corner, Thanksgiving gonna be finishing up and then second half of the year. So thank you guys. Thank you Scott for your service and as a person where we all, we haven't always seen eye to eye on every issue. I've enjoyed our time together, so thank you for that. Speaker 4: Thank you. Speaker 15: That's all I Speaker 14: Got.
I, I'll go. I just was like, I don't want you last here meeting debrief. I feel like this was a good meeting. I appreciate all the people that came and did talk to us. I appreciate Kirk for trying to just make it clear for everybody to try to understand and that, and the communication that you did take forward to Two Rivers. I appreciate that. I'm looking forward to communication from them back. I hope to hear from their board or Jamie Nims with a, you know, a counter proposal or something.
I don't like confrontation, so it's very uncomfortable for me and I don't like it. I mean, we are a small community and a lot of these people I know not as a parent in the district, but as a business owner and it is uncomfortable. So I just ask people to continue to be respectful, to listen to each other, try to see things from other points of view. But most importantly, when I think about the law and it's cont it's pertaining to children.
We wouldn't want our kids to break the law like with anything. And that, that's where it comes down to. It's, it's a, it's a law and I want us to abide by the law. I want us, we're elected officials and we're representing our community. And I feel like that is, there was some people that said that we're upholding a weak law and I don't know of a law that is weak. Laws are laws regardless. So thank you. Collaborative solutions. Thank you to rifle TV
and communications team. Yay. Sound was spot on tonight. I'll Speaker 16: Say that. Yeah. I also want to extend some appreciation, Kirk, for your leadership, your transparency. I, I know there was a lot of, I'm gonna say impassioned voices today and which I absolutely appreciate. I think it's an opportunity to start some dialogue. What I felt was missing was the understanding that this is absolutely intended to be a negotiation.
And that if we had come in to to be bears about a situation, it would've been a cease and desist order. It would've been a, a stop and you're gonna do it my way. And that was, that was never your intention. So I appreciate that. You did, you, you did operate with integrity, honesty, transparency as far as I'm concerned. I know that that wasn't relayed in the, in the public eye, but we, we appreciate everything that you do for all of the children regardless.
And in the end, we've gotta find a solution that works for everybody. We, we really do. And I, I'm confident with your leadership that, that that is going to happen. So thank you for being the community punching bag. I'm sorry that that is the case, but we, we absolutely appreciate your leadership. Speaker 1: Thank you, thank you, thank you to everybody who came out. It was, again, I think I will echo what everybody has said. The public comment was, was respectful being on, on this side and on that side, the public comment has not always been respectful.
So it was, it was nice to, to actually to have that. And Ms. Rosie Reed definitely. Oh man. Brightened up my day. That was, that was pretty awesome. So thank you to collaborative solutions. Appreciate you guys being the punching bag for the, the teachers and the listening ear and everything else. And, but it's nice to know that there is a representation especially in every school. So, 'cause I know that there for a while that wasn't the case. So I think that's definitely good and making sure that, that, those discussions make it back
to the schools too is huge. So thank you to Kirk for everything that you have done for us and for this district as well. Again, I know that it was not the prettiest light that was pa that was painted tonight, but I do feel that transparency and honesty and collaboration have definitely been been at the forefront of your mind. Which is why, why the conversation was started as a conversation. So with that, I don't have anything else. Does anybody else Okay.
Speaker 16: Is doing Speaker 1: The Yep. The, oh that's on my email. Hang on the newsletter. I can Scott, I can board update. Hang on, hang on. Sorry. Speaker 22: Getting, there it is. Speaker 1: Yeah, that's right. Speaker 4: I did the first one. Just outgoing. Yep. There's only five Speaker 1: Of us. He's just gonna do the meme of mic drop. Yeah. No one Speaker 22: Has signed up but it looks like from chance Scott, Megan Fathom. Cassie, Speaker 1: You and I swapped. Speaker 4: Is it my turn? Speaker 1: Yeah, I think it's yours. I'll get it. Okay. I'll put your name in. Have that two to Theresa by 10 o'clock. Sure.
Verbally on Friday, eh? Speaker 10: There Speaker 1: Scottish, it's Speaker 10: December 10th. We'll shoot that Scott's not gonna be here December 10th, right? Huh? Or we have the third, Speaker 1: I'll adjust Speaker 10: Nine o'clock this Friday. Yeah. Okay. What the third will be? Speaker 1: This last we're talking about. So you were sign when you were signed up for the 10th and then the next board meeting. So Steve, welcome. That'll be yours. No, I'm just kidding. We won't make you do a Speaker 10: Board. I putting you down on the 14th. Yes, my birthday. Oh, happy birthday. Hey, mine's the 18th. Okay, that's all right. No, that's January. Okay.
His is Jan, January. Oh this is, sorry. January. January 14th. Oh, December. Oh, mine's November. Like we're way off you. January. I can take it. I'm 29th. Okay. January 14th, 29th and oh, I'll be the 29th. Just say are you November? Feel okay. 29th. Speaker 1: Alright, so with that we will go ahead and adjourn Wednesday, November 12th meeting at 7 36.