Mhm. >> here. Welcome visitors. >> 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. >> Welcome visitors again. Do I have a motion to approve the regular board meeting agenda as presented? >> I move to amend the agenda and remove item 4.03. >> Okay. Is there a second?
>> Second. >> Sorry, I'm ready. AJ Wilson? >> No. >> Ann Bennett? >> No. >> Mark Embry? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Cairns? >> No. >> Motion carried 3-2.
Okay, do I have a motion to approve the uh the I'm sorry. Do I have a motion to approve the regular board meeting agenda as presented? >> So moved. >> Second? >> I'll second. >> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes.
>> Mark Embry? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Cairns? >> Yes. >> Motion carried Information from the board and the superintendent. Um I'll invite Ronna to go first tonight since it's her last evening with us.
>> Uh well, I just want to thank this district for giving me all of the opportunities that I've had throughout my career. I've enjoyed working with our kids. I've enjoyed working with our staff. And I think that this is the best administrative team uh that we've
assembled um in as long as I can remember. And so, I will miss my directors and my assistant superintendents, my coordinators, and uh everyone in this district that I've worked with for more than 20 years. I appreciate your support along the way,
and we've done great things for the kids. Um we've built programs. We've maintained an accredited district. Uh we have performing schools. And we gave our teachers a large uh thank you this year as well as the rest of our staff. And
so, those are all great accomplishments, I think, for our district. And I look forward to seeing um all of you carry on and support public education. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right.
Michelle? >> Um Rhonda, thank you. Um Miss Ryan, thank you so much for uh leading our district um and for providing the uh foundation for
what I consider many great plans um including, you know, from from the new uh process to adopting new technology to um being financially responsible, um working with our uh chief financial officer and others to
make sure that we are able to um move forward in a way that um is honoring uh new teachers, uh new staff, new and uh you know, just I I think we've I I I think I feel very good about um this team, and I I think you've been an
excellent leader. Thank you very much, and um we'll miss you very, very much. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you, Mark. >> Well, I don't have any things school-wise to say. Thank you, Rhonda.
>> It's been a pleasure to have your friendship since the county high school days and and hopefully it will continue. >> Um I'll just echo my thanks to Rhonda. Thank you for your years of service and I really just wish you well.
>> Thanks. >> Um in your next phase, you and your family. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, thanks. >> AJ? >> Um So, I've gotten to know you a little bit more over the last 4 years and uh
I'll tell you what, it's been fun. It really has. And you've done an incredible job. >> Thanks. >> And I'm honored that we got to you know, be a part of hiring you as our super and our superintendent and I just I just want to say thank you.
>> Thanks, AJ. I appreciate all the laughs. We've We've certainly laughed a lot with you. >> Little crying, but you know, mostly laughs. But there were some tears. So, thank you. >> Thank you, AJ. Suzy? >> Um first of all, I just want to say
thank you to everyone for um this love and support for the last couple weeks. That was really sweet to me. Um sorry I've been out of the loop, but um back at it now. I I really appreciate it um that and absolutely echo what they've all
said. Thank you. We haven't had much time together, but um you're leaving the great the district in a great spot. Um financially, it it looks great. The admin team is so supportive and wonderful. So, thank you for what you've done.
>> Thank you, Lori. >> All right. >> Next item 4.01, presentation of the adoption of policy JIHCE, use of metal detectors. Chris Sullivan. >> Good evening, Madam President. Um
I I just wanted to do one thing real quick. I wanted to congratulate the Poplar County Hornet baseball team. >> Yeah. >> [applause] >> They won their state championship. Coach Annunziato is here. I was part of
his team. We worked really hard, and I had nothing to do with that Hornet team this one, but I know Joe did. Just being being through that whole process and everything like that, but that's a heck of an accomplishment. Coach Eads is also the coach of the year for the SCL,
and I think JASA coach of the year, as well. So, we had a heck of a run this year. So, just congratulations to them. Um >> [applause] >> I have before you for your um review, um a metal detector policy. I I want to
have a caveat here. We do not have a problem um >> [clears throat] >> in any way, shape, or form that we need to have metal detectors. We're not I'm not looking to use metal detectors as a universal screener or anything like that. That's already legal. We can do that at sporting
events. Uh we did it at the Pigskin. Um that kind of stuff. Um this is more of a asking for permission to use it for searches. Um when we have vapes, when we have,
you know, the the pocket knife or some sort of contraband that they we don't want in there. I want to uh get our APs and our deans of students away from that pat-down. I don't like it. Um when it's not necessary, we we shouldn't have to do that. Um especially
if we have a metal detector. Our biggest issues are uh vapes. Um every once in a while we catch a student with a knife or something along those lines. We we As you know, you don't see any of those [music] expulsions come
come through. We we do not have a problem. But, this is more of a proactive thing and more of a something to just to make protect everybody's privacy without being touched um with those things. It is it is um legal in the Fourth Amendment
uh to do that. Um we we have reasonable suspicion is what our our line of um our threshold is in schools for a search. Um but if you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer.
Absolutely. Yes, sir. >> So, are you looking more for a handheld not? >> Yeah, so we're we're going to look at these uh Garrett handheld >> Okay. >> metal metal detectors. There's three versions that we're currently looking at. The district's not going to buy them, but the schools can buy them if
they choose to use them. Um we already have our high schools that use them. >> So, they already have some then. >> They have some. They they use them more for the events like prom and things like that. And then we do have them for football games. Um if you went to the Pigskin,
our security uh uses That's on a universal screening situation. That's We don't need to have a board policy for that. But, I just wanted to make sure we had this. It was actually already in policy um JIH. Um
it in the bottom of it said that we had a policy. We never had this policy. So, that's why as I was reading this, I said we need to we need to have a policy. Um we do have a student search protocol that we already have already made. I've got the
training already made. Um I've got the PowerPoints already made um for the trainings for for all of the Fourth Amendment search and seizure stuff. Um all of the civil rights that are involved in this. Um but um I do think it's beneficial to have this so we
don't have to touch our students. Are there any questions? I know you just got it, but if there's any questions, I'll be happy to to answer. >> Mr. Slavonic Is everyone screened or >> No, it is not going to be a universal screener. We must have reasonable
suspicion to to screen somebody. And it's got to be one of those things that um the metal detector's going to pick up. The the handheld wand will pick up. Um we're not going to screen for drugs or something like that. Like if it's pills, we're not going to do that.
>> So, will it be an administrator, a teacher? >> So, it's going to be administrators um and whoever we train. More more than likely it's going to be principals, assistant principals, deans. And we probably can train our security officers
as well, especially in some of our places where we only have female administrators. Security officer could could do that because we do need a male and a female um same same gender to be part of that search. So, if we only have females, we need to have a male present. If we only
have males, we need to have a have a female present. Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Great idea. >> Thank you very much. >> Um thank you. Appreciate it. >> Next item, presentation and discussion of CASB training dates for the Board of Education.
>> So, I'm here to present. I've been trying to work with CASB. Um the available training dates for everybody to uh possibly attend the CASB training. We would like all of our board members to attend. Um the available dates for consideration
that they have open right now are July 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, and 20th. So, if you guys can look at your calendars and possibly discuss a date that works best and a backup date because they do fill up quickly. As of yesterday, these dates were available,
but as of tomorrow, they may not be. So, that way I have a backup date to present to them later when you guys vote, but any questions? >> And we're discussing that now, correct? >> Yes, and then you guys will vote on it later. We're just trying to be
transparent. I didn't want It was a fine line. I didn't want to do it through email. I would rather you guys do it publicly so that way we can get everything um >> pretty transparent then. >> Transparent, and then you guys can sit down together and also decide. >> And it'll be all day?
>> I believe that it's a half day. >> 5 hours. >> So, I could either do a morning to afternoon or an afternoon to the other. I can ask for an all day training if you guys would like, but I had reached out for a half day training. >> Okay, so we need to decide on a date, and then we need to also discuss if we
prefer morning or afternoon. >> I think that one other option that I would like to ask about is because we do have a meeting on the 21st of um July, that's that Tuesday. We could, if it sounded like Tuesdays were good for
>> me the 21st as an option. >> give me that I would have to reach out. I got the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, and 20th. Sorry. >> I hear what you're saying, though. That's a good idea. >> Well, I I I can reach out and ask, but
it's that's not a date he gave me. >> Cuz yeah, I I um yeah, I am if if it were available, that would be great because then it's it's just all on one day. So, it's one day in July versus two. That would be helpful. Um Does everybody have I I like the Mondays
myself. I think right after 4th of July seems a little I don't know what everybody's doing, but the 13th or the 20th they're Mondays. >> 13th for me. >> 13th? I like Monday the 13th. >> or 20th. I'm gone in in family reunion
in Missouri from the 5th through the 11th. So >> So I'm gone on the 13th, but I am around on the 20th. >> I can do the 20th. >> I can't do the 20th. >> Oh. >> Sun City. >> Yeah. >> But what if Sun isn't Sun City in the morning? >> right?
>> So we could make it the afternoon. >> We could make it >> Yeah, we could I think Monday the afternoon I mean maybe that would give everybody time to do other things and then we could meet Monday afternoon. >> Afternoon would be good. >> Yeah. 12 to 5, 1 to 6. >> Oh my goodness, it sounds like we're all
in agreement. >> So So we're talking about >> July 20th. >> The 20th in the afternoon. And then what times were you giving me so I can >> I think it's 5 hours, so whatever 12 to 5, 1 to 6, something like that. What what works best for everybody?
>> Mark? >> What time are you done with Sun City? >> 1:00 is good. >> So 1 to 6? >> I can make 1 work. >> Would you like Would that work for you? >> Yeah, I can make that work. >> And then we'll And [clears throat] then you guys write that down so you can vote on it later. Okay. >> Do we get to choose the time like that
too? So we could do like 1 to 6? >> 13th. >> No, it's the 20th we're talking >> We're talking about the 20th. >> Okay. >> Does that still work for you? >> Yes. Hey Kimberly, can we get to choose the time now like that? So we can say 1 to 6? >> choose the time. >> Okay. >> Absolutely. Yeah, just let me know and
then I if when you guys vote, I will send that to him and tell him what it is. >> Super. Thanks. >> He blocked off the whole the whole day for all of us. That's I'm just really excited that we that we found a day that works for everybody. So that's awesome.
>> Me too. >> July 20th. >> [laughter] >> July 20th. >> All right. >> Yeah, I got it. Um next item 4.03 request for the district to contract with local home school enrichment programs. I would like to invite Mr. Glenn
Freiberg to share a presentation. >> All right. Good evening. Thank you for letting me present and talk about this type of programming. Um in Colorado right now, there are somewhere between 20 and 30,000 home school students who participate in what
are called home school enrichment programs. Uh tonight I want to explain a little bit about why Keystone Education Services was created, why this conversation's happening right now, and why we believe this gives a good
opportunity for District 70 to actually meet some needs of the families in their community. So, uh I want to start with something important. Um this conversation's not happening because home school enrichment has failed across the state. It's not
happening because families don't want home school enrichment anymore. There's been a lot of talk at the legislator actually about home school enrichment and a lot of rules that have been made. Um so, the reason I'm here tonight is because the state of Colorado has started to move in a direction with home
school enrichment programs that require local partnerships in order for these programs to continue uh in different geographic districts. Uh so, the state has this year decided um the previous rule was that any district, charter, or
or BOCES organization could authorize home school enrichment programs anywhere in the state of Colorado. It didn't have to be in their geographic district. It didn't have to be in their member district if you are a BOCES. Uh but, the state is now changing those rules, and they're requiring any new programs or
any growth of programs this year to have a local authorizer, which means either the district or a charter inside the district. And so, that's why Keystone was created. Um whether or not people
agree with what the state did, uh uh, we want to just focus on how we can move forward here, um, in District 70 supporting homeschool families. I think I know at least several of the board members and I know there is, uh, a lot of support for school choice. There's a
lot of support for parents having the ability, uh, to educate their children in the way that they see, uh, best fit. And looking ahead to the 2028-2029 school year, um, the direction the state is speaking right now is that all
homeschool enrichment programs will be required to have local authorization, even the ones that already exist. And so that's where Keystone comes in. Um, we want to give families options still in
District 70, uh, including homeschool families. There are a lot of children, they have different needs, um, and they move sometimes between public school and homeschool, private school for health reasons, schedules. I'm sure you're all familiar with the different reasons, um,
and they're all District 70 families. Uh, they they all belong to the district and I think they all fall under the responsibility of the district to help if we're able to help them have those educational needs so parents have
choices. So when we look at Keystone Education Services, uh, we created this organization to partner with school districts or charters to help monitor compliance around homeschool enrichment programs so
that districts or charters that don't already have a department or personnel assigned and trained in this area, uh, don't have to create an entire new department in order to authorize. And so what we have been doing,
um, Um, because our team has been working with home school enrichment programs for several years now. Uh, we've been overseeing campuses uh, across Colorado. So, this past school year, uh, we oversaw 17 campuses. And that would be running the compliance on
those campuses. That would be making sure uh, that all of the paperwork is turned in. All of the attendance. We went through audits like every school district goes through audits. Every charter would go through an audit. Uh, we had to run through audits with hundreds of students and provide CD the
E the required material. And so, what we want to be able to do is partner with a school district here in district 70 in order to make available home school enrichment programs to students in the district. So, the way this would work, I gave you several um,
documents. Uh, and I'm not going to read through them because they're very long. And then I believe you had a contract proposal. Uh, let me just give you the big picture of how this would work. Uh, we are requesting the district consider signing a contract with Keystone. That
contract would have Keystone manage the compliance and the startup of these programs. And then the district would take a cut of the PPR that comes in for their oversight and for uh, authorizing
these programs. And the program would receive 87% of the funds. That would be for a contractor, the actual operator of the program. Uh, which is how almost all home school enrichment programs are run around the state right now is through a private operator contracting with a
district charter or BOCES. Uh, and then Keystone would take 6 and 1/2% like the district to pay for our team to actually manage the compliance and report back to you as the board uh, quarterly or more often if you decide uh, with the status of these programs,
how they're doing with all of their compliance pieces. Uh, so that you have a clean idea of what's happening with these programs. Um, this is something that is uh, important to me. Uh, I actually have a lot of kids. Um, I almost have more kids
than there are people in the room. Um, I have six kids and most of them are home schooled. Some of them just aren't of age yet. Uh, and my kids have used these programs. Uh, they are a great benefit to the home school community. Um, I live in D70 and I think as a board
you have an opportunity here to step in and to be able to pick up uh, this this uh, responsibility of working with the home schoolers in your district as well. And our goal as Keystone is to come alongside districts and charters uh, in
order to help them manage and operate these programs. So that's that's the big picture pitch, but I'm happy to discuss the details cuz I'm sure there'll be some questions. Um, and I know there's obviously some concerns and that's okay. Uh, with the original motion, so I'm
happy to interact on that. >> What is a home school enrichment program? >> Home school enrichment program, it's a part-time funded uh, education program. So um, they look like a hundred different things, but I can tell you the ones I'm
familiar with. Uh, I'll give an example. Um, we oversee uh, five campuses uh, in the Douglas County area. Uh, um, and those home school enrichment programs, students can come in, home school students, two days a
week. They get two mornings in those programs. They come in and they're going to do math for an hour, they're going to do ELA for an hour, and they're going to do science for an hour to support the parent in those core subjects. And so that would be an example of what a home
school enrichment program looks like, uh, but it's funded through the state. You get the half PPR for a home school enrichment program instead of the full funding. >> Well, as you mentioned, I have concerns, and one of my biggest concerns is that I
got this information today. >> We all have. >> And I feel like I didn't have time to read your information. Second, I have concerns that the organization I came early tonight to read what was delivered to me. And if
I'm not mistaken, your organization's about a month old. >> Yes. Yeah, so the rules were made about a month ago is when the legislature stopped. >> I listened to the Joint Budget Committee. >> Yes. >> I understand what you're saying, but well, I understand that you have concern that a year from now the state's going
to make a different decision. >> Well, and right now, sorry, they can't we can't authorize new programs right now either out of districts. >> So, this organization's been around a month, and you're asking us to authorize
something that has been around a month. >> Yeah, so our so our team has been around for 3 years managing this. We haven't needed to do it in this way yet because these rules weren't applicable. So, when the rules were made, we did open Keystone as a nonprofit to try to help
home school enrichment programs be connected to districts. So, we've operated the 17 campuses I was talking about is under Enrich Colorado, which is another nonprofit. >> read them, and they were all operated through ERBOCES. Is that correct? >> Correct. Well, they're authorized through ERBOCES. >> Authorized, excuse me. Yeah, authorized.
Authorized through ERBOCES. >> Yes. >> Hm. Okay. >> Mr. Freiberg, >> Yes, sir. >> I respect you, and I respect your ministry. >> Thank you. >> However, we have been through hell with the ERBOCES. I mean, it has been
constant bickering between my colleagues, and to come back to ask more is very brave of you. >> This is to get away from EAR BOCES. So, this gets us away from EAR BOCES to a local district instead.
So, EAR BOCES wouldn't have involvement in the programs D70 authorizes. Um the the state is trying to obviously stop one BOCES organization from having a monopoly, I suppose, on so many of these programs and requiring local
partnerships. So, it's a matter of finding districts that are pro homeschool enrichment choices and seeing if those districts would work to allow these programs locally without needing a BOCES group in Monument. >> Well, I did read the Enriched Colorado website before today cuz I when I And
I'm curious how like we offer everything in District 70 that is being stated as enrichment. I don't I like we offer career and technical education. We offer mathematics. We offer science. We offer
English. We offer all the things that your like this enrichment program would offer. And the way I read it, like you said, some And in And in you said in some places they go to school 4 days a week and some places they go to, some places they go
And I'm so >> How is that any different than what we already offer in District 70? >> Uh well, you don't have it designed in such a way that a student could go to a program for one full day and receive all those subjects in a in a in a contained way where they don't need to go on the
other days. So, it's packaging it in a way that works with homeschool families, works with their schedules in a way that helps them. So, yeah, I'm I'm sure a homeschool student could go to math at this time and maybe English at this time and this condenses it into a nice
schedule. They get the classes that they choose. They don't have to be in these programs, Uh but if a family says this is a program that fits our family's needs, they're able to get what they need in a concise amount of time where they're not trying to cherry-pick between going to a public school and
taking one course here or one course there. >> [cough] >> Which is why they've been so successful. I mean, 20 or 30,000 kids are in these programs. >> But that we don't have 20 or 30,000 kids in District 70. >> Correct, but there would be hundreds in District 70 who like these programs. >> see it, the the students that are
benefiting from that the the ER BOCES funding, all of that more recently, if I'm not mistaken, of all the schools that are associated with that at all, only one is actually in District 70 proper. >> No. >> Really? >> No, so so ER BOCES has one new program
that was trying to start and again, I don't run ER BOCES, but from from memory they have one in Colorado City. They have two at least in Pueblo West. There's one in the county. There's one that wanted to start up in Pueblo West,
but is now blocked from starting up. I know of at least five, but there are probably more. Again, I don't have a memorized list. I know the campuses we manage, which are those 17. Which include two in Pueblo West, but those are our only ones in D70 that I
directly have worked with. Yes. >> So, where do they where do they go for this enrichment? >> Wherever the private entity contracts, so that can look like a build a business type building, that can look like a church, that can look like a charter, that can look like a lot of things. Community centers, so some community
centers like some YMCAs have done this inside their buildings and have hosted these types of programs. So, it's it's really up to the enrichment program and the designers of the program to find the facility that meets local requirements. The only thing we're held to in
enrichment programs would be ADA, so they do have to be ADA compliant for anybody to be able to have access to the program. >> I appreciate the ability the parent choice their ability to
choose home school. I completely do that. We have all these teachers, all these programs available right here in District 670. Yeah, we want to duplicate it.
>> Well, and again, I I don't think you actually have these available in the context home school families are looking for. Which is why they're in all of the ERIE BOCES authorized ones right now. And so, if we can bring that to the district level and District 70 can offer
these in a package style that home school families are actually looking for, I think that would be more ideal. >> Well, is it possible that um because I keep hearing ERIE BOCES and I'm pretty sure I see some of the same names in this Keystone
document. Um is it possible to go through um the South Central BOCES office? Because if BOCES ERIE BOCES could can um authorize, why can't South Central BOCES authorize um for this
I mean it it's it's it's a big ask for a district to take on more, especially um at this juncture of our school I mean right now we are working I know, I was a teacher for a very long time. People are working to prepare for next school year and to take this on um
or to ask us I mean BOCES that is it's the cooperative education. I mean that's what they do. Is there a way that BOCES could do it? Is there a way that some other entity could you know, have you presented to them? >> Uh so, we have contacted South Central. So, they're allowed to do anything uh
within a member's district is how it works now. Um so, I haven't heard back from them yet. We we've reached out to every BOCES group in Colorado to try to set up meetings with them. Um that doesn't cover everywhere, but it gets close to covering everywhere. Uh most BOCES groups are uh not focused on
homeschool enrichment. Obviously, they're focused more on uh special services, things along those lines is what they tend to specialize in. Um this wouldn't have any weight on a teacher though. We're not asking for District 70 teachers or staff to staff these. The
the private contracting nonprofit would be the one responsible for acquiring staff. That's how it works at all of these programs already. So, it's not a lift for the staff in any >> I wasn't asking the teachers to lift. I was saying this is our Board of Directors. Our responsibility is School District 70. >> Correct. And and there are homeschool
families in School District 70. >> Right. >> And this would be a great way to partner with them and provide them with needs that they have. >> I have a question. If you could just um speak to this. It seems to me that we're not asking you're not asking for
anything that would compete with District 70. We're not taking students away from our schools. These are students that are already homeschooled. Their parents have already made that choice. And additionally, because Keystone would be handling the management of it, we wouldn't be
creating an additional workload for the district, but we would be creating a stream of income at 6 and 1/2%. Is that Am I um summarizing that correctly? >> the the only district staffing um there
would be a a light lift on the actual finance processing because you're going to have the money coming in for those students that has to be uh divvied to the program. Um beyond that, there wouldn't be anything except the board uh would have to o- oversee and be presented with
essentially we create scorecards for different enrichment programs, uh tell you how compliant they are, how they're doing, and the board would be the one to monitor if they want certain enrichment programs to be able to continue or not based on how they're doing. Um it would generate an income stream. I'm not going
to try to sell this as it solves all of the financial problems. Um it's it's not a massive income stream. Uh the goal is to keep as much as we can to the actual program itself for the operations of the program, but it but it doesn't cause a financial burden. >> Pastor Pastor Freiberg,
uh let's call a spade a spade. You are very controversial. >> I know. >> You are. >> I'm aware. >> as soon as as soon as we got this agenda item, oh boy, the emails started coming in. Some for, some against.
>> Mhm. >> And we have been through hell. We have just been through hell on account of Pastor Freiberg. And and >> Well, I I I I want to >> I I'm not sure what that's a reference to, but you can continue.
>> Your school. >> My school? Oh. >> Yes. Your attorney. >> My attorney? Well, so Brad Miller's never actually worked for us. I just want to clarify that. >> Well, I think the Miller >> Miller Farmer Carlson Law >> of is part of this.
>> Miller Farmer Carlson Law, Brad's just never been directly contracted with us. >> Well, I mean, it's the law firm, right? I mean, we we've heard a lot about law firms and being controversial. I have a question for I think um our admin team um and maybe this it's a clarifying question regarding any of this. So, the
6% stream of income does not and to me counter the potential, if I'm not mistaken, any liability of associating ourselves with any new program, especially at this juncture of a school in preparation. So, I'm not suggesting
teachers have to prepare for any of the things you're suggesting. I'm saying I want to focus on our students in District 70. I want to focus on our staff of District >> What about home school students? I'm sorry. >> Well, but home school students again parents have choice. We talk all the time about parental choice and I'm I'm for parental choice. If parents want
to choose to home-school, I totally support that and in fact I have had students no students that have come to the schools where I have taught that come to take a class. They can be in marching band. They can take CTE. They can do all of these things. So I'm curious is there a liability here
if somehow the money issued the money used the money any of the things happening is there a liability for us? Can anyone answer that? >> Well, as an authorizer for a charter, we are we are liable for any sort of
special education complaints. We're liable to have to if there was a complaint the district has had to pay and and we utilize our staff to answer those complaints. If there's
requirements for services the district is is required to provide those services if they are not able to find them because otherwise we are liable if we're not providing the services that are required through an IEP. When you say that there's no lift by the district, it is a lift for the finance
department. We've experienced that in the past whenever we authorized PCA in a rush. We authorized PCA in a rush and it was a huge problem. We we almost didn't make payroll in the month of April because the state was not going to
release our money because their financial audit was not complete. So it is definitely a problem and it can be a problem for the district and it can it can raise issues. The that money has to funnel through our district and so there's certainly a lift for the finance
department determining what services we're providing and it's it's it's not always as simple as just a 6.5% cut off the the It's never that simple. It's never that simple for any of our charters, either. >> How is this different than a charter? >> And And if I can say, special education
is not required for home school enrichment programs. You have no responsibility to meet an IEP or any special education requirements. >> if something happens. So, if if in one of your schools there's a lawsuit because of um the student um I believe you guys had a lawsuit, right,
with Riverstone? >> No, that's not a home school enrichment program. >> But I'm saying that it it's one of your programs. So, >> But that was related to special education, which home school enrichment programs are not. >> there But if there were an issue where there was a accusation or a lawsuit, our district is certainly responsible
because we are your authorizer. So, yes, I I do see responsibility. And I also see responsibility to our to our public. Um our public is not supportive of us taking on um home school enrichment. It's servicing approximately maybe we
have 70 maybe 70 kids that have signed up and said uh actually presented their forms saying that they're going to be in home school. Correct, Chris? Around that number? So, you know, 70 * 6,000 420,000 * 6, you know, 20 some thousand dollars to
um to take this heavy lift on and then we lose students because our public is irritated that we're um taking on something that they're going to consider is aligned with a Christian curriculum.
And that's something that we've been dealing with for the last year and a half. So, it is an issue. It's not just the fact that we don't want to necessarily I personally I'm I'm not going to be here
after this month, but I personally don't see us benefiting from authorizing this uh because our public is not going to support it. And maybe some of our public may some of our public may support it, absolutely. >> Yeah.
>> But you represent all students in our district. >> ones. >> Yeah. >> Am I allowed to respond to the >> But we do have home school representation. >> do have home school enrichment at Swallows. We have home school enrichment at Villa Villa Bella and >> isn't going yet, but they are working on an enrichment program. Yes.
>> Yes, and when Villa Bella showed up here two meetings ago or whenever, nobody raised an issue about their enrichment program. >> Because they're doing it themselves. It's not running through the district. And they're tracking it themselves. You're You're contracting a third party. You're contracting a third party and and
then you have home school enrich. The CEO of that is Renee Miller, who is Brad Miller's wife. >> I think we should call a spade a spade and say that it's really not about home schoolers. It's really not about enrichment programs. >> Bringing controversy to our district. >> Because there's a chip on people's
shoulder because of Brad and because of Brad. And I'm not willing to sacrifice the suddenly home school students for a vendetta. >> But you're willing to sacrifice people pulling their kids out of our district that we actually do get funding for. >> out of the district. This will add to
your total student count. This has the potential to get hundreds of students who are not currently enrolled in the district part-time enrolled through these programs. Again, there is there is no there is no requirement on special education. The state hasn't made that requirement. All you're required to do is make meet ADA
standards. I did mention the only lift it'll be a smaller lift, but it will be a lift for the financial department. So I did say that right up front and divvy in the funds. You'd be no more liable for this than you would for the enrichment program at Swallows or Villa Bella, which you seem to have no problem with. I think it does come down to
me, BOCES former me, Mr. Miller. I think that's what it comes down to. If that's the issue, the >> I I don't >> Could I say one more thing and then just
on the Christian curriculum side the contract specifically says non-sectarian content. We have been audited. We have been looked at at all of our enrichment programs. None of them have Christian material. It's publicly funded. We follow the rules on all of our
enrichment programs. We've never had a problem any of our 17 campuses. >> Superintendent Ryan spoke about us having a partnership with >> PCA >> with PCA in the past and PCA the charter school they had a
home school reform program. At the time Mr. Manders was in charge of home school reporting. It was a significant lift in terms of tracking the attendance fees and the reporting to the state. So it wasn't just a few hours and a 6 and 1/2% off the top.
>> That's what we do though. >> Please. >> That's the whole point of Keystone. >> point of partnering. >> When it comes to us they're we're contracted. We still have to track those numbers. We have to track those students. We have to track that attendance. >> So I'm saying we track it and enter it
into your system for you. Just like we've done for other organizations. >> Can I ask a question but as far as the 87% that goes to provider programs who who are those providers? Who runs those provider programs? Is there is there like a bunch of different ones that you have to send 87% to each kid or is it
just like one >> It would depend on who the nonprofits are. So there's one in Colorado City. I don't know the name. I know Newman runs a program on the side at their school for home schoolers. So that would be I don't know if they're going to come
through D70 but that's a potential one. Enrich Colorado has two programs in Pueblo West and then the one who is going to start I don't know the nonprofit. >> You figure out you figure out which students go where and then I have to start to check all
these different programs for 87% based on each >> Yes, so it would be along the lines of if Enrich Colorado has 90 kids, you just have to take 90 times the half FTE divided by 10 and issue that monthly. >> And then we're responsible for all of
the reporting side of that because even if you're tracking, you are still responsible for the reporting portions of it. We are the We are the conduit to CDE. So all the communication that happens and errors and all of that stuff >> Mhm. >> all come through us. >> No, I understand. I'm I'm saying obviously you wouldn't have to, but we
have used the pipeline to CDE to report this information already. And so we're actually able to do that for the district. That's the whole point is outside of the financial department, which I said right up front, um we're trying to take the lift off the district. That's the whole purpose of Keystone.
>> We We don't give others authorization to um do the data pipeline for us. That's That's our job because we are the ones ultimately who have to pay in the end if if things are reported incorrectly. So we don't just give anybody um and in fact we limit to even amongst our admin team we limit who has that
ability to report. >> It's just for reference I guess what PCA currently owes us a significant amount of money because of it was an overcount and we paid for them and now we're trying to get money back from them and they won't pay us.
>> Yeah. >> past the >> Yeah, so this This is usually based on actual counts and then reconciled immediately after October count to whatever the actual numbers are. >> They did too, but then CDE comes in does an audit a year later and those students >> That's right. >> We got We gave them the money, but those
>> They're just doing a clawback, you're saying? >> They do a yearly audit like they don't do it yearly. So they go back a couple years and they start auditing >> later you're paying back. >> you need to dig up where this kid actually showed up and signed in or" >> signed in or >> Yeah, like
It's not It's not easy. >> Well, and so just for we we've been through audits every year. We had 250 some kids audited this past year. Um we haven't had clawbacks yet because attendance is a massive deal. You have
to prove it multiple ways on count week and then the count window. Uh you can have an extensive process if you're good at doing this to where we could avoid that, but the contract does allow, which I'm sure PCA's did as well, uh clawbacks from the provider. It's just a matter of getting it back at that point. So, I do
understand that, but that would be the same case with a charter or something. >> So, with PCA, um what kind of experience did they bring to the table when when that was approved >> I wasn't there. >> I wasn't either, to be honest. >> I was.
They they said they had a lot to offer and they already had a track record with District 60. >> With PSAS. >> Yeah. And then we ran into issues with the audit
uh because that was part of our reason is we wanted to give that school choice. And so we or rental choice, I guess, and so we ended up doing that with PCA and because of the financial aspect, I mean,
you just alluded to something that I didn't even know um that they still owe us money. >> Yeah. >> So, I knew we had to, you know, do some things with the state with them as far as the auditing report. And that's part of the reason or that's
the main reason that we did release them to your BOCES. >> As well as uh the fact that they did not provide the services that they were supposed to provide for their students in the >> That was with ESS, correct? >> Right. And so, we were continuously having to um put our own people, take take from our
kids and put into PCA so that we could have a special education for IEPs in compliance. Um so, it was an issue, but for me it was it was the money was the the money was a huge issue because it almost prevented us from getting our
funds and paying our teachers. >> Can I Can I ask you a question, actually? Um if a charter were to authorize enrichment programs like that, how would you manage that money? So, what another option is Villa Bella can authorize all the programs if they want, or Swallow's good and we could contract with them. Um
if the district's not interested in this type of a partnership, what will that do to the financial department though? Is it the same thing? >> Um if it's through Villa Bella, they do all their own finances. >> You'll just pass through the money. And then if it's clawed back, does it go to you or the charter?
Okay. Okay. Yes. Yeah. Mhm. I was just curious. I didn't know that. Exactly. Mhm. >> But if I'm sorry. >> that's a risk with anything you
authorize though. It wouldn't be unique to home school enrichment, right? >> I'm sorry. >> Okay, I'm back. And you and I spoke. I I got along with you well. You're a nice man. I'll start >> Likewise. >> Uh thank you.
Uh As I mentioned before, we've been through hell with our uh school board disagreeing this and that centering on your school centering on Brad Miller.
And just when things are coming to a peaceful conclusion we're put in an uproar again. And let me continue. >> Yeah. >> Uh I'm going to paraphrase an email I read right before I came to the meeting. Well, we all we got them all.
>> Mhm. >> And it said, "Our school board has the responsibility to direct our school district to write to provide stability and the best education for our District
72 students. And this bickering and arguing is being noticed by our students. It's being noticed by our constituents. What do we have 12,000 students? >> 10's a little over 10, yeah.
>> And and Pastor you continue to be the center of controversy. And you you When I I'm just going to tell you my history. I was on the school board for 8 years. And I had no idea when I was asked to do it again
what I was getting into. And it has been very difficult answering all these emails. It's been very difficult. Being a board member, it's been very difficult not getting along with people I want to get along with.
And just as I said before, just as it was coming to a conclusion here Pastor Fryberg has come and stirring it up again. So >> And I'm not sure why it has to be a stir
up to just help home school families. So I didn't I didn't try to pack the room. I just came there's a discussion about can we help home help home school students? Um I understand we have some ideological differences on some things.
Uh but part of the way to have uh a a strong board that is able to work together would also be compromising to the other side sometimes and and being willing to be in support of home school enrichment program. >> Order. Well, I'm just saying it it can go two ways.
It doesn't have to be an uproar. Cuz cuz there are a few people who know everything I'm doing and complain about everything I'm doing to whoever I'm doing it with. And I'm sure that person probably emailed you. Um
and that's I I can give a name, uh but I don't think that's necessary. Um so if if you don't want to do it because of me specifically, uh you're welcome to have that position. Um >> Well, I'm listening to our directors,
our superintendent. They're not in favor. They're not in >> So, the question though is the is the board in favor of trying to help home school students have these options even if it's not a massive number, even if it's only a hundred kids? >> [clears throat]
>> Is it worth helping? >> I'm familiar with Colorado Revised Statute 22-33-104.5. >> I don't memorize the statute, so you'd probably have to tell me >> Yeah, I read it. >> what it says and then I'll know if I'm familiar. >> This statute already gives home school
students [snorts] the right to participate in extracurricular and scholastic activities in the public school district where they filed their intent. Sports clubs, art programs, and similar activities at no additional cost to the
district. They are on what already exists for the enrolled students. Michelle and I were both teachers forever and I had many home school school students in my classes. >> And and that's great. This doesn't stop that.
It This doesn't stop that. Like I said earlier and I actually like that you brought up that point. You already are dealing with the liability of some home school students that may or may not make the audit and may or may not have good attendance and may or may not pay out. So, that's already a liability that you have. But, when you look at home school
students, I'm glad there's a group who are going to the district for these things right now. There are a lot that it is not designed in such a way that it's compatible with what they're doing at home, and they like these other options, which is why there are 25,000 kids in these other options
around the state, and and hundreds of them here in District 70. And so, it's just a matter of are you willing to try to move towards a relationship where we can give these students the opportunities that the families are looking for? >> Have you ever been involved with home
school enrichment? >> So, so my question for you, Mr. Fryberg, is to begin as mentioned, I did ask to revise our um agenda for the purpose of giving myself time to study because that's I
mean, I I think it's imperative to be informed. >> Second, um you >> mentioned okay, so again, I found out tonight, got here about 4:00, started reading. This has been around for 1 month. And I want to know I I I'm asking um so, I know Fortgen schools, there are
several schools that are associated with Fortgen schools, if I have that correct. Um and I it sounds to me like these are two separate entities. So, you're starting a new endeavor with Keystone that's been around for a month. And my question for you, I don't understand I I it's a a clarifying
question. >> Yes. >> With um all the things said that we can manage the money and send it here and do all these things, has anybody that you're associated with ever had to do all of those things? >> Anybody we're associated with?
>> Meaning like, have you done it? Because you're you're you have schools that you're in charge of. If I read about >> the finance part cuz that would be the authorizer. But, yes, like you said, with ER BOCES, we're managing the compliance piece of the program. >> did all of this before. So, now that
ERBossy's can't, somebody else has to learn how to do this. I just feel like this is rushing something that at best should not I mean not be talked about right now. In in the context of our summers in Colorado are very short.
School will start very soon and I feel like this is rushing something that needs to be um looked at uh very closely legally we uh by an attorney. Um but you know like I just I I because I when I'm
looking at ERBossy's clearly I mean $108 $118 goes through ERBossy's. That's what was ERBossy's budget last year. So, now that that money is being I guess pushed into local areas to manage
home-school programs. I don't I mean I feel like that's a big ask to ask anybody to take on a responsibility like that. Like I I don't think we have that many students in District 70. And by I I love kids. I want all the best for kids. That is not
what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about the fiduciary responsibility that I have as an elected official to make sure I'm serving all people. I'm I'm serving the district. And so I feel like we're being asked to consider something in short time that needs to be
I mean this is this is and I realize I'm not making a decision tonight. But I even think next month or in August or any time time soon it would be too soon to take on a responsibility like that. >> And are you in favor in the long run of
making a way for home-school enrichment programs like this happen? >> perfectly fine with home-school programs obviously like I keep saying that. Like I want the best for kids and you you mentioned it well like you said you said and I think you're putting words into my mouth um but by by
suggesting that I'm suggesting that like we cannot make I I don't want to rush anything. I want to be cautious. I think what happened last year to District 70 was rushed and I don't want to rush something that shouldn't be rushed. I really care about kids. I want the best for kids and I think the best for kids
is making sure we're doing everything um transparently like that we're making sure that we know how this would work. And that's why I asked, is there somebody like this whole theory of this could work? Has anybody or in in in all
of it like ER BOCES was doing it and they managed $118 million and the state said that can't happen anymore. So how do we >> all their programs running. They just stopped growth for 1 year and then they're going to try to disperse it to local as much as possible. >> I I understand that. I I get it. I just
I'm I just feel like like I said, I got the information about 2 hours ago. So. >> Yeah. And and so I'm hearing your a fan of the idea long run of making this >> if I'm a fan of the idea. I'm a fan of the idea. I'm a fan of learning. I'm a
fan of learning. I'm a fan of kids. I'm a fan of making sure that we're doing things correctly and I don't feel like what you're proposing I question the plan because it is so short uh
So as far as like do I want what's great for kids? Absolutely. But do I want what's great for all kids and who do I serve? I was elected to serve District 70. And you're asking >> The residents of District 70 Right. Huh? >> The residents of District 70. >> I'm I was elected to serve the residents of District 70. That is correct.
>> Okay. >> All of them. >> Yes. >> And when you're asking homeschool like parents I I just So my going back to my question is who would do that? Who who knows how to do what you're what ER BOCES has done for all of this for so long? >> In terms of just the financial
authorization piece? >> the financial like making sure you're doing all of the things that would make you accountable. Who's being >> The the state >> accountability >> sets [snorts] the accountability standards. >> what I'm talking about. I'm talking about day-to-day. You get money. >> Oh, we do. So, we've been doing this.
That That's the whole point. I understand this is new to you. We're We're living in this for several years. This isn't new to us. This is just a different authorizer. >> So, you've been running all those schools and doing this separately? >> Sorry, I didn't hear the first part. >> So, you run all these different schools
and you're doing this. You've been doing all of those things for all these years. >> programs? Yes. >> The enrichment and >> It's not me. I have There's 130 staff. >> Oh. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> We We We have a team. We have
a large admin team that manages this. This isn't We're not coming from zero to 100. We're just trying to say we can report compliance to a local district and give them what they need versus ER BOCES. But that's what we're saying. This isn't new for us. This isn't
something that's difficult if you know the systems. >> But this is new. >> Then how come How come you created Keystone? >> No, but this is new. >> This isn't new. I'm just curious like >> This This >> So, we were We were managing the compliance under Enrich Colorado. And now after the state made their rule
change, it became necessary for the districts to be able to authorize these programs directly if you want any growth or starting in '28, '29, the talks currently are if you want any programs at all, you need a local district to support it. And so, Keystone came about.
It's not just Pueblo. I'll meet with Westcliff in 2 weeks. We have one in Grand Junction we're going to meet with. We're We're trying to meet with everybody we can. The purpose is how do we make home school enrichment programs um available to kids in those districts.
That's the goal. Uh I understand it's new to you. I understand this was last minute. Um it was It it actually last minute to me as well in this setting. Um Um but we've thought through Keystone. We've done this for 3 years. We We're not thinking this is a heavy lift.
>> But you've done this as as Enrich Colorado. >> Correct. >> So were you working for Enrich Colorado or who who works for Enrich Colorado or that would be working with you now that was how to do all of these things that are listed on this? >> The entire admin team.
>> And they're all from Enrich Colorado? >> Uh the entire admin team plus others. So yes, all of the admin team of Enrich Colorado is involved, but we are bringing on more staff. >> AJ? >> Um how many kids do you have in the district
>> Okay, when you say you do you mean >> And so many would be coming home school in the home school enrichment program are currently in like schools that are in District 70? >> Probably in enrichment programs in District 70
It's probably 200 and 20 to 250. So I don't manage compliance on all of those right now. Um the the ones that I currently manage compliance on um are going to total somewhere around 70 kids for those two programs. I know
Newman's program is pretty large. Um I have spoken with Newman some. Um yes. >> But how is like so when you are mentioning Newman and you're mentioning um the um I like when I read the Enrich Colorado website,
it said that you offer four-day programs, you offer two-day programs, and you offer one-day programs. And so how like when I read that I thought a four-day program is no different than going to a public school. >> It's 2 hours in the morning.
>> So but you but I know like the inconvenience you mentioned or the convenience of doing this, how is that any different than going to one of our great schools and having a kid take a math class or a science class or be in band or be in a CTE class because no
matter what, isn't that 2 hours always the same? >> No, not if the class bell schedule doesn't work like that in the school. >> So, they go 2 hours a day whenever they want? >> No, they go 2 hours a day for the 4-day program. They go 2 hours a day from 8:30 to 10:30. >> That's exactly how our schools work.
>> they get Well, there's specific courses and then the 2-day compacts them into 2-day versus 4-day. And the 1-day is a is a little bit different of a program. If you read the website, and that's not something the district would offer in a condensed 1-day. The point is there are a lot of families
who look for these models. Do you want to make a way for them to access these models long run? That's the question. >> I was going to respond to Michelle. Excuse me. Just a second. Anthony, I was going to respond to Michelle. Um I think that I I hear what you're
saying about if they are willing to go for 2 hours, 4 days a week, why not just use our schools? Um to me, it's not our place to second-guess the judgment of the parents. There could be a hundred reasons why parents might
think that a home school enrichment program meets their needs better than sending You know, I have five kids. I home-schooled. Sending kids to different locations for different things. Um and so, I don't want us While I can appreciate what you're saying, I don't
know that it really helps us to get in the weeds of um whether or not parents' decisions and preferences are justified or not. >> But, in the state of Colorado, parents have had school choice as long as I can remember. And they can choose to home school, they can choose to go to public school, they can choose
to go to private school, they can choose. They can choose. And and I'm in support of parent choice. Like parent can parents can choose where they go to school. I was elected to serve public school district 70 public school. >> So, not residents. >> I'm fully aware of the situation. I was
a public school >> No, I was Well, >> Cuz this is public This is a public entity. >> It's public funding that the state assigns for this. >> most of my neighbors are retired people, just for [clears throat] example. And when I am in my neighborhood, when I
went out and filled out my petition to run for office and I told them why I was running, I said, "I'm running because I believe in our schools. I believe in our community. I believe in you. I want the best schools because the best schools are and I have been a part of it and I
say we have great schools here. So, most certainly I I think I can I can um right now ask you to quit asking me to say something you want me to say and just understand that I am serving
District 70. I am trying to practice my Like, I want to serve District 70. I want to serve the students of District 70. I want to serve the families of District 70. And again, we have we have school choice. Like you were just suggesting, like people can
people can drive People drive all over Pueblo to take their kids to the best schools and I was really fortunate to teach at those schools. I know that we have great schools in District 70 and I support them and I support families and I support family choice, but understand
what you're asking us to do is another responsibility and we're not especially at this late hour. It's the 11th hour. We are ready And when I said about teachers, when you corrected me about that, please understand that teachers right now, they're gearing up.
And I understand you're saying, "We're not asking them to do any more." I I agree with you. But these people around this table, they have worked. They were They were working in January and even before to begin planning for this next school year. It's not
something that happens today. They've already been planning this whole time and to bring this in at the 11th hour right before another school year starts seems very late to me. >> Well, and and I agree with you. It's It's unfortunate the legislator did this so late. So, we didn't decide for the
legislator to do it in May. So, we're bringing it to you because the legislator did it late. All I would say is if you're supporting school choice, this just gives home school families more options. They can pick the district, they can pick one of these programs. It's just more choice.
>> I just wanted to add that we [clears throat] we do have and we have regularly had home school students participate in our programs. The advantage of them participating in our programs is our teachers are licensed and highly qualified in all of those areas. And so, we think they can get their top quality education in those areas.
>> And that might be a value for you, but that might not be a value for the parent. >> I would I would also say I I would also say that's an assumption that our teachers are not licensed. >> No, we're not. >> So, Yes.
Okay. We We have licensed teachers, too. So, that's great. I'm glad you have licensed teachers. >> I'm just saying parents should have the choice. I'm not even saying that's a right choice or wrong choice. I'm not advocating. I'm just saying it ultimately should be the parent's choice, not our choice for the parent.
>> It should be the district's choice on choosing programming in our district, though. >> And you would get to vote on that. >> It's kind of instruction. It is It's not the board's job to determine programming. It's the board's job to vote on budget and finances and to oversee things, but it is not your It's
your job to approve curriculum, but it is not your job to build programming. >> And you wouldn't have to build. I'm So Key Stone actually builds it, presents it to you, and you get to decide if that's a program that you want to authorize that you think will be successful. >> Is it all grade levels? Yeah, it depends on which
Oh, Oh, depends on which campus, but it it So, home school enrichment funds are K-12. You can't get any pre-K, but K-12 is what you can qualify for. I know you're next. >> So, what's going on here? You know,
as we look at this room, the five of us do not run the district. These people do. >> Amen. >> These people run the district. And as we're going through our discussions, I'd like to converse with all our directors and see
how they feel about it because they know one heck of a lot more than I do. I mean, Jamie explains finances well. You know, we've got personnel, but I'd like to see what they say. They're the pro They're the pros. All I
was was a teacher. I was just a teacher. >> That's important. >> And and I I know, and I never I never communicated with them, and I never had any idea what they do. They're heroes. These guys are heroes.
And we can't put more on their plate. That's all there is to it. We cannot. Okay, President. >> Are you wanting them to say something or not? >> I think that I I'm assuming that um if there were administrators that wanted to weigh in,
they already tried, but if there's somebody that would like to offer something else, um I invite you to to let me know. Are there any other questions or discussions? >> I have one more question. Are you not able to go You are able to
go through a charter to um do your home school enrichment, correct? >> I Yeah, a charter or local district. Yes. >> So, you could go directly through a charter um to do this as well without going
through us and us authorizing it. Um, they were so inclined to, uh, authorize your enrichment, correct? >> Uh, correct. Um, the There was a comment I'm just clarifying, uh, charter institutes don't count though, uh, but local charters
charter institutes typically don't have the ability to do multi-campus. Um, so we have reached out to Villa Bella, uh, and uh, we can reach out to swallows, but this is asking is the district wanting to be involved? Uh, if they do it, they're going to have whatever the lift
you think is here, they're going to just have that lift. Again, it really comes down to they have to divvy finances is going to be the main thing. Um, so if you don't want to be the ones to make it possible, I think this is a good way though to show we support home
school families, we support choice, so we're going to help these families. >> I have a question. >> Yes. >> Have you talked to District 60? >> Uh, not yet. No. Uh, there's a >> You have some enrichment programs in District 60, correct?
>> Uh, yes. So there's, uh, discussions, uh, with another authorizer, um, currently on the table, uh, with the PSAs. So, we're waiting to see where those go. >> didn't go directly to their school board? >> Uh, sorry, which one? >> Why didn't you go directly to District 60? >> The PSAs was already in the works with
another group. Yeah. So, we're waiting on PSAs to vote on a District 60 contract, in which case they would become the geographic authorizer of District 60. The question is, are you willing to become a geographic authorizer for District 70 home school students who want these programs? >> Pastor Freiberg, did you speak directly
to one of our board members? >> Did I speak directly to one of your board? I think I've talked to all of you now. Oh, I I have not talked to Susan Clark. >> Not to bring you to this meeting tonight. >> One-on-one. I I speak with multiple board members. >> So, you haven't given me an answer.
>> Huh? >> You haven't >> no, I did not request actually to be here at this meeting. I didn't ask anybody to put me on the agenda. >> And does anyone here work for you? >> Does anyone here work for me? In what capacity? >> In any capacity. >> In any capacity, Susie Carnes is
employed in a separate organization. >> You already knew that though, Mark. >> Yeah, Mark already knew that. >> audience >> Su- Susie Carnes is not compensated by Keystone Education Services at all. >> Does your board Does your Keystone Do you have a board of directors? >> Yes. Which she already disclosed to you
as well. She's not compensated at all. Yes, I I have no problem saying I'm a fan of Mrs. Carnes and her support of parent choice and these different options for home school students. >> Yes. >> I'm not sure why that would be a negative thing. >> It's not.
>> Correct. So I Yeah, I'll tell you what I do. That's not a problem. >> Yeah. All right. Thanks. >> Did you say something? >> I just asked if we could >> Okay, we're going to move on. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> AJ's had enough fun for tonight. >> Yeah. That's enough.
Item 5.01, open forum for comments. How many do we have? We have seven. >> We have 162. >> Um you will have a 3-minute timer on there. It should pop up on the screen. I tried it earlier. Our first one is Roxy
Pennell. >> Thank you. Thank you. Uh good evening. Can Is this on? Um you know, I've been I was with the district for 20 years as a teacher um proudly uh putting together a wall-to-wall
association with Donna Roth running the union, government affairs, created the Arts Academy at County High, which is now brilliantly run by better, stronger, and more innovative teachers. A program that so many kids can access whether they're in our district or not.
Home schooling has always been built on the principles of flexibility, independence, and parental choice. People chooses because they value the ability to customize education. Yet today some are proposing publicly funded home school enrichment programs as if home school students are somehow lacking
those opportunities. They're not. They're not. The truth is home school children already have access to a tremendous number of free resources available through our public schools and communities. When people choose to home school their children, they choose to take them out of the public schools.
Plain and simple, we don't want them there. We want them here. I'm a huge proponent of public schools. I'm a huge proponent of academies within those schools and we actually with our academies have taken 2,000 students, not just the academies, but our teachers
from District 60, something that they are are grappling with and furious about because we have so much to offer. All those home school kids can come and get that. Creating additionally publicly funded enrichment systems introduces several
challenges. First, fragmented learning. One of the greatest strengths of home schooling is the ability to learn deeply and at a and at a child's own pace. Constantly moving from one enrichment program to another can interrupt the rhythm and replace meaningful mastery.
Those additional costs should not come on to taxpayers who have chosen the democracy of public education that takes every child, that takes every child. Many enrichment programs rely on private contractors and varying standards.
Academic rigor, discipline, and educational philosophies differ widely and uh making quality difficult to ensure and public oversight nearly impossible. And then scheduling. Home schooling offers families the freedom to adapt, travel, and design learning
that's flexible. Those organized enrichment programs are rigid in their schedules, and if you're not adhering to them, you're not adhering to the outcome, and really it's I'm sorry, it's a money grab. To create a program
this late in the game, and the people in this room are not new to all of the issues that happened with ERBOCES, with Brad Miller, and you're out of money. We get it. It's unfortunate, but I will tell you there are members on this board who I
don't think you understand, arguably, what public education means, and if you are involved in any way, shape, or form, you must recuse yourself from this vote. >> Next. Next one is Michael McDowell. I'm trying to get it stopped. Sorry,
hold on. Let me start over. >> Why would the D70 board vote to appeal a ruling that is still being considered? And why would that board consider involving itself with Keystone Education Services, created just over a month ago
by Quinn Freiberg, the same person responsible for the creation of River Stone Academy? >> [snorts] >> One last question for the board. Would Captain Obvious be wrong if he didn't point out the blatant conflict of
interest certain members have as to the first two questions? There was a time when school boards were apolitical, but it seems those days have passed, and quite frankly, I think the taxpayers of D70, myself included,
are tired of seeing their district used as a conduit for political ambitions. Let's look at the fact. How does the board benefit from voting to appeal? Should the ruling favor the plaintiffs?
Waiting for the ruling would put Ms. Carnes' vote in jeopardy. Plain and simple. My wife coded quoted an obscure piece of wisdom which I think the board should consider individually.
Just because one believes they have the right to it does not mean it's the right thing to do. Thank you. >> [applause] >> My next one is Chris Sutton. >> [clears throat] >> All right, this is Chris Sutton. I'm back again another time with all these
years. Getting tired of this. Uh there are a few topics I want to address tonight. I'll start with Bennett's behavior at the last meeting. Despite the fact immediately prior to public comment, there was a presentation from your attorney Gessler asking for the approval of funding public funding to obtain the transcript from the court hearing that day, a constituent during
public comment began to speak of the issue. Bennett began slamming the gavel and silencing the speaker. Bennett, you were wrong to do that, especially as you voted to spend more of the public's money to cover the damages your ego has caused. You owe Ms. Naglich an apology. Moving on, and really more home school
enrichment programs? Like it we get it. It failed. Like his his whole Riverstone thing didn't work out, so now he's here trying to grift some more. It's ridiculous. I'd ask if you're financially tied to this, but technically it did start a a month ago,
this one. Uh but it's still the same players, it's the same names, it's all the Millers. It's not Brad, it's Josh Miller. It's Rebecca Miller. It's It's the whole family. Let's see. We already know that Suzy is directly tied to Keystone. She's on the
board and she's paid by Freiberg. And lastly, I wanted to speak directly to you, A.J. How long will you let Bennett's ego bleed this district? Like, I heard Gessler has already charged something like tens of thousands of dollars for for
Bennett's ego for this whole cluster and this whole open meetings violation. Like, you literally have the power to be like, "Hey, you two guys that I know are are not on board with Bennett, we can change this. We can reset seat the president. We can We can fix any of
this." And to preemptively vote for an appeal with like that you guys have the agenda, you guys have You don't even know what you're going to appeal on. Like, you guys could lose something and because it's a public action to vote tonight and then find out that, "Oh, you guys the Bennett actually wins the case,
but there's something to appeal over here. You guys have voted to appeal even if it's not needed needed." You're voting to waste money ahead of not even needing to. You don't even know what you're going to appeal. You're just writing a blank check. Don't do that. Quite frankly, you have the power, A.J., to set this district right. You
specifically. You had a medical issue during voting. Maybe that was God trying to tell you something. Everybody's all about this and everything else, but you did you did. And then all of a sudden, you had to leave and she chose to go and break quorum. She broke policy. You had an
issue. She And like, you can stand by this and be like, "Oh, crap. I'm going to keep letting this go on." Or you can man up and be like, "No, this is wrong. This needs to stop. You can vote no on the appeal. You can vote no on this Oh, sorry. This BS homeschooling enrichment stuff that is
really just another grift, another attack at public education. We know what it is. It's the same people, same stuff. I'm tired of this. You're tired of this. And quite frankly, if not, I get we will recall. And this midterm election cycle is not looking good for certain political affiliates. Just putting that
out there. Like it'll happen. Be better. THIS IS GETTING OLD. >> [applause] >> OUR NEXT ONE IS HANNAH MCDOWELL. >> [clears throat] >> MY NAME IS Hannah McDowell. I've been raising concerns about the lack of transparency, accountability, and
integrity on the D70 school board for years. And while I would love to take a break, y'all sure aren't making it easy. Item 4.03 on today's agenda, contracting with local homeschool enrichment programs, sure did not make clear who was involved with these local programs.
And the agenda packet items you added just a few hours ago didn't really clarify it, either. Before this afternoon, of course, I'd never heard of Keystone Education Services. Why? Because they were they didn't exist until May 19th. That's funny because that's within a
week of Riverstone Academy announcing they dropped their lawsuit against the state and were closing for good due to new laws impacting their ability to be authorized by EARBOSES. Even funnier, the registered agent for Keystone Education Services is none other than Quinn Fryberg, who says that they're two totally separate entities,
but I have some stuff from the Secretary of State that that shows differently. Um yes, Quinn Fryberg. You know, the one that showed up back here in February with a room full of supporters to push for Susie Carnes, who works for one of his programs, to be appointed to the school board. Yes, Mr. Fryberg, who Ms. Bennett used
to work for through one of his homeschool enrichment programs and whose daughter still works for him. I don't know if you all really think your constituents are that stupid or if you just don't care how blatant your efforts are to continue to push an agenda that funnels taxes meant for public education into non-public
programs, but it's getting old. It worked for a while with ERBOCES, changing the name, hiding the details, layering one entity to oversee another entity to oversee more programs. It's like playing whack-a-mole with the finding of loopholes and twisting the letter of the law to find ways to move
money away from public schools. And certainly forging Pueblo/Forging Education/Forging the Future and now/Keystone decided that was a good game, too. But it isn't clever and it doesn't create the distance and plausible plausible deniability you need. Most of
you literally campaigned and were elected to represent D70 on this board. Your responsibility in this role is to advocate for District 70, which is a public education entity. Your side projects and allegiances to other forms of education are fine for you to have on your own time and out of your own
pocket, but should not be a factor in your actions as members of this board. And yet here we are. I don't have time to reread it here, but I'll reference my February February 5th email I sent to you all with links and evidence attached that outlined my concerns about the connections and conflicts of interest that connect three
of you to Quinn Freiberg, as well as his clear mission to be rid of public education and impose his world view instead. This newest attempt is dishonest, obvious, and ill-advised. Not least of which because Keystone Education Services is literally a brand new made-up entity dabbling in messy legal
tech- technicalities, much like Riverstone Academy was, and look how all that turned out. Lawsuits, safety violations, damaged reputations, and outrageous amounts of money wasted. And Mr. Freiberg's presentation today highlighted he is not well versed in important details and nuances that could
potentially really impact our district, but surely we have nothing TO WORRY ABOUT. >> [applause] >> ALL RIGHT, NEXT ONE IS BRIAN KELSON. >> UM, my picture is going to be on this one, too. Thank you. >> All right, this is going to be another petition. This is your second 20
signatures. >> wondering. >> Because I got my copies first. Whenever you start, I'll start. >> Sounds good. Thank you so much for giving me another opportunity to come before you this evening. I am grateful for each and every time. You know, I I don't often get a chance
to speak. Uh, and so, I'm here because I absolutely, and you know, I've told you before, I love this district. Uh, what happens in this district matters to me. These families in this district matter to me. I serve many of them away from the
district. No two families are alike, and I get that. Uh, what we would say then about the majority of them is that they want the best for their kids. Uh, and so, today I want to jump into that, right? I mean, that can be a lot of different things. It can be
public schools. It can be private schools. It can be home schooling. Uh, I've seen kids and families that have excelled in each of these options. They all can be absolutely fantastic. I'm not here as an expert on any kind of policy.
I don't know from funding. Uh, guys, I'm trying to keep church funding working. So, I'm just a guy who loves people and cares about this district. Uh, I do want to tell you that I have, however, had the opportunity, on a small level, to witness how well some kids have done in
a particular home school enrichment program that I've seen. And it has gone well. Uh, I want to tell you that I've seen kids thrive when their confidence increases because they get a chance to boot do both the homeschooling at home and come and be a part of a social group and that's pretty cool. I honestly at
the beginning of homeschooling when this this first started, I didn't like it. I'm not a fan of homeschooling when it first showed up, but now I've seen some amazing things come out of homeschooling. I've seen some kids grow up to be some fantastic leaders and to do some amazing things after school and
I want to tell you that well, apparently homeschooling can work and when we see that they their confidence increases, we can also see they're forming friendships in these social times and that they also, and this is the one that I think you might want to pay attention to, I've also seen some kids that have gotten
interested in subjects they otherwise wouldn't have been interested in because they didn't care before when they had a chance to come to one of these programs. So, they aren't for everybody. I understand that. If these programs are doing things like encouraging parents to be active in children's education and you all know that parents are falling
off the the planet when it comes to showing up for things like uh student and and teacher uh meetings and that sort of a thing, giving some parents a supportive caring community of families and educators as well as opening doors for students to explore ways to learn that take them to that next level.
That's That's what we want, right? We want kids to get to that next level. Why wouldn't the district want to be involved in something like that? We're losing kids to home school as it is. Why not give them opportunity to come back on some level? I think District 70 has a great opportunity to reach kids that
have left and and bring them back into the fold on whatever level that might look like. So, I want to tell you, I love this district. I just want to see you guys consider options and see what it looks like to grab as many kids as you possibly can. Thank you.
>> The next one is Heather Skogen. >> It's delayed, so whatever you start saying it'll show up here. >> Oh, okay. Okay, here we go. Uh good evening. My name is Heather and I'm a teacher here in District 70. I've worked in this district for 24 years. Uh I'm here tonight because I care deeply about our
students, our schools, and the communities we serve we serve. And I want to speak to the Keystone Educational Services proposal. I'm not here to tell the board what to decide. Um but I would like that asking that we
be well informed before any decision is made. In a few minutes you will vote on D70's first ever comprehensive strategic plan. That plan commits this district to budget transparently, to protecting its workforce, and to building community
trust through accountability. I would like to ask that whatever comes before this board going forward, including this proposal, be held to that same standard. Um I would also like to share that Colorado law already guarantees
homeschooling families the right to participate in to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities through their local district, sports clubs, art programs at no additional cost. I feel that Keystone is
proposing something different. Um the district the district has to absorb some financial responsibility which I I don't I just I don't I don't know what
I think about that. I want to know that my kids that I serve in my classroom are having all of their needs met. Period. Um the Colorado legislator spent this entire session pulling back on this
exact model because communities across our state raised some of the same questions that we should be asking here. Uh What Does this proposal truly serve students and communities in this district, all of
them? 24 years in the classroom has taught me that the best decisions we make are the informed ones. I'm simply asking for the same care here. Thank you. >> [applause] >> And our last one is Jennifer Holderman. >> Hi everyone. Uh my name is Jennifer
Holderman. I have graduated two kids from Pueblo District 70. I also have two kids that are in a home school program. I've seen the best of both worlds. I think that we need to be open to serving all kids, whether in a public
school or outside of a public school. Because Ms. Erickson, you said that you are here for the children. You should be here for all of our children. Every child deserves a good education, whether it be inside a school building or in an enrichment program or at a home school.
All of the educational landscapes in Colorado are changing, and the recent state changes have made it much harder for home school enrichment programs to continue operating in previous pathways. Whether someone agrees with those changes or not, the reality is that families who have relied on these
programs are now looking for new ways to continue receiving educational support. This discussion tonight is not about replacing public public education. It's not about changing what D70 already offers. And it's not about asking the district to stop focusing on traditional
students. We don't want any child to suffer. It's about recognizing that educational needs are different across families and asking whether D70 wants to be a district that supports those families, too. Homeschool families are still District 70 families.
We live here. We raise our children here. We volunteer here. We support local businesses. We pay taxes here. And our children grow up in this community. Choosing a different educational model model does not mean choosing to leave the community. Many homeschool
enrichment programs exist because families want both flexibility and support. Parents may handle some education at home while relying on enrichment programs for academics, instruction, accountability, electives, social connected connections, or opportunities
they cannot realistically provide alone. For many families, these programs are not a luxury. They are what makes homeschooling possible. District partnerships create an opportunity to acknowledge those students and support them in a meaningful way. This is not District 70 taking
responsibility for every educational path. It is District 70 saying we see all students in our boundaries and we want families to have opportunities to succeed. I also think there's something important here beyond policy. Communities become stronger when institutions work together
instead of treating education choices as competition. Parents who feel supported become advocates for their communities. Students who succeed become assets to their communities. And districts that find ways to serve families broadly become stronger over time.
If you move forward exploring partnerships, I believe many families will remember that District 70 chose to be solution orientated during a difficult transition period. So, please consider being a district that supports local homeschool enrichment opportunities. Thank you.
>> Thank you. How do I say it? right? That's all I have. >> Okay. Item 6.01, approval of the strategic plan. >> I feel like this would be the time that we'd have a seventh-inning stretch, since it's baseball season. >> Good evening, Madam President ladies and
gentlemen of the board. Tonight, I recommend the approval of the first Pueblo County School District 70 strategic plan as presented. >> Do I have a motion to approve the strategic plan? >> So moved. >> Second.
>> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emery? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Carson? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Next item, approval of the revisions to
the AI position statement. Dr. Martinez and Mr. Yates. >> Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I recommend approval of the revisions to the AI position statement that we presented at the last board meeting. >> So moved.
>> Second. >> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emery? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Carson? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> Next item, approval of the revisions to
the digital media content producer job description. [clears throat] >> Good evening, Madam President members of the board. I'd recommend that the board approve the digital media content producer job description as presented last meeting by Assistant Superintendent
DePietro. >> Motion? >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Embry? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Karns? >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. Next item, approval of the primary and alternate CASB training dates for the Board of Education. Um I don't know that we really >> I have a point. So I I I know you already started speaking when I thought of this. Um
I'm willing to reach out for the that I would like to date Um for the 21st. He is available, it's just not a date he has given me. >> Okay. >> Um but if that would be a first pick or a second pick on it. >> Okay. >> I just wanted to throw that out there
before you guys voted. I'm willing to reach out to him tomorrow and ask him that and >> That would have to be an afternoon as well. >> Well, that's when you have to be before the board meeting, like a work session. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Right. Which we could still swing if we started at 1:00.
>> Mhm. >> I would still want to. >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> So 1:00 to 6:00 >> Yes. >> Maybe we could do 12:30 to 5:30. Just so that you know, if people need to book their conference rooms or something. >> Yeah. >> Um
All right. Well, anybody like to put forth a motion um for a date and time? >> Do we want to Which day do we want as our first choice then, the 21st? Is that what you guys are thinking? >> They both sound great to me. I mean, so I'm not a
>> They're both fine. >> So the 21st, what times were you thinking? >> 12:30 to 5:30. >> 12:30 to 5:30. And then it was 1:00 to 6:00, right, on the 20th? >> On the 20th. I'm good with that. >> Sorry, just so I get the right dates I need to write down.
So I don't know that there's a preference. >> All right. So I will move that we approve the July 21st as the the date and July 20th as the backup date for the CASB training. >> I'll second that.
>> Okay, hold on. Um so, July 21st >> as the primary. >> From 12:30 to 5:30. >> Yes. >> And the 20th from 1:00 to 6:00. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, the motion is to um approve July 21st from 12:30 to 5:30 as
a primary date, and July 20th from 1:00 to 6:00 as the alternate date for the Board of Education's CASB training. And we had a motion, and we had a second. Sorry. >> You're good. >> trying to type it in and write it and everything else.
AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Embry? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susan Carns? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Um item 6.05, approval to authorize an appeal in the current litigation involving open meetings of warrant to
and upon recommendation of legal counsel. Do I have a motion? >> Uh Madam President, I would like to actually table this uh at least for a little bit, so that we can get a better idea of what our legal counsel is recommending for that.
He talked to us a little bit last time, but I feel like there's still kind of some gray area on what he is thinking. I would like to wait, even if it's before our other meeting, and we have to call a special meeting, that we wait for
his guidance a little bit more on what the outcome is going to be. >> I agree with AJ. >> So, and >> I'm not opposed to an appeal. I just want to wait until we know what we're doing. >> And and per the timeline,
once we receive um the decision from the judge, you have 14 days to appeal, so you still have a whole 14-day window to have this discussion before the appeal would have to
Um, we'd have that if if the appeal was approved, you'd have 14 days to do that. So, I'm not sure what the rush is. >> According to Mr. Gessler, it was his recommendation and his request that we do that. Um for
while there is a 14-day window, um he thought that depending on what kind of judgment came down that he may want to act immediately, and so he wanted the authorization so that if he needed to >> But if I'm not mistaken, you can
actually ap- So, the appeal is appealing you can I I I believe that the uh an attorney could ask the judge to reconsider before you actually start at the appeal appeals process is the way I understand it.
>> Again, I'm not an attorney, but that was Mr. Gessler's recommendation, which is why we uh you know, read it why it's on the action items for this year. >> Like I said, I'm not opposed to it. I just think if we wait, then we know
uh even until the closing arguments are in, then he would have a better idea of what it's looking like cuz I believe he filed a motion to uh dismiss because of mootness, too. And so, that would give us a better idea if that is coming down the line with the
closing arguments or >> So, the motion to dismiss on the mootness was only related to the Riverstone piece of the lawsuit, not the entire not the entire thing. Um so Yeah, I'm not
I think that it would behoove us to take the recommendation of our attorney. Um >> I think we could talk to him again still though and see what he's thinking with the closing arguments and how that went over. And I appreciate AJ's clear and logical thinking. >> Yes, thank you.
>> I'm just trying to do what I >> Thank you. >> I'm just trying to document for minutes' purposes. So, you had a motion to table the agenda item 6.05 authorization on appeal until we have more information from the judge and attorney? >> Correct. >> Second.
>> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> No. >> Mark Emery? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Karns? >> No. >> Motion [applause] carried. NEXT ITEM 7.01 APPROVAL of consent agenda items. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda items as
presented? >> So moved. >> Second. >> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emery? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Karns? >> Yes. >> Motion carried. Item 8.01 the next board meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, July 21st at the ASC Service Center, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, Colorado beginning at 6:00 p.m. Uh the meeting is adjourned. >> Need a vote. >> Um actually, I will take the We can vote, but we only have to vote if the
business isn't concluded, but we can vote. So, do we have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> AJ Wilson? >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emery? >> Yes. >> Michelle Erickson? >> Yes. >> Susie Karns? >> Yes. >> Yes.
I'm happy to do that and >> Mhm.