I aliance 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. All right, welcome visitors. Um, item
2.03, approve the regular board meeting. Move to approve the regular board meeting agenda as presented. >> So moved. >> I second. >> I second. Yeah, >> go ahead. >> You got it first. Sorry, AJ. >> It's fine. >> AJ Wilson,
>> yes. >> Anne Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie KS, >> yes. Motion carried. >> You threw me. I wasn't expecting to go first on that. >> Yeah, you should. I'm first. >> Wait a second. >> I did it alphabetical by first name this. >> Okay,
>> there you go. >> Just to make sure we're paying attention. Huh, >> that works. >> Keep us on our toes. Um, agenda item 3, 3.01, donation of $750 to Pablo West High School girls basketball from an
anonymous donor, Bob Deich. Good evening. This will be quick. I uh was nominated to do this. They did receive an anonymous donation. We do not know obviously where it came from, but $750 very generous. It will go towards their girls basketball program and they
will use it uh for certain things such as equipment, travel, whatever they see fit, summer programs, things like that. So, >> I love that. Thank you. It 3.02 accept the gifts. Do I have a
motion to accept the gifts with appropriate knowledge? >> So move. >> I second. >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie K, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Agenda item four, 4.01, PCA spotlight, Kate Paycheck. And this is Oh, there's Kate. >> You're gonna hear from me later. So, Savona is gonna read for me today. >> Yeah. She puts me in the hot seat when I'm here, so I do it.
>> We have so many great leaders. >> That's all right. I'm happy to do it. The first PCA spotlight we would like to recognize is Courtney Truill from Pleasant View Middle School. Courtney is truly present. She shows up every single
day, not simply because it's her job, but because teaching is her calling. Her students trust her. They know she genuinely cares, and she consistently puts them first in everything she does. That level of persistence and commitment
creates a classroom where students feel supported and valued. Courtney's positivity is contagious. She is one of the most cheerful colleagues you will ever meet. always with a smile on her face. Her bubbly personality and ability
to connect with middle school students make math approachable and engaging. She builds strong relationships that foster both confidence and academic growth. Please help me celebrate Miss Courtney Trill.
The second person we'd like to recognize today, and I apologize if I say your last name wrong, Jessica Schumay from Vinland Elementary School. Jessica consistently demonstrates exceptional teamwork and professionalism. She is
always willing to step in whenever, wherever, excuse me, she is needed, ensuring students and staffs feel supported throughout the school day. Jessica's ability to connect with students and adapt to individual needs makes a meaningful difference every day.
She supports classroom instruction seamlessly and provides steady, reliable assistance that strengthens learning environments. Her flexibility and positive approach make her a trusted partner to teachers and steady support
for students. Please help me in congratulating Jessica. Jessica couldn't be here, so we're going to give her stuff to Crystal at Vinland. And then we got Jean to say he'll take Courtney her her things as well. So,
they will get delivered tomorrow. >> All right. Thank you. Agenda item five 5.01 information from the board and the superintendent. So we'll start with Mr. Deetro and um followed by Miss Rain.
>> All right. Just a couple things this evening. Um first things first, really exciting. It's that time of year for the Rye uh FFA uh oyster fry and silent auction. It is uh Wednesday, March 18th. So, if anybody is interested in
attending that, it's a really cool event. Uh, they auction off several different items that are donated and then they auction off the FFA students um to do work. So, you can go bid on um someone to build a fence, paint a fence,
cut grass, I whatever your heart desires. Uh it does raise a lot of money for them. And if you really want to know, do the Rocky Mountain oysters taste like chicken? you'll have to go and find out because you have you have both options so you can do a comparison right there. Uh so again a great event.
So just uh Mr. Bean wasn't able to stay today but definitely want to recognize that. Um also attended my second payco meeting and I'm still trying to get my footing on that. Commissioner Lucero, you might have to give me like a tutoring session. That's you know
politics isn't my my lane. But just a couple things to note. Um, if you're interested in how the highway uh 50 bypass is going uh coming along, it is coming along great as you can see the work on it. Uh the weather this uh winter has been great for them to pour a
lot of concrete. So that is on uh pace to be completed in the summer of 27. And then one other project that could have an impact uh for us is they are doing a a drainage study on 50 and 36 where we have a lot of flooding uh during major storms in that area. So they are in the
planning phase of uh doing a a study on that and some potential funding in 27 may be diverted to doing some projects around that. So that's my report for tonight. >> All right. Thank you. >> You didn't report on the the large sewage collapse that we have.
>> So thank you. Thank you for your patience tonight with our um our issues that we have going on around this building. So I I I appreciate you bearing with us. Um, I've spent the last week uh comforting my staff. Uh, there
are several people on the collective bargaining unit in this room tonight and we don't always agree, but we we do always come to the table um to come up with a compromise. And there are a lot of staff that are not feeling safe and secure right now. And that affects
morale. And morale directly affects teaching and learning for our students. Students have to feel safe and secure in order to be taught and to learn. >> I would ask that you help our staff and students feel safe and secure tonight by approving the extension of the
collective bargaining agreement. Right now is the prime time for posting positions, recruiting staff and students, and they need to fill this stability that our district has always driven. We don't want to lose either of them,
either staff or students. Approving the extension to the collective bargaining agreement provides an opportunity for all of you to work together to bring peace of mind and stability for our staff and students. I sincerely implore you, for the sake of our kids and staff, please provide this
stability. Thank you. >> I'll give him a minute. Um, thank you all for coming out tonight. I also want to thank everybody for their prayers and well wishes with all of the medical stuff that uh it's apparently public knowledge now. So,
thank you all. And that's all I have. I'm glad to see Susie. >> Yes. If I may, I wanted to take this time um first of all just to say thank you to the board. I'm so excited to be here. Thank you to everyone here and
watching online. Um over the last few weeks, there's there's been a lot of people um speaking for me or about me. So, I really wanted to take this opportunity to speak for myself. I want to share with you a bit of who I am um and the work I plan to do while I'm on
the board. Um so, if you'll give me just the next few minutes and allow me to share that. Is that okay? >> Of course. Um, so the work of the school board is not about power. It's about responsibility. Responsibility to students, responsibility to families, and
responsibility to govern with integrity even when circumstances are difficult. Tonight, I stand before you steady, lawful, and unafraid. Steady in my commitment to the students, teachers, and families of this district 70. lawful
in the oath I have taken and in the responsibility I now carry and unafraid to do the work this community expects from its leaders. The past several weeks have been difficult for many in our district. There has been tension, disagreement,
and intense public attention. And that is never easy. But strong emotions often surround issues that affect our children. And passion for education is not something to fear. It is something to respect because schools succeed when
parents are trusted, when teachers are supported, and when students are challenged to rise. That is the vision I bring to this role. And now the work of governing continues. And process matters. Due process matters. And
healthy disagreement strengthens democracy. But disagreement cannot be allowed to paralyze governance. And discourse will not cross the line into intimidation. There is no place for that in civil dialogue. They have no place in our district and they have no place in
the governance of our community. I have had direct conversations with those involved. I appreciate the willingness expressed to move forward with professionalism. That is what leadership requires, accountability, humility, and a renewed
commitment to doing better. So, let this be a turning point. The people of District 70 deserve disagreement handled with dignity. They deserve leaders who model the conduct we expect from our students and I believe something important about this room. Every person
here cares deeply about the children of this district even when we disagree about how to best serve them. Now my focus is on the work ahead. I come to this role as an educator, a community member and a mother. The most important
relationship in a child's life is the relationship between a parent and their child. Parents are not outsiders to education. They are not obstacles to education. Parents are essential partners in education. When parents are respected, students thrive. When parents
are excluded, trust erodess. No school system is stronger than the trust it keeps with its families. Strong schools also require a strong community. Our students deserve to see real opportunity beyond the classroom.
That means stronger partnerships with local businesses, stronger partners partnerships with civic leaders and community organizers, stronger pathways connecting education with realworld opportunity. I have spent years building those partnerships,
bringing people together to collaborate for the benefit of the community. And District 70 can lead in that work. Preparing students for life requires more than textbooks. It requires more. It requires mentorship, exposure to opportunity, and community invested in
the next generation. Imagine a district where students graduate not only with knowledge, but with connections and pathways into meaningful careers, skilled trades, service, and leadership. And that future is within reach. If we want strong
schools, parents must be trusted. If we want thriving classrooms, teachers must be supported. If we want a bright future, our students must be challenged to rise. Imagine a district where every child feels supported, every teacher feels
valued, and every parent knows that their voice matters. Where schools and community prepare students not just for tests, but for life. That is not merely an aspiration. It is the standard our students deserve. So let us recommmit tonight to
respectful dialogue, to lawful governance, to modeling for our students how adults handle disagreements because the purpose of a school board is not to win arguments. The purpose of the school board is to serve students well. So let us tie ourselves to these
principles. Trust parents, support teachers, challenge students. That is the work before us and that work begins now. THANK YOU. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO SPEAK. >> I'M going to go last. >> Invite you to
>> Sure. You know, this is a strange thing for me. has nothing to do with proceedings, but when I look around the room, I'm probably the oldest guy here. And I can't say
that's just a weird feeling, but I I have a just a couple couple of good naturatured things. I'm surrounded by very articulate women and I'm just going to talk. Um, if you've come to any of my concerts
for the PBLO Municipal Band, you know this happens. So, the first thing I'd like to say, this has been, pardon my language, this has been hell. Oh my gosh, it's been it's been really hard. And and
I'll tell a quick story just real quick. I uh have coffee with my wife every morning and I check my sleep score on my How did I do? Well, a an indicator on my phone came up that said extremely high
heart rate with no physical exercise. Now, I exercise a lot, but I thought, what? Guess when it was six o'clock a week ago. And and so I thought, okay, that makes sense. Anyway, so going back to
what I said is it being tough and I did this eight years and and It wasn't as hard, but we're getting better, aren't we? Uh, and so I was stressed and I teach once a week at a
high school uh high high school high school band and they were having a jazz festival that day and I walked in to the auditorium and the county high school jazz band was playing
>> and they kicked butt. They were fantastic. In fact, I I hope to in invite the band and and their director because they're just doing a good job and I just wanted to give them some praise. I think they really did
really well in the jazz festival, too. It was a two-day festival. Okay, second thing. >> All right. Can you tell I love kids? Well, I do. >> Amen. And I visited South Mesa Elementary School
and I visited the third grade class and oh my gosh, it was the joy of my life. It was wonderful and I got so many hugs and a little girl followed me out the door and I said, "Go back. Go back."
So anyway, the last thing I'd like to mention is this woman on my left is Susie Carts. I'm going to pause because I'm getting emotional. >> Oh, I don't know.
I've known Sus's family for more than Susie's been born before she was born. They lived right across the street. our friends, our our uh kids are all best friends. Sus is
still good friends with my daughter. Best friend. And one of the hardest things in my life is when she was sitting right in front of me right there. It'll go down as one of the very hardest things. Well, I want to tell you, I had a hour
conversation with Susie a couple days ago and it's almost like And I used to make call girls for dates because it was hard to dial that phone because I was nervous. So I talked to Susie and we talked an
hour and we made an agreement. This will not change us. And I I was worried it had this will not change us. If we may disagree on things, we probably will. But I love Susie and I love the
Tutonis. The Tony's are sitting in the second row right here. And Frank and Fran are their parents. Uh, and Ruthie and Nancy are here. And I'm sorry I don't know the guy's name.
So, welcome. Welcome, Susie. I love you. >> Thank you. I love you, too. Thank you. >> So, hello. Well, good evening and thank you for being here tonight. I know it's a big night. Um, I think for all the things that I might have said at the
previous board meetings, I don't know that I actually formally introduced myself and I thought I should take this opportunity for you to get to know me a little bit. To begin, I want you to know that I care deeply about District 70, our students,
our staff, and the community as a whole. I am proud to be a retired district 70 educator. I had the privilege of working with dedicated, determined, driven staff who tirelessly work to provide the best,
most innovative educational opportunities possible. Education is about preparation, preparedness, and the pursuit of excellence for all students in the immediate and long term. Strong academic programs provide a foundation for all kids. Whether they want to go to
college, pursue a trade, or become an entrepreneur. We have pathways throughout this district to help students take the next steps. Finally, as a lifelong learner and board member, I look forward to working with the other directors in the best interest of our
student, staff, and the community. It is our task to the best of our ability to focus on the resources and facilit facilities necessit sorry necessary for students to thrive across all regions and grade levels and to work closely
with administration staff and stakeholders to stay informed. Thriving students, competitive wages and well-ared for staff and facilities are key to our success. I look forward to working with all of you at every turn
on behalf of our students. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. Margaret's wisdom was in my classroom for as long as I taught, and
she guided me as long as I can remember. And I wanted to share this with you in light of my task to serve District 70. To everyone in the room, please reach out. If you have questions or suggestions for me, please reach out.
I'm available to you. And if you're in doubt and you have a question for me, I would like the opportunity to correspond with you. That was always my goal. When I was elected on November 5th, when I decided to run last June, my goal was to
serve district 70 and I'm going to keep doing it and I'm really really excited um to see all of you tonight um because I really believe in what we do. Thank you. Thank you guys. Thank all of you. Um, I
would like to thank all of you for attending tonight. I sincerely appreciate and welcome the involvement of our stakeholders. Um, it is no secret that the last several weeks have been very contentious. I've spoken with many
of you about these events. U, I do make it a policy to largely avoid social media. Um, however, I've been made aware of two issues circulating within our community that I would like to address directly.
First, there have been allegations that I possess a conflict of interest relating to forging education. Those allegations initially centered on my daughter's employment. I've openly acknowledged that she is employed by
Forging Education as a teacher. And I just want to say I'm proud of my daughter. I'm proud of the work that she does. And I recognize that I may be biased, but I firmly believe she's among the finest elementary educators I've
ever had the privilege to know. She's phenomenal. She really is. Um, more recently, claims have surfaced suggesting that I am currently employed by Forging Education, and that assertion is false.
In the past, I did work for F for F forging on a very part-time basis. I taught at a homeschool enrichment program one day a week. Um, I've made no secret of the fact that I homeschooled
my children for many years. And anybody that knows me will tell you that I still kind of mourn the loss of those years. I really loved that time in my life. teaching at that program gave me an
opportunity to engage with kids again um and teach life skills that aligned with my interest. It wasn't educational uh topics. It was it was life skills kinds of things and it was really really fun for me. Um,
it's been alleged that that former employment creates a conflict of interest. But both state and federal law define conflict of interest as a situation in which an elected official stands to gain financially
as a result of their governmental position. That simply is not the case here. In fact, my resignation from forging education resulted in financial loss. I have nothing to gain
here at all. It just simply it's it's a it's a straw man, a false allegation that there's just no meat to it. Um neither director KS, my daughter, nor I have received nor stand to receive any
financial gain whatsoever. So I just I I wanted to address that directly because I I want you guys to understand that those aren't true allegations. There is no legal conflict of interest. Um and
the allegations do succeed in sewing division and mistrust, but they are categorically inaccurate. Campaign contributions are public record. It is therefore also public knowledge that both of my colleagues
received significant inindulated support and I'm not criticizing for that. I want to be clear about that. Um but we are preparing to vote on the union's master agreement. Um and that financial support raises
legitimate questions. I've been told that Mr. Emry's wife is also employed by the district. meaning his household stands to benefit directly from decisions related to the teacher contract. Um, I'm not accusing
either of them of any misconduct. I simply would like to raise the point that where there have been some financial ties, there's no nobody is raising concerns of conflict of interest. And yet in a situation
involving my daughter, involving me, there's no financial benefit. And yet, we want to keep perpetuating this narrative. Second, I'd like to address the rumor that I am opposed to the teacher union or to the master agreement itself. When
I announced my candidacy, Kate Paycheck approached me and invited me to seek union endorsement on the condition that I agreed to support the master agreement. I declined. Not because I oppose the agreement, but because I will not I will not commit to supporting any
document that I have not carefully reviewed. Endorsing something, anything without due diligence would be absolutely irresponsible. I met with Kate last week and I reiterated my same position. I take this responsibility seriously and I will not
agree to anything cart blanch. At the same time, I made clear to Kate that I care deeply about our teachers and our staff. Two of my daughters are teachers. I understand firsthand the dedication required of the profession. I recognize that many teachers work hours far beyond
what their compensation reflects. I respect their commitment, their professionalism, their importance to our students and to our community. I live in Ry. Our whole community revolves around our school and our teachers. I understand the importance that our
teachers um are to our community. My responsibility is to make decisions that serve students, families, teachers, and staff with integrity and fairness. I have my suspicions about the source of these rumors, but rather than speculate, I'll simply say this. Spreading
unnecessary fear and anxiety among our teachers and staff serves no one and accomplishes nothing other than increased discord and division. I would also like to note with regard to the last regular board meeting when we were unable to obtain a majority vote to
approve the agenda, the meeting was effectively stalled. Without an agenda, the meeting could not proceed. Had we approved that agenda and allowed that meeting to proceed, we certainly would have resolved the issue of the master agreement last week. In the last couple
of months, the last couple of months have been both divisive and difficult. It's my sincere hope and expectation that we will find a constructive path forward. On Saturday, Director Ericson reached out to me. We had a thoughtful and productive conversation. During that
discussion, we expressed a mutual desire to build rebuild relationships and restore trust among board members. While we may continue to disagree on certain issues or the best course of action, we are united in our commitment to what matters most, serving the children,
families, and staff of our district to the very best of our ability. And I will just say as we came in tonight, I greatly appreciate um the warmth and the goodwill that we were able to greet each other with. Um and I I appreciate you
reaching out and I look forward to work working with all of you and welcome Susie. Thank you so much. All right. Agenda item six, 6.01, presentation of the PBLO High School baseball trip to New Mexico and Arizona.
>> All right. Tag on it again. Um, these two trips were uh on the agenda for last week um due to the fact that we weren't able to address them. I did speak with um coach Sanchez knowing that he did need to get moving on securing certain things for that trip. But they are in
front of you today. Um PL High School, they usually take this trip. It's a annual trip. They go down to New Mexico. They take their varsity and their junior varsity teams. They play in a tournament there. Once that tournament's over, their junior varsity team comes home and
their varsity team continues on to a very larger tournament um in Arizona that coincides with spring break and you know the Rockies and all that stuff. Um it is a fundrais uh students do have to pay a minimum out of pocket of about $150.
Um they will be taking uh first student buses down and Mr. Bumgardner if you're around if I say something wrong let me know. first student buses down there, then they will bring the other kids back and then they will charter buses to Arizona and then those buses will will bring them back. Uh they do miss two
school days. They will be leaving um on the 18th right before spring break and then they will be back at the end of spring break. And so that that is again in consent agenda, but Mr. Sanchez has uh been working on making sure that they have all their uh stuff secure.
The second trip uh that was on the uh agenda was uh Sergeant Lam Master is taking his Raider team. Again, this is a Raider team is a ROTC team that uh uh has competitions almost like um
obstacle course type things. Uh they are going down to the championships and the fifth battalion championships down in San Antonio, Texas. They do have it looks like 10 kids going to that. Um they're going to put some miles on one of our mini buses because they are driving. It looks like they are leaving
on the 19th of uh March. They will stop in Leach, Texas, spend the night there, then work their way to San Antonio for two nights, and then again they will uh come back, stop in Lockach, Texas, and then uh spend the night there and then head home. Uh like most of the ROC
trips, they are paid for uh by the army. The kids just have to have $100 for miscellaneous. I think they're going to go to Six Flags one day. So, they'll purchase that ticket and then just have, you know, they want to buy some different food or things like that when they have that money. So, again, uh very
little cost to our uh uh athletes or participants. Any questions on those two trips? I cover that, Mr. Bumgardner. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Dr. Martinez presentation of the
handwriting without tears curriculum. >> Apparently, Mr. Yates wanted to jump ahead of me, but we'll we'll keep him in line there. >> Uh, ladies and gentlemen of the board, thank you for uh having me tonight. Uh, tonight I'm I'm bringing you handwriting without tears uh for your consideration as a supplemental handwriting curriculum
for our school district. Um, program's been in our district in the past. uh we discontinued its use when we adopted literacy curriculums that included a handwriting component. The current literacy curriculum we use does not have a dedicated handwriting component and so we want to bring this back as a
potential supplemental uh addition to our literacy curriculum. Uh principles across multiple schools have identified handwriting and penmanship as an area of need. Additionally, our math curricula that we are in the pilot uh process of considering um has large online uh
problem solving spaces for our students. And what we're seeing is that many students struggle with legibility making it difficult to effectively uh effectively use that space to demonstrate their thinking. And so we recognize that having handwriting curriculum will support our students in
being able to use the spaces in their in both their math and their uh CKLA curriculums. Uh, so we're bringing forward handwriting without careers as handwriting without tears as a supplemental resource to support foundational writing in our early grades, kindergarten, pre kindergarten
through 2nd. Uh, the schedule, uh, it's presented to you tonight. I actually placed it in room two. It's out on the tables in room two, so you can see kindergarten, first, second, uh, and preK, K1, and two materials. Um, and then in two weeks, we'll come back to
the board and ask for adoption. Any questions for me? >> No, but I'll make a comment. It's been many years, but I have used that curriculum in the past and I really liked it. Yeah, >> that's what we keep hearing. It was a good one. So, I'm glad to be able to bring this one that's recognized and has
been used in the past. Thank you. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> All right, Mr. Yates. >> Sorry. >> Thank you. I I'm here to kind of quickly
present the tech plan that was presented to you all during the presentation of the budget. I did uh visit with Miss KS before the meeting and kind of got her up to speed on that. So, what you have before you is the a five-year
sustainable tech plan for the district. It would set aside $1.3 million per year towards the purchase of technology. at that time. By doing this plan, it would offset high spikes in purchase of technologies that we've experienced in
the past years of millions of dollars. So, it actually helps the district budget in the long run. Um also in the plan and in your packet that you had you you will see the uh documents to to lease the machines where
in the past we had purchased machines >> and uh that also helps with the budget. It provides the technology we p purchase provides a return on investment at the end because
we can sell them back to a reseller and actually Apple is guaranteed us $225 per device at the end of the life of these documents and uh it also creates a reserve fund. So when we do have those 28 29 high-cost years, we have the money
in a reserve fund to go ahead and purchase machines without asking for extra money. And with those documents that are in your packet, those would be the documents to get the plan going to purchase Chromebooks that we badly need
and Apple laptops for the students. Then in the 28 29 year, we'd buy uh Excuse me. 2728 we buy staff machines and then 2829 we finish out the Chromebooks that
we their end of life will be 2829 were that were purchased during co >> and if any questions I'm willing. Yes. So to clarify, students at the elementary level, students at the middle school level will have one type of
machine and students at the high school and staff will have a different kind of machine. Correct. >> All our I say K8 schools, but all our students from kindergarten through 8th grade have Chromebooks. Our high school students have the MacBook Airs. We did
do a survey with all the staff and the high school level. They need those higher powered machines with their instruments they use in science and their AutoCAD and those kind of things that they do in their classroom. >> And with the adoption all things like all um resources necessary to use that
machine to its you know um it will be compatible with teachers classrooms. >> Yes. >> Great. We also worked into we also worked it into the uh the plan that on that fifth year that we would have money to upgrade
systems and to do what you're saying like you know if there were Prometheian upgrades or things like that that needed to be upgraded that um slowly become obsolete over years. So um there's four years of plans for computers and then that fifth year is more of a systems purchase. >> By the way, Mr. Gates, what happens to
the old computers? >> We work with uh kind of work with several different resellers and go after the best price and then we resell them to the reseller. >> We get money back. >> Yeah. >> In the past when we've s resellers, we
got anywhere from 450 to 550,000 back on resell. So that money could help out. >> I I do want to add one thing. Um, I am very appreciative. Uh, you know, obviously I'm a retired teacher now, but this the skill sets that our students
learn because they have um these great computers are it's it's amazing. Transferable to whatever they do next, whether it's going into the workforce or going to college, they have skills and they're able to use platforms that
otherwise are are are very challenging for uh first-time college students. So, I'm Yeah, I just I think it's great. >> One more thing. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh, we were one of the first districts to have individual computers for our
students and for our teachers and I visited a school district close by a few years ago because I was going to work with their band and the the teacher had a Mac computer and I said, "That's nice. Did the school get that for?" He says,
"Oh, no." I said, "Well, all our teachers have this." And he said, "We know." >> I have a question, Mr. Yates. I had a parent contact me um actually probably I mean immediately after I was
sworn in, and she had some concerns about um protections related to technology. she felt like her student was accessing content while at school that that she doesn't allow him to
access at home. So, I don't know if that's if this is the appropriate time, but I I'm just curious what kind of um protections we provide. >> Well, we block all questionable content at the district level through our filter. >> Okay.
>> And then at the on the Chromebooks, we have a program called Securely that we can track what they're going to and look at what they're doing. We're looking at stuff for Apple to do that as well. Just out of question, what grade level?
>> Um, eighth grade I believe. >> So, they would have been using Chromebooks. So, >> yeah. The one challenge that we have with students is if they at that level they could have a cell phone >> and they could >> if their cell phone they could hot spot to their cell phone
then they're out on their cell phone network and not ours. >> Yeah. Yeah. I appreciate that. It's just um >> I wasn't quite sure how to respond to her question so thought I' I'd ask. >> You can always send her towards me. >> What's that? I said you can always
direct her towards me and I can answer your question. >> Okay, I appreciate that. Any other questions of Mr. Yates? >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Okay. Presentation of the tentative agreement between PCA and PBLO County
School District 70. So we do call this the collective bargaining agreement because it's not uh it's between all of us and it's good for all of us. So I just want it was referred to as a master agreement and something we've really worked to on this
year is acknowledging it as something that we all do together and that's important to me because we have worked really hard to >> move that direction I feel like. >> Okay. So what is your pref you prefer to call it the collective >> collective bargaining agreement? Yeah. Because we work together on it. >> Yeah.
>> So um good evening board. Thanks for the opportunity to share more about our collective bargaining agreement. To be honest, we want you to know this is about more than our CVA. It is about how we all work together to create the best conditions for students, staff, and the
district. It is about how we support our employees, help the district retain quality educators, and ensure students have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by those educators. Having a
CBA creates conditions that allow staff to take care of their families, maintain balance, mental health, and provide the best for students. Most importantly, the CBA gives us a strong starting point for
conversation we need to have to protect and support our educators and our school. Extending the CBA affirms and provides a commitment to stability, collaboration, and continuity. Tonight, we will present an employee and
employer benefits of this collective bargaining agreement. We will hear from staff and administrators regarding the benefits of the CBA. We will present a tenative agreement to extend the contract for 5 years from July 1st 2020 2026
to June 30th 2031. District 70 and PCA have a shared history. PCA was founded April 12th, 1971 and for more than five decades has worked alongside District 70 to represent and support the educators who
serve our students. Since 2012, PCA has been a wall-to-wall association representing both certified and education support professionals, sorry, ESP. Together we re represent the full spectrum of school employees across the
district. The people who show up every day committed to students, schools, and families. Our work is grounded in connection, advocacy, and collaboration. When challenges arise, PCA, our district leadership, and our school administrators have worked
together to problem solve and keep our focus on what matters most. In the last year, we have addressed funding challenges through coordinated advocacy. We began working to launch an ESP mentoring program to improve retention and training. We've developed a problem
solving team for academic leave to support professional growth. Some of our historic highlights include uh sick bank and donated day structures to support staff and medical need. development of hard to fill language or
anou to strengthen recruitment efforts. This history matters because it reflects a shared commitment putting students, schools, and our communities first. This tenative agreement to extend our CBA
continues that tradition of partnership, stability, and working together to support district 70. The collective bargaining agreement is about working together for the betterment of all. It provides stability, predictability, and trust. It
reinforces that collaboration still matters in our district. At its core, the CBA helps ensure that everyone can stay focused on what matters most, our students. By setting clear expectations, the agreement allows educators and our ESP
to concentrate on teaching, supporting, and caring for kids rather than worrying about inconsistencies or uncertainty. The collective bargaining agreement creates consistency and fairness around essential areas such as salaries,
benefits, planning time, leave, and fair processes. These aren't just staff concerns. They directly impact the quality of instruction, staff retention, and the overall stability of our schools. Without clear agreements,
everyday issues can become conflicts. With a strong agreement in place, we have a shared solution and a common framework for addressing challenges. Ultimately, the collective bargaining agreement serves as a guiding document that helps prevent problems before they
arise. so we can continue working together in partnership to support students, schools, and our community. This agreement works because it provides structure for the district. It creates clear expectations, standardized
processes, and consistent communication. That clarity reduces confusion, prevents unnecessary conflict, and keeps the focus where it belongs, on serving students well. for staff. This this agreement builds confidence in the
process when expectations are clear and fairness is embedded. Educators and ESP can focus on teaching our students and serving families. An extension reinforces to staff both certified and our ESP that their voices
are recognized and respected. It honors the work our teams have put into building the CBA. The CBA provides fairness, stability, and balance. Balance between time, well-being, and professional for our staff. And that
balance directly impacts our students. Why does this matter for the students we serve? Stability for educators means consistent learning. Fair working conditions means more energy focused on kids. Retaining
experienced educators and ESPs ensures continuity in services and relationships. Our students get to be in schools with thriving, inspired educators. The agreement strengthens stability across our schools and helps
retain highquality staff. At its core, the CBA represents partnership to create conditions where professionals can do their best work and students can do their best learning. This tenative agreement from for a CBA
extension is grounded directly in the voices of our staff through our 2025 2026 bargaining survey. All staff certified and ESP members and non-members were invited to share their input. Hearing staff voices matters
because this agreement impacts everyone in our schools. The feedback was clear. Staff prioritized an extension of the CBA. They value stability, fairness, and clarity it provides. Above all, they want the CBA so they can focus on
teaching, being present for their students, and available for their communities. This extension reflects staff priorities, and reinforces the stability our students depend on. When staff are supported, students benefit.
Those are some quotes from our um survey that our staff had. And then go ahead have our video. It gives us teachers a voice a checks and balances of what can and can happen
and their place of employment. also helps for other staff members as well. >> It's important to me to know that the topics that have already been fought for aren't going to be taken away in years to come. >> We love and
>> I want CBA here because I care about them. They care about us. And I want to work at a place that cares about our children as much as we care about them. >> Hey girls, what does CBA mean to you?
Equality, equitable representation, >> democracy, fairness, consistency, job security, protection.
>> Direct is important to me because I want to be secure in my job. staff are for all of our work >> to help us get better wages and benefits. It's very important. My contract is important to me because
after 33 years of being an employee of district 70, I'm nearing retirement and it is important to have job security means peace of mind. I have a voice. I have job security and I have a good work
environment. >> I really appreciate because it helps me feel like I'm represented and I have a voice and it gives me more time to do my job. So, my voice is heard. Having a framework of understanding between employees and the
school district provides protection for administration and staff. Having consistent rules across the district helps employees focus on educating children, which is why we're here. >> A is important to us because we have one
on our side >> and our voices are heard. >> We all work too hard to not have a contract. >> We all need to protect uh our negotiated pay and the time that we're given and um just be able to continue having that voice. So, I hope that we continue to
allow that voice um for all of our members >> and better wages and benefits. >> I say it's for the potential for better working conditions. >> My contract is important to me because we need it attracting key quality teachers for 28 years. I believe that it
shows a trust and respect aspect that teachers need to know between them and the board. >> Most of all, happy teachers and happy students. A collective bargaining agreement defines workday length, planning time,
supervision limits, evaluation proced procedures. Leaders can focus on instructional improvement rather than conflict management. Stability in staffing is one of the biggest predictors of a building success. Hello here at Pleasant Middle School.
From my standpoint, I believe the collective bargaining agreement is more than a contract. It is a foundational framework that strengthens our entire school system. It creates space for multiple voices to be heard, giving teachers, staff, and administrators a defined platform for input and ensuring
decisions those closest to students in the classroom. This inclusive structure leads a stronger and more informed outcomes. Ultimately, this agreement has been an essential part of our district's supporting thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a culture of shared
governance and teamwork. >> Hi, it's Victoria, principal at Elementary. The negotiated agreement is an essential part of our partnership with our district union. It creates consistency, fairness, and transparency across our district. I'm grateful for this collaboration, for the shared
commitment we have to one another and to the success of our students. >> How the CBA supports me. The collective bargaining agreement supports the department of instruction by providing guidance for our professional learning. It allows us to
give guidance to staff on the courses they take and the courses they submit for horizontal movement. The collective bargaining of agreement also gives us guidance for the structure of our workday. That includes the time that the workday
starts and ends and the planning and prep time that staff receive as part of that collective bargaining agreement. The collective bargaining agreement is an important resource in the work that we do. In my opinion, uh the agreement
really provides an actionable and equitable um form of support uh for me as a principal um in management of my staff. Um it it provides a layer of account of accountability uh for me in
my interactions uh with with my teachers. Um, and not only does it help me to hold people accountable, um, it helps me to to support them appropriately as well. Um, to me it's invaluable. It helps create a great environment, a supportive culture uh
within my building. Very supportive of of continuing uh contract and negotiated agreement within district. >> So for me um instead of happy wife, happy life, it's happy staff, happy student. As we close tonight, we want to thank
you for your commitment to our students to and our schools. This tentative agreement represents decades of conversation, problem solving, and collaboration. It reflects compromise, careful consideration, and a shared
commitment to what matters most, our students. >> Our CBA is not about winning or losing. It's about creating stability. It provides clarity for staff predictability for our district and guidelines for all. It allows principles
and administration to focus on instructional improvements rather than navigating uncertainty and conflict. Most importantly though, it supports the people who show up every day for our students. This agreement reflects a balanced
approach, fiscally responsible, operationally sound, and supportive of the educators who make our schools strong. We respectfully ask for your support of this tenative agreement so we can move forward together
with clarity, stability, and a continued focus on student success. Thank you. cut you off. >> I mean, it looks like I'm talking. I remember. >> You failed to introduce yourself.
>> Who are you? >> Uh, I'm Kay Paycheck. I um have the privilege of representing our staff as the PBLO County Education Association President. >> Good evening. I'm Stephanie Russell, the director of human resources.
>> No, thank you. Appreciate it. Um item 6.06, 6 presentation of the student survey for strategic planning. >> Good evening, Madame President, members of the board. I'm Lynette Bonfilio. I'm the public information officer for PBLO
District 70. Still in the vein of student input and student importance. As I shared in my email dated February 10th, you have received a proposed student survey that is intended to be administered at our three high schools. The survey is
designed to work in tandem with the staff survey that was recently distributed. Together, these two tools will provide meaningful insight to help guide district 7's vision, values, and priorities. Our goal is to ensure that our student voice is intentionally
included in this process. High school principles will be asked to distribute the survey to approximately 50 student leaders at the senior level at each high school and will have flexibility in how they administer it to best align with their schedules.
The feedback gathered from both students and staff will support informed discussion and thoughtful decision making as this work of a strategic plan moves forward. This evening, I am respectfully requesting the board approval to move forward with a student
survey as presented. Do you have any questions for me? >> Okay. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you. >> Item 6.07, presentation of the gym floor refinish project. >> Yes. Good evening, board. And uh before
I begin, I want to give a shout out to Mr. Yates. Some of you probably didn't recognize him without his hat, but he looks pretty good. So, maybe we'll see him more often without it. And I know a guy that can shine you up real good. Okay, so back to
the gym floors. Um, the gym floors of why I'm here. Uh, but we shared in our budget pieces that we ought to start taking care of some of our items, right? So, we look at three of the floors in the presentation in front of you. Three of these floors have had um years and
years of wax put put on them. It's time. We can't bring that shine back. We've got to pull it back down to the back to the barewood, restripe, relo, and then refinish and then contining our maintenance plan to take care of that down the road. The other project that's
on there is a full replacement of gym of the Ry High School gym floor. That one, like I shared during our budget um summit, we'll call it, right? Uh we've got some areas that were in need, some nails sticking out, so on and so forth. Um but it's time for that to come
completely out because we can no longer go back down to the wood and repaint and refinish and go from there. So they're there in front of you. As far as that process, we we did follow the RFP process. Um it went out um early July or
January, excuse me. We're looking for completion of July. Um it went out early January. Um and when it closed, we had a group of of um employees review that and based on our selection, those are the two two companies we're looking at um to
get that done in completion for July for our next school year. >> Questions? >> Doesn't look like it. >> Perfect. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. Item seven um 7.01 open forum for
comments. Um I would remind everyone wishing to share comments that we do have guidelines. I believe that they were provided for you. And I just um trust that we're going to uh honor those and act respectfully as
we have the privilege of hearing from you. So, do you have them? >> I do. Would you like to read them? You're welcome to. I just collect them because >> Go ahead and call. That's fine. Yeah. >> So, I'm going to go in order that um they were numbered. So, my first person will be Devon Ingo. You'll have three
minutes. When you start talking, I will push start and it will pop up on the screen. I hope. If not, I'll verbally give you a a warning. Good evening, Madame President and members of the board. I am a parent in
the district, a past district 70 student, and this evening my comments are about governance, fiduciary duty, and compliance with Colorado law and clarity. Under Colorado Revised Statute 22-31-129,
the board does have 60 days to fill a vacancy by majority vote in a public meeting. After 60 days, the statute provides that the president of the board shall appoint the replacement. That authority is very clear. What must also be clear is this. The appointment of a
board member is still official public action. Official action must be transparent and properly documented in accordance with Colorado's open meetings law. The swearing in video is not the issue. The issue is this. When and where was
the formal appointment made? Was the president's actions properly memorialized in the official minutes? If that process was not clearly documented in a lawful and transparent manner, then there are concerns about statutory compliance.
There is another concern. At a prior meeting regarding this vacancy, President Bennett left the meeting, resulting in loss of quorum and preventing the board from continuing work. While any member may leave the may leave a meeting, the board president has heightened responsibility to facilitate
governance, not halt it. Breaking quorum stops the people's business, and that undermines the public's trust. Leadership requires discipline, steadiness, and adherence to procedure, especially during disagreement.
In addition, legal counsel exists to ensure the board complies with statute and procedure. If questions now exist about whether proper process was followed, then a transparent review of the legal guidance provided is appropriate. If statutory procedures were not
followed with full transparency, accountability must follow. That includes serious consideration of whether the president's actions and leadership best serve this district. Additionally, I request that if the attorney failed to pro provide
appropriate legal guidance that the board consider terminating the contract and engaging an independent replacement council to ensure full statutory compliance. This this is not personal. This is not personal. It is strictly structural for
me and it is about trust and governance. It's a passion of mine and I just as a parent in this district I expect governance that models integrity, respect for our law. Our children are watching who's leading.
When process is compromised, trust is compromised. Please restore clarity, transparency, and trust. Thank you. Next we have one of our students, Colton Seabolde. Good evening, board. I had a whole speech prepared, but I am going to tell
you guys what the students are saying and how we are feeling. >> First of all, my name is Colton Seold. I am a sophomore at PLO High School. I come here tonight because after watching and hearing what has been going on in the meetings, we the student are pretty
disappointed in your guys' behavior. As a youth, as as the youth and government governor, I was shocked to see how you can't even follow simply parley procedure. Our teachers and coaches work very hard to teach us how to work together. And even if we don't
have similar beliefs or similar ideas, we have to figure out how to compromise and figure out how to coexist. As a me, as I mentioned earlier, I was elected as the Colorado Youth and Government Governor of Colorado. And do you know
who my lieutenant government is? She goes to county high school, our sworn emmies. So, here as 15-year-olds that have found a way to work together as members,
all I ask for you tonight is number one, the lawyer and also the other people of this board to stop acting inappropriately and to start acting with a little bit more professionalism because you guys are are examples. But
for me to be a part of politics, I have to look up to you. And if I have to look up to you, I have to understand how to do the process correctly, but with respect. And honestly, with the past couple of meetings that have been going on and what I've heard, it doesn't seem
that you guys value the ability to be great role models for not only your teachers, your co-workers, but also the students you guys are supposed to represent. People come here with presentations and they
work very hard on their opinions that you guys need to hear. By acting like this, you have basically told all the students and teachers that we don't matter. We matter. And because we feel like you don't that you can't do your
job, you essentially I have a petition that I've gone around county high school and ple high school calling for the three board members that have been acting like elementary students calling for the resignation. The students have spoken
and we are also asking for you to guys to at least have some decent respect for the students of this district. Thank you. So, my third person is Carrie Pistano. >> Good evening board members. My name is Carrie Tristano. I have been a math
teacher in district 70 for 20 years. I currently teach at county high school. I'm here tonight in collaboration with Ellen Macko to explain why the collective bargaining agreement or CBA is vitally important to the certified teachers of District 70. As you've heard
from Kate and Stephanie, the CBA provides clear and direct language and guidance for school professionals. Here are the areas I find to be the most important for certified teachers. As any teacher will attest, planning time is critical for preparing instruction.
Having planning time defined in the CBA guarantees that educators are given time in their school day to complete essential work, designing lessons, providing feedback for student work, collaborating with collaborating with special service providers, etc. Plan
time is used by educators at every level and is an essential part of the educator's day. Annual leave is another important component. Article 7 specifies that teachers are allotted 12 days of leave to use at their discretion for personal leave.
Teachers wear many hats, not just that of teacher. We are parents, spouses, coaches, scout leaders, pastors, volunteers, caregivers amongst many other roles. Teachers should be able to make their own choices about taking days
off by providing a transparent salary schedule for teachers as well as a separate pay scale for coaches. Financial compensation is not a mystery. It also clarifies step and lane for advancement.
Other benefits such as insurance and retire contributions are also bargained by the bargaining team. These benefits can help attract highly qualified educators to our district and help us keep our highly skilled and qualified
educators from leaving District 70. Article 14 provides direct language on how administrators are to evaluate teachers and is overall a tool for reflection, review, and professional growth maintained by state law and
honored by the CBA. These areas help to prevent teacher burnout and allow district 70 to continue to stand out in the crowd of the 178 school districts in the state of Colorado. I personally believe our CBA is one of the major reasons why we are
able to attract and maintain so many amazing teachers. The CBA is a longstanding and historically vital part to how District 70 operates. It is a foundation that outlines policies and procedures that create a desirable and
safe working environment for all employees. Our working environment also doubles as a learning environment for the students in our schools. Therefore, the CBA directly affects all aspects of district 70. Thank you.
Our next one is Crystal Terrell. Uh, good evening. Um, my name is Crystal and tonight I want to speak to you about the importance of maintaining our collective bargaining agreement for our custodial staff. Custodial professionals are often the
unsung heroes of our organization. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They are sure our buildings are clean, safe, and ready for students, parents, employees, and the public. Their work is physically demanding,
detail oriented, and essential to daily operations. The CBA is not just a document. It is a commitment. It protects the rights of our custodial staff by clearly outlining wages, benefits, working hours, overtime
policies, and leave procedures and ensures fairness and consistency so everyone understands the expectations and the standards that guide our work. Maintaining this agreement promotes stability. When policies are clear,
clearly defined, misunderstandings are reduced. If if diff excuse me if disagreements arise, there is a structural grievance process that allows issues to be resolved professionally and
respectfully. This stren strengthens trust between employees and management. A strong agreement also supports fair compensation and safe work conditions. custodial staff were worth chemicals,
heavy equipment, and sometimes in challenging environments. A CBA helps establish safe safety standards, training requirements, and reasonable workloads that protect their well-being. Furthermore, honoring and maintaining
this agreement boost morale and retention. When employees feel valued and protected, they are more engaged, more committed, and more likely to remain in their positions. High retention leads to experienced staff who take pride in their work and contribute
to a positive organizational culture. Ultimately, keeping a collective bargaining agreement reflects our respect for the people who keep our facilities functioning every day. It shows that we believe in fairness, transparency, and collaboration.
By maintaining this agreement, we are not just supporting custodial staff, we are strengthening our entire organization. Thank you. >> Our next person is Jenny Popper. >> Good evening. I'm a 27y year veteran teacher, a parent of a current student
in district 70 and two children that are now adults and I live in this community. Collective bargaining bargaining agreements, CBAs, are a necessity. Our teachers working conditions are student
learning conditions and vice versa. I'm going to talk from the student points of view. Our public education system's most valu valuable resource is people. It's being forced to do more and more with increasingly less. Collective bargaining
agreements are designed to bridge the expectations that stakeholders have and the reality of what school learning environments have for resources, including the people. CBAs improve student student learning conditions. CBAs can be used to reduce the amount of
testing in a school, which directly improves the learning environment of students. Teachers can develop new ways to evaluate student learning that fit better with daily instruction through collaborative efforts during planning times. CBAs help protect planning time.
CBAs can protect smaller class sizes, which means more quality attention given to students. Smaller class sizes equal more time to address individual needs and have intervention for students who need more time to learn new concepts. This has to be accomplished by not just
counting the number of students and deciding how many teachers that equals in a building. More than ever, students need increased access to nurses and counselors. The social emotional well-being and behavioral needs of kids is higher than ever before in schools.
Lack of social work for families outside of school is impacting the learning environment of all students in classrooms. Adding more specialized instructional support personnel, also known as non-classroom educators at the federal level, to address students needs
requires more positions. These staff include counselors, school psychologists, andor social workers. Right now, teachers are expected to fill that role in most schools since not all schools have a counselor and school psychologists are spread thin to maybe
one day per week at a school. The high needs of the student population is not a factor for staffing the number of teachers and support personnel in a building or district. This increases how many students who are struggling in classrooms. They may already have more
than 30 students and need smaller class sizes. By boosting teacher pay, improving working conditions in a school, including protected plan times, reducing turnover, and increasing educator voices on the job, students win.
By addressing issues that impact us and our student learning conditions and work sites, everyone wins. Collective bargaining benefits students and communities as a whole. My next person is Ellen Macko. Good evening board members. My name is
Ellen Macko. I've been in this district for 18 years. And in my many years of service, I've very rarely ever had to come and speak before the board. But I feel that need and that need has changed recently. Tonight I'm here to address the embarrassment that was the previous
District 70 board meeting. On February 24th, the board's attorney, Brad Miller, unfortunately he's not here tonight, engaged in unethical behavior, which indicates either a severe lack of knowledge about board meeting procedure or a severe conflict of interest between his other commitments and his
representation of our district, District 70. Instead of serving as legal counsel for the entire District 70 school board, Mr. Mr. Miller only seemed interested in acting as a personal legal counsel to President Bennett, contributing to last week's dysfunctional spectacle. Mr. Miller repeatedly refused to listen to
Mrs. Ericson or Mr. Emry's very, very real concerns. Moreover, these board members were following Robert's rules of order, which is in accordance with this body. But Mr. Miller advised President Bennett in a completely different manner, ignoring the proper protocol and ultimately scuttling the meeting. During
the brief, shambolic exchange we all witnessed last week, Mr. Mr. Miller spoke derogatorily to Mrs. Ericson and Mr. Emmery. It's getting harder and harder for Mr. Miller to hide his deeply personal, religious, and frankly unprofessional alliances that he's been
stitching together. And his open encouragement of President Bennett's irrational behavior is enormously concerning. As the board's attorney, Mr. Miller is supposed to answer questions and guide the board, not undermine the entire process. I believe these are reasons enough to have an RFP and get
better, more knowledgeable, local and fair representation of the entire school board. District 70 students, parents, employees, and community members deserve to have an attorney for the board whose only agenda is the success and
empowerment of our students. Thank you. My next person is Miles Lucero. >> Good evening. My name is Miles Lucero. I'm a resident of District 70. Um, I first want to start by saying I unequivocally stand with our teachers, our custodians, our staff, our
administrators, and I strongly urge you to uh support the collective bargaining agreement tonight. I will also say um I have the honor of representing this community as a county commissioner and what I am going to say are my views and
my views only. They don't represent the board of county commissioners and they don't represent anybody else that works at the county. I'm here tonight again to address safety concerns, safety of our children. Last time I was here, I talked about the Riverstone Academy that was
operating down on Aspen Circle and the steps that the county was taking to make sure that there was a safe environment for learning for our children. The good news is that after a cease and desist letter was sent to them and after we threatened to cut off their utilities,
they are no longer in that building. The bad news is we don't know where they are. They refuse to confirm or deny their current location. I'm sure there are folks in this room that may have an idea. But as far as the county is concerned, we don't we don't know where
they are today. We've heard rumors. We've heard of secret meeting places, but they're only rumors right now because again, the organization refuses to confirm or deny where these kids are. And I have to assume as a leader of this community that if an organization is
willing to put kids safety at risk one time, they're likely willing to do it again. So what I'm here tonight is ask for your help. There are four new board members here since thisou was signed. Thisou reads explicitly, the district hereby confirms its agreement that
erosis may operate Riverstone Academy at a location within district boundaries. A location. Where's the location? If we can't agree on children's safety, what can we agree on, folks? This is my obligation. This is your obligation. I'm imploring you
respectfully, review the terms of thisou and exit it immediately. And I would strongly advise, as I did last time, that you seek a different legal counsel than Mr. Miller because of his myriad conflicts of interest with Riverstone Academy,
Forging Education, I all all of it. It's too messy and I don't believe you will get sound legal advice from him in this regard. And I will leave it I will leave you with this in regard to the previous meetings in regard to the behind closed
doors appointment. This community is watching. The teachers are watching. The children are watching and we will not look away. Thank you very much. My next person is Chris Sutton. >> All right. Uh, I want to start by saying
hello. Uh, I am Chris Sutton. Any other veterans in here? Raise your hand. No, just me. Okay. I'm the only veteran, so when I set for the flag, don't get mad. Uh, also any other licensed educators in here? Raise your hand. Licensed educators. Oh, awesome. Awesome. Thank
you for confirming. So, my point on this, and I want to continue real fast. There's a lot going on. Miss Bennett's probably the only person who's implied that I'm dishonest. I am the PBLO S parent. That is my Facebook page. I You were very nice, Miss Bennett, to go and say that you used to work for Riverstone
or not Riverstone, but forgine education and the homeschool enrichment program. However, you did not say when you resigned. Rumor is that it was last week. I don't know. That's the rumor. I would love for you to share when that resignation took place cuz yeah, you can say, "Oh, it's not a big deal." But you
did. You worked there. When did you quit? Oh, was that after I raised a stink? Now, moving on before uh aside from that conflict of interest, I want to go back to December 9th. The There's three people here that were sworn in on December 9th and saw that episode. I
have a criminal complaint with the public county sheriff's already under investigation. I've spoken to the attorney general, Phil Weiser, about it and it there is a criminal complaint of bribery for uh Brad Miller and Ann O. You were at you mentioned about how
there's not a crime and uh all this other stuff. Thisou that was just mentioned uh was voted on on June 24th. On June 4th, which Mr. Dr. Wilson has confirmed today via a phone call and I have other board member of previous board member that also confirmed it via
uh via fidiciary duty that June 4th email about a uh a a test case for Supreme Court that Miller sent is legit. He said that on June 4th on June 9th they then an o the former board president signed a contract with erosis
Brad Miller's erosce to work there for six figures. you were mentioning about it's only a bad thing or a crime if you profit off it. Ann O, the former board president uh was told to do something. She took a job and then she fulfilled that into the contract by signing
thatou. We might not even need you to null and avoid it because if we can prove that that was a crime, it's nullified anyways. like and I'm going to ask the board members that are new to really look into that criminal complaint with the evidence that I I as well as the police report number and everything
else or the sheriff's report number and everything else that's on there and go back and review it. Really take in consideration why you should get rid of Brad Miller. I made it very clear. I've been called a lot of things but dishonest isn't one of them. If you have a question, Miss Bennett, about the things I'm putting out there, by all means share, sit down with me. I will
talk to you and I will make it public. I have you were you were worried about so many people sending emails from Miss KS first and foremost we corroed those I read them. I want to say that there is a very big difference between the uh level of writing for the people that were against it and the three par three
sentences that were saying hey yes. So really taking granted and also the number of uh people who emailed to ask for your resignation. So my last person is Calvin Sutton. Uh hello, I am Calvin Sutton. I am a student of this district at PBLO West
High School. Um I am here today with concerns of this board. Um but I just want to first off introduce myself a little. I'm a member of uh my high school's HOSA DECA um mock trial march
and marching band. Um I so I was trying to write a little bit more of a speech, but I got carried away with my mock trial uh regionals that happened this weekend actually. Um but I want to note that I've seen more organization in my
marching bands leadership team than I've seen in this district board. That is disgusting to me. That is embarrassing. Now, um I find it important that students of this community community
directly affected by this board's proceedings are speaking out about this board. Um I one of my biggest con well not biggest concerns but one of my more recent con concerns comes from this board's president especially with the
walking out of these meetings. Is it not important to stay for these meetings? I mean, you yourself are the president. You hold power over these. And again with that, I find it very important to not hold fourminute meet four-minute meetings and a Jordan based upon a
faulty legal council. Now, we've spoken about integrity today. I've seen zero integrity come from this board's president. Due process does matter. I've seen very little come from that with uh the legal counselor of Brad Miller.
Leadership requires accountability and dignity. Accountability does not come from having meetings behind closed doors or appointing behind closed doors. Now again with that I've seen students my own fellow students have better
accountability and dignity than this board has had in the past few weeks. Now challenging you you've said today that your only bias stands with your personal ones and there are no legal problems. However,
legal problems don't need to come from you directly to show that there are problems with Brad Miller. And we've brought up real teachers time and time again today. And I don't the only two I see on this board is one that
taught me and one that is a band teacher. Um I have nothing more and thank YOU >> how did you do with your mock trial? >> Um none of our teams have placed. However, uh my team went up against one
of the ones that did manage to make Good. Well, congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Okay. Action item um agenda item number eight, action items 8.01, approval of the 2627 calendar changes to
reflect the two literacy days. Director of curriculum and instruction, Dr. Anthony Martinez. Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I recommend that you u approve the revisions as presented to include two literacy testing days in the 2627 school
calendar. >> Second. >> Any discussion? Okay. >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emery, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie K, >> yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. Item 8.02, approval of the tentative agreement between PCEA and PBO County School District 70 regarding article 18, terms of agreement. Um, director of personnel, Stephanie Russell. Madame
President, members of the board, I recommend that the board of education approve the tenative agreement between PCEA and Publ County School District 70 regarding article 18, terms of agreement. Any discussion?
>> I will. >> Yes. >> Yeah, we didn't need discussion because >> I I would like to make a couple comments. Um, first of all, Kate, I I thought you were back there. I can't see you. >> Okay. Um, I I want to thank you
personally um and publicly for taking time to sit with me and talk to me about this as well. Um, there are some how do I say this? I was ignorant about certain things with it and I really appreciate you clarifying some of those
with me and it was it was very much appreciated. you know, you took a lot of time out of your day to to sit with me and do that. The other thing that I I hear from a lot of our teachers and from this agreement is about job security.
>> This was one thing that I did not realize was that if this wasn't signed and and correct me if I'm wrong, Kate, that our employees would only be guaranteed a year. Is that is that correct? >> So, it depends on the staff. There is
statute for certified educators um that I think right >> um so that provides us nonprobationary status however it has to do with our evaluations and a lot of other pieces our counselors are on our certified
schedule so they would not have fall under that same and neither do ours so >> so I was You are correct. A large majority of our staff. Correct. >> So, I want our staff to feel comfortable here.
One of the coolest things that I've been a part of on the board is getting to go to the staff awards for the anniversary awards. And seeing teachers that I had or teachers that have been there for, you know, 20 plus years speaks volumes
to what this district is doing. >> And I appreciate that. I appreciate our staff staying with us for the long haul through the good and the bad and for committing to this community their willingness to serve.
And on that note, I think your presentation should be presented to every new board that comes in. >> Yeah. If I may, I also want to thank Kate. You know, she reached out to me and we were supposed to just have a little meet and greet for coffee. And
that little meet and greet turned down to a a twohour conversation um in the hot sun, I might add. I actually got a sunburn from that Kate sitting across from me. But hey, it was February. >> It was toasty. >> It was toasty. Um
and I really appreciate how she um she welcomed me. She acknowledged the fact that I was put into quite a sticky situation um that was beyond my control. Um we shared our love for PBLO. We
shared how um you know Kate how she returned after some absence from PBLO and how I did the same. Um and we we were able to bond on that and how much we love this community and I do. I love this community with all my heart. I
purposely when we moved back moved into district 70. Um I wouldn't have it any other way because I wanted my son to attend Bubble County High School where I ran around the gym with Mark Emory growing up and um it it just holds a very special place in my heart. Um I'll
also say that contrary to I don't know what is floating around, I am very much for our teachers and our staff. Um, you know, I when my husband was teaching for district 60, we marched in the teacher strike back in 2018 and had he not had
the protections of the union at that time, I don't think he would have felt safe to do so. This was a, you know, we had four children at the time and that's, um, that's quite a big risk to walk out on your job when you have four kids and a wife at home. Um, and you
have to rely on the protections that have been put in place to keep your job secure so that you can fight for what matters. Um, we made signs, we marched with him, and I believe in it. So, I I'm I support um any effort to equip or
support our teachers and our staff at any chance. Um, I will always be a champion for our teachers and our staff. It's very important to me and it's one of the reasons why I'm here because, um, you know, we we went through the financial issues of trying to raise a
family on a teacher salary and it's it's not easy. So, um, so I just want to put this out there in no uncertain terms. I'm here for the teachers. So, I'm going to say something. The re
and those stories. The reason I asked the ladies to say who they were, it was very impressive. I know many of you know who they are. However, it was an administrator working with a teacher and
that is the handinhand cooperation and coordination that we've seen. Now I will tell a short story. >> There was a time when I was a teacher when the collective bargaining wasn't run the way it is now. It was cutthroat.
It was it was aggressive. It was like going to war for the teachers and on the other side the administrators. I have sat in just to observe as a board member on several collective bargaining. There's not raised voices. It's all in a
matter of cooperation. And just seeing the two ladies there was just so fantastic for me. So obviously I support and you know what Michelle and I were supported by
our teachers association but that has nothing absolutely nothing to do with the words I just said. It's just it's a wonderful thing that we have in the district and we appreciate all your teachers work. All you who are teachers work
>> and the time you spend the money of your own you spend And I see nodding hands. We know. We know. So, thank you. And uh thank you for allowing me to ra. And I'll just make one quick comment. Um
I like to take notes. I don't know you know for those of you sitting right here, I'm a noteaker. And things that I wrote down that I think are really important. Um all of it's important. A beautiful presentation. Um obviously I mean the amount of time to uh go out
and interview everybody and it just was powerful. Um, but things that I I thought big takeaways for me, benefits, voices, admin, uh, teaching staff, everybody working together, um, consistency, fair, um,
fair, um, it's fair, there's a framework, and I just think about how geographically large our district is, how diverse it is from, I mean, we are K through 12. We do so many amazing things in this district and um I just
appreciate all that you um all the work that went into this. And I do want to say I had an opportunity one time to come and tell my story when I was a teacher about how important it is like teachers work long hours. They work um because they're passionate about
their jobs and our support is important. SO THANK YOU WELL, I in my earlier comments, I think I already addressed um how I feel about teachers, but I would just echo again that we I do value you. I do realize
that um without our teachers, we don't have a school district. And I can point to the teachers that have uh fundamentally changed my life. One of them worked with for district 70, Donna Bozelle, my uh seventh and eighth grade gym teacher and and volleyball coach.
And I can still to this day recount some challenges that she made to me that uh that really formed my character. And so um with that, I think we're ready to vote. >> Okay, I think everybody's patiently waiting to vote. >> AJ Wilson,
>> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie K, >> absolutely. Yes. Motion carries. BEFORE we move on, I would like to see all of the teachers and staff backcoho at the
next meeting. I think that would be really cool. So, >> oh, one more thing. >> I sent out a email to all the principles and maybe they didn't share it. I told you the joy of my life was visiting us third grade
classes. How come none of you have asked? That's what I >> Okay. Agenda item n number nine, consent agenda 9.01, approval of consent agenda items. Do I have a motion to approve the
consent agenda as presented having been reviewed by the board? >> So move. >> Second. I'll second. Oh, >> Wilson. Yes. >> Anne Bennett. >> Yes. >> Mark Emry. >> Yes. >> Michelle Ericson. >> Yes. >> Susie K. >> Yes.
>> Motion carried. >> Right. >> Agenda item 10, future meeting announcements. 10.01. The next board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 17th, 2026 at the Educational Services Center, 24 951 East Highway 50 PBLO,
Colorado, beginning at 6 PM. Do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? Second. >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie Horn, >> yes.
>> Motion carried. >> It is 7:43.