Um, please rise for the pledge of >> allegiance. 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. Thank you. Welcome visitors. Thank you all for being here. Um item 3.03, approve the regular board meeting. Do I have a motion to approve the meeting as presented? >> Madam Chairman, I'd like to amend the
agenda. Please move to a amend the agenda. I'd like to add a discussion of the board's attorney and request for RFP. >> I second that. Any discussion? >> Yes. >> Yes. Go ahead.
>> Can I I I'll start. So, good evening everyone and fellow directors. Um I want to acknowledge and share my appreciation and support for the other director's statements about moving forward and focusing on current
issues. Legal counsel is a current issue that needs our attention now and I would like to share reasons to consider an RFP. Number one, a request for proposal is the first step in evaluating legal council options to ensure we fulfill our
duty as stewards of taxpayer and district funds. Accepting proposals allows our new board to carefully consider our choices and make an informal decision or to make a formal decision and shield us from the risk and
liability that we could potentially face. >> Okay. >> All right. So, I've been asked to speak louder by my friend Mr. Andio. So, I will do that.
As evidenced by the many emails, and we do judge things by emails we've received, we are under a shadow. This is caused by our association with Mr. Miller. He is in educational news constantly in a negative way. I've said it before. Can we start with a clean
slate, eliminating this controversy? To be honest, I'm tired of this board being in the news. I am super tired of it. And when students come to us and ask us to get our act together, I think this is step one, allowing us to focus on what's
important, students and staff. As long as we're associated with Mr. Miller, there will be that cloud, there will be that negativity. And my colleagues on the board, I respect them a lot.
Uh, Miss KS doesn't know doesn't know all this and uh I want I don't want them to be criticized to be targeted any longer and I think
this is step one in doing that. >> Um, I have another comment or if if one of you have I just Okay. So, um, although costs are not the only factors, legal counsel costs for PBLO school district 70 have increased sharply over
the past three years. This should concern all of us. I realize some variables such as the need for legal counsel and the number of hours build are beyond our control. However, our current firm charges more per hour than other firms and we do have a
responsibility to explore explore all of our options to ensure we are getting the most for our district dollars. >> Can I add something? Sorry. If this is approved, I need an agenda item. Can it be 704 at the end of discussion?
>> Um, yes. Yeah, if we approve it. >> Um, any comments from other board members? Hi, JC. >> So, are you looking for the entire
district or just the board? >> Whatever the at whatever Mr. Miller represents. >> Okay, put it that way. >> I have more. Mr. Wilson, I didn't mean to step on toes. >> No, that's that I was just I was just
curious because I know the district attorney and the board attorney can be different. >> Yes. >> And um did you look into >> Yeah. >> other attorneys with that? >> I have submitted an RFP for a district attorney. Okay. >> Uh yesterday. So the district attorney
can be different from the board attorney. >> Okay. >> Correct. And how did those prices compare or like how does ours compare? >> The RFP is literally just submitted. Okay. >> So I don't have that information yet. >> Okay. >> But once once we close the RFP then then you would all have that you you would be
able to look at that information. >> Okay. >> Okay. Mr. Miller is both the D70 attorney and attorney for education revision Boseis which promotes the Riverstone school to which D70 board has
granted permission to operate a charter school in D70. So once again Mr. Miller is on both sides of the transaction. Other comments? >> A formal criminal PL complaint has been filed with the Colorado attorney general
alleging potential potential playto pay arrangement connected to Brad Miller and er Boseies in PBlo County and school district 70. >> And have charges been filed or just a complaint?
>> Well, here's another thing in the news. It continues to be in the news. Miss Bennett, I don't know. But it's >> I think it is an important distinction though. Correct. >> It is, but it's in the news. And
>> from the news stories that I've read, it's been moved to the attorney general's office out of PBLO specifically. So, I know that it is moving forward. >> Um, so, and again, I I don't want to we had such a good meeting last time. I don't want to be confrontational. Yes.
Um, but I recognize from personal experience that what is reported in the news isn't always accurate. I've learned that firsthand over the past several weeks. So, I just
I think to I don't want to see us um deem somebody guilty until they're proven innocent. >> I agree with you. >> I'm getting messages that they can't hear you. >> Sorry. >> I'm getting messages they can't hear you on I have one
and I >> if if I can add then I understand the concern there but I think one of the issues is that um as a board one of the one of the um entities or one of our
responsibilities is legal counsel >> it is >> and so um we're asking so an RFP does not mean that Brad Miller may not end up being our attorney. It only means that we are seeking >> proposal from all uh firms and
determining that we have chosen the best firm for our district whether and and again you know as far as cost as far as um access you know being accessible being available coming uh you know we talked about this as a board but I I think the issue
of doing our due diligence as stated in my previous just earlier uh this evening. I think our due diligence is to put out an RFP to look at all of the proposals and then to move forward. And if it is with the Miller firm, then it would be with the Miller firm. But I think it would be Miller Farmer Carlson
firm. Um, but if it's not, I I mean, I think we should give opportunity to all firms the opportunity to apply and then to also look at what's in the best interest of our of our board of our district. That's and
I mean this is something that I would like to pursue. >> I have a question. Would you guys be willing to wait to see what the RFP for the district comes back with to where then we at least have kind of a a ballpark and then that way we can focus
on like what we're doing as far as superintendent interim superintendent and then depending on what that comes back that'll give us more information as to >> you know the criticalness with the cost and everything. >> Well Mr. Mr. Wilson, I want to make it
clear >> what Miss Bennett just said is I want her to have a good board meeting and so do I. And I want to get out from under this. It's so difficult. And I had I had
a good friend just say, "Can we just find a new attorney and get back to teaching math? Well, let me continue math and reading and band >> and drama >> and drama
>> and we'll talk about that in a few minutes. >> And so I I mean we I think we have um as a board um looked at the cost of different firms and the Miller Farmer Carlson firm is more expensive. Um, there are firms in PBLO that have
represented our school district for decades. And I think giving everybody the opportunity to apply and to interview them is our next step because that is what new boards do. And we are a new board. We are five people. Uh, we
have one uh board member that's been on the board now for what is it? Uh, five years because you have two more years, right? >> I think it's believe one more year. Well, >> four completed. So, >> right. So, I I I think that um our request is just to make sure that we are choosing a law firm that can serve us
well and that represents our community and that would be something we as a board have to decide. >> You know, I loved what Michelle just said. That's what new boards do. And what did I swore in five people four years ago and what did the new board immediately
do? Find a new attorney. and and we have four new board members with our old veteran uh AJ. So I I I think that's a wonderful comment. I to be honest I'd prefer to vote on it
now or propose it now. Let's put it that way. >> So I think that it does need to go um if we're going to vote. >> So we have to vote to amend the agenda. >> Yes. >> Yes. as just discussion. No, we can't do that. >> We can't vote today. We can only discuss
>> on an amended. >> I want to >> Yes. >> Thank you guys because what you said is very important to me. >> Very important. >> Well, I can say from personal experience, if we read everything that's >> uh
>> put in the media, um you know, I know we've all had that experience a bit. I think I've had a significant um amount of experience with that in in the recent uh weeks and I know I feel confident in myself that my intentions will be clear
as I continue to just be myself and serve out my term here and you're going to see that I I am who I am and I speak for myself. Um but to your point and um you know not believing everything we read and giving um you know giving the chance for that to play out. I also
think that this is not necessarily the best time as we navigate some serious personnel change over. Um that's going to take a considerable amount of um focus and concentration and I would prefer
big undertaking to find the next person who's going to serve this district as superintendent. Um, so to that point, I don't think this is a productive use of our time. Um, and that's what I was I you know, was suggesting with my email that you referenced, Michelle or Mark.
>> Well, and I think we all said it last week. I I mean that we want to move forward, but I also um for so that you know, I didn't just get my information from the media. I did my research. Um I did my research as far as
association with organizations and various um just trying to again we're suggesting an RFP. It's a request for proposal. We're asking that we pick the best law firm for our school
district. That's what we're asking for. We're not This is I mean I would say this is not personal. This is about us moving forward as a board. >> And it could be Mr. Miller again. I just we just like to look at those possibilities.
>> Yeah, I I um I think I agree. I do agree with Susie. I think that we have a lot on our plate regarding the superintendent. We want to do that well because it's really critical for our district and I would rather see us focus our efforts and our energies on that.
>> It's all important. >> Okay. Can you please be quiet? >> I believe it's all important. >> You need to leave, please. >> Would you please leave? It's not allowed in this meeting. This is a clown show.
>> Okay. Thank you guys. I do um welcome involvement from the community. We do have a time for that in our meeting. Um we do value you guys and your input, but um we won't tolerate that um outburst in the meeting. So,
as I was saying, I agree with with Miss Kins. Um, do we have further discussion? >> Okay. May I ask something? >> Um, of course. >> I if
we vote on the amendment and we decide this is not the time, I'd like to revisit in the future. >> I think that's fair. >> Thank you. if we vote not to do it, like if we vote against it tonight to not move forward
with voting on the RFP because right now we're going to have to take a vote and we're just asking I don't I'm not quite sure what is the um constraint, but I I think we first have to move forward with amending the agenda, right?
So, we need to amend the agenda. We need to vote on that. >> Thank you, Mr. Wilson. Yeah, if we decide to put it on the agenda, then it'll go on discussion, which we've kind of already done, it'll go there, but we cannot vote on an RFP tonight because we can't add the action
>> action item >> item within the 24 hours if we haven't posted it, right? So, do I have a motion to approve the agenda as amended? >> So, moved. >> I second. >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett,
>> no. Mark Emory, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie K, >> no. >> I didn't understand. >> Is that Yes or >> no? >> Sorry. >> Motion carried. >> Okay.
>> So, now we need to approve the amended agenda. >> Yeah. >> I'm just marking it on my paper here. Okay. So, do I have um a motion to approve the amended agenda? Um adding the to item 7.04 under
discussion and RFP. >> So moved. >> I'll second. >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> no. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie K, >> no.
>> Motion carried. Okay. Item 4.01. 01 donation or we're going to uh gifts 4.01 donation of $1,000 to Sky View Middle School. Mr. Robert Brill. >> Yes, ma'am. Madame President, members of
the board, I'm Rob Brillam, principal over at Sky View. I'm here this evening to ask you to accept uh two anonymous donations in the amount of $1,000. Uh the first one is for
uh books for our library. Uh, and the second donation is for $1,000 and that is for potential repairs to music instruments and to buy sheet music. >> Great. >> I like that.
>> I knew you were going to like that. >> I like that. And >> yeah, I knew you were going to like that. Um, okay. Thank you. >> Yes, ma'am. Any questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Item 4.02, 02 donation of $1,000 um to
Sky View Middle School Music Program. >> Oh, we just did that one. 4.03 donation of $850 to Ry High School Winter Guard from Continental Divide Color Guard Circuit. >> Good afternoon board members. I am the coach at um Ry High School, the
Thunderbolt Winter Guard, the only winter guard in District 70 and District 60. Um we have um received a donation from Rocky Mountain Color Guard Association through the Continental Divide Color Guard Circuit. There are 74
color guards. Um they only four were picked for the scholarship money. Um it is to help with travel expenses because being from Ry and everything north of Denver, you had to have at least one competition that was at least a 100
miles or more. Um, six of our seven are a 100 miles or more one way. So, they were kind enough to give us the um opportunity to have one of these. Any questions? >> Yes. >> Uh, >> yes, kind sir.
>> Okay. >> I'll take say I believe this gentleman said something. >> I said we were state champions in the mama's division last year. >> THANK YOU. >> OH, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. IT'S all my kids. >> It's my kids. It's not us. They are such troopers.
>> Mrs. Bales, I don't know what color guard is. Could you >> Color Guard is? Okay. Color guard as we know it. Color guard is the nice women and men or kids or students on the field at halftime at a football game who play
um instruments. That's the band. Color guard is the ones with the flags and the rifles and the sabers and the dance. Winter guard is basically the same thing except we do it during the winter months. God help us on I25 um during the winter months and we perform on a
basketball floor to piped in music to um with props and stuff like that. The year we won last year we did um grease lightning, we did the quarter mile um and this year we are doing a show based on the movie Clue. So we have Miss Peacock, all of those guys. It's really
cool. >> Yes, ma'am. >> When is your uh next competition? >> Our last one. When is your last competition? >> My last one. Um, actually we don't have one this Saturday. We could have, but we did and we didn't choose it. There's actually 10, 12 total. Um, so state is
March 27th and 28th. We will be leaving at some ridiculous hour on the 27th from Ry High School, spending the night in Denver. We compete in the semifinals because we're a group of eight or more um on Friday. This is our first year in
SRA. There's 25 groups. We have to be in the top 13 in order to perform at the final finals on Saturday. Right now, we're seated 11th. >> Wow. >> Yeah. Out of 25 brand new kids in this division. It's it's it's rough.
>> One more thing. >> Yes. Well, she has one more thing, too. Ladies first. >> Go first because >> ladies first. Sorry. >> This is about her. Mrs. Ericson was my color guard instructor at county >> and I was in the blue devils from
conquered California. >> Yes, ma'am. I was born in California. >> Yeah. And yeah, >> Mrs. Bales, thank you for being awesome. >> Thank you. I appreciate everything you guys do. >> Thank you. >> I want to go.
>> Thank you. Congratulations. >> So, I'm sorry. Did you say there were 25 kids in the program? >> No, there are 25 guards all throughout the state. >> I see. >> We have we've gone from six to nine to
God help us 14 and we hope to have more members even with two graduating seniors next year. >> Yeah, >> we're excited. We're excited. >> Yeah, >> you don't look proud at all. >> All right. Thank you for that. So item 4.04 um accept the gifts. Do I have a
motion to accept the gifts with proper acknowledgement? >> So move. >> I second. >> You guys keep time. >> Well done, Susie. >> Susie, you're next. >> Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson,
>> yes. >> Susie K, >> yes. Motion carried. >> All right. Yeah. Item um 5.01, 901 good news spotlight with Kate Paycheck. Hello.
Uh so today we would like to recognize two of our staff. First we have Sandy Martinez Solano from Avendell Elementary. Si is a secretary at Aendell. Sandy demonstrates outstanding dedication as a secretary at Avendell
Elementary by going far beyond the responsibilities of the front office. She is a steady, supportive presence for students, staff, and families, bringing kindness, organization, and calm to everything she does. She plays a vital role in keeping the school running
smoothly while ensuring everyone feels welcome and supported. Sandy works tirelessly, sorry, behind the scenes to support her school community. From organizing the schoolwide chocolate bar fundraiser to coordinating conferences and send
sending thoughtful Sunday messages to families, she keeps communication strong and systems running efficiently. Her daily announcements complete with jokes, birthday shoutouts, and positive message helps set a joyful tone for our entire
school. She is also a dependent support for staff, always ready to step in when someone needs help. Thank you, SANDY. >> YAY. SHE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO. >> And if you've worked in a school, you know our secretaries are
>> Oh my gosh. >> Warriors basketball. Um, our other spotlight could not be here today, but we want to recognize her still. Um, and that is Amanda Sherwood from Desert Sage Elementary. Amanda demonstrates
outstanding dedication as a kindergarten teacher and leader at Desert Sage Elementary. She spent many years serving as the building association representative and continues to support the new AR while remaining actively involved in leadership across the school
and district. Her commitment to education, her colleagues, and her school community is evident in everything she does. Amanda stands out for her leadership and reliability. She has served on multiple school and district committees and is someone staff consistently turn to for guidance and
support. Colleagues trust her to provide thoughtful, grounded perspectives, especially during challenging situations or meetings. Even after stepping back from her formal AR role, she continues to be a strong and steady leader within the building.
All right. Thank you, Amanda. Thank you. Okay. Information from the board and the superintendent. Normally, I start over here and just go around the room, but um I'm gonna take the liberty of going
first tonight. Um, I'm sure you all are aware since our last meeting that our superintendent, Ronda Rain, has tendered her resignation effective June 30th. Um, I just want to take a moment to thank Rhonda
for her service to our district and to wish her well in her retirement. Rhonda, as you move into this new season, I might get a little emotional. Um, I want you to know that I'll be praying for you and your family. I pray that you'll know the presence, power, and blessing of the
Lord God. Um, and I in your resignation letter, you state that your involvement in this work has provided you with a sense of purpose in your life. And uh, while change can be difficult, I pray that this transition will provide a new purpose
and be overflowing with hope and joy. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Someone get a video. >> And with that, Bob, do you have anything you'd like to share? >> I I'm gonna wait. We've still got a few more months.
We do have a few months >> very nicely said. >> I'm sure we're all going to say some things uh gets a little closer. But uh just for me at spring season's here uh means a lot of different activities happening at the schools, a lot of fun
stuff that our our students get to do and uh our community and our parents. Um, so I just uh hope that we have a very uh successful uh spring season and you know the weather is supposedly supposed to stay pretty warm and and uh
dry moving forward. So we'll hope that that sticks because spring does bring all that uh different moisture and it does disrupt things. But just want to give a quick shout out. We had our schools uh two high schools did their performances, their musical performances this um uh last weekend. I think next
year hopefully we can make them alternate on different weekend because it's tough to get to both. And I unfortunately didn't make it out to PLO West, but I did see pictures and I heard people say that it was a great performance. Uh I could firsthand say that County High's performance was uh
very well done as always. I did have a chance to attend that and I did attend the rock band concert that >> um they had a few weeks ago for their Makea-Wish. So, a lot of great stuff going on. And so, just want to say have have fun for our our kids and our
schools and our families during this uh spring season, which is is a pretty cool time of year. >> Thank you. >> Well, thanks, Bob. I am glad that you said a few things so I could reather myself. Thanks. I appreciate that because I'm
I'm not usually emotional, but I have uh given my whole life to the school district and I I just want everyone to know I'm not I'm not retiring because of our board. That's a that's a rumor I'd like to dispel. Um because that if you know me
very well, you know that I'm up for a fight. I mean I don't I don't sherk from uh hard things. I don't sherk from confrontation or um difficult decisions. And so this was a very difficult decision for me. um but it's a personal
one and it's in regard to taking care of my family and so I appreciate the prayers because we're going to need them and so thank you very much. Uh it's been my honor and my pleasure to serve this district and the students within it. So thank you
many times. >> Well, um I I feel proud cuz we got to hire you and I'm I think that was probably the best decision we ever made. So, >> thank you. >> Um it's been a lot of fun and we got a
couple months to to rock it out still, right? sparring gear out and working it till the end. >> Um, and spring break woohoo is coming up, right? >> Yeah, >> that's all I have. I don't >> I just wanted to say spring break
woohoo. >> Nothing Mark. >> Oh, by the way, this used to be called good news from the board before it became into a political statement. So, I have lots of good news. >> Good.
>> There was an awesome event last Friday. I believe it's called Champions of Youth Banquet. It was a wonderful event put on by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Publo County. Now, you think that this is just a potluck or
something? Oh, no. It was first class. It was amazing. There were silent auctions. There was there was an auctioneer, female auctioneer who was incredible. But the best part of the night was the students who were being recognized all
the way from kindergarteners all the way up through high school kids. They were all dressed up and they all got a trophy and it was the most awesome thing ever. And and as you know now I'm going to get emotional. I love kids. I This is the
reason I do it. I don't do it for the politics, but it was it's what I needed. Number two, I went to a concert band festival in Fountain. Actually, I helped run it and
uh and who did I see? The PBLO West High School band there. And it was their second band. And they were so big. I thought, Mr. Heron, could you please stand up? This is Mr. Herren. He's the director of the band
and they were fantastic. Can we give him a Hey, but that's not all. The Ry High School band was there. >> Now, it was not big, but they were stinking phenomenal.
And and Mr. Watson did not need a podium because he's 66 or so, but they were great. Let's see. Oh, Mr. Dietro, you are such an master of
understatement. The musical at County, the musical at County was incredible. You wouldn't go there and say, "Oh, that's a good high school musical."
Nope. It was a good professional musical. the dance, the singers, the acting. It wasn't I it was amazing. The costumes, the lighting, I could go on and on. And so I want to say congratulations to the Arts Academy at
PBlo County, which was a brainchild of Mrs. Pianelli. And they she has left a legacy at that school, and it's awesome. >> I guess that's all. Oh, by the way, Mr. Delila, the
principal, is here. Mr. Delila, did you stand up? >> And we are hoping we will never lose him as the principal at county. That's all I'm going to say about that. Thank you, Mr. Dan. >> Um, so I just have a few things to add.
Um, positive things to add. First of all, I just wanted to say thank you to every educator. um in district 70 from prek through the tap program. I have had the opportunity on many different occasions to work with people um throughout the district and I'm always
so impressed and I just I wanted to say thank you for um continuing to um create excellent lesson plans to um collaborate to work with colleagues in the community and your uh
colleagues in the community at every turn. It's it's always like whether I called someone when I was a teacher or to present day I know people are willing um to reach out and to help out and I really appreciate that. So I just wanted to share and I wanted to share this really cool story. So and I'm not I
usually don't have the stories but um I took you you usually have the stories but uh back in um I believe it was 2022 I took a group of students to the capital which was something I did when I taught government and it was really um awesome. I love going to the Capitol and
one of the ways that I thought really helped my students to better understand um how laws are made is to actually go into committee because that's where bills live or die. That's where people bring all of the information and um this
is where committees get to really hear um um from experts whether it be about health or education. So that day, which was really interesting, we happened upon the governor signing um into law
um a um to fund preschool for the state and my students were there. And the cool thing was that um or to change how preschool is offered to students. But the thing that was really important um is my student said, "Mrs. Ericen, this is about education."
That was really cool because oftentimes when you're you know and I was I mean I've had some just really great experiences at the capital and our uh by the way we are really fortunate because when you reach out um to uh uh senators representatives they are
always willing to work with us and it's just it's wonderful. So I wanted to share that. Um I also I also went to the Boys and Girls Club um Gayla and I I just absolutely enjoyed it and I feel very fortunate that we have two club houses in district 70 now. Three, excuse me. Is it four? >> Three.
>> Three. Okay. I'm sorry. I said two. Yeah, three. We have three. And I think that um our students were so well represented and so well spoken. I mean, or getting awards and it was just it was a wonderful evening. I also enjoyed um it was fun to watch people bidding and
doing all the things that are helpful to um the Boys and Girls Club. And then finally, I did attend the MMA Mia performance and I thought it was absolutely wonderful. Um huge shout out to Mrs. Emerson, Miss Koulla, um, and the student performers and the crew,
they did an excellent job and I really, if you talk to any of them, their intro in etiquette, uh, theater, uh, etiquette was absolutely amazing. They had a really fun film before the, um, musical started, and I laughed a lot. So, it had
me engaged before the play even started. So, well done and great job, District 70. >> Yay. >> YEAH. OKAY. Discussion item 7.01, presentation of the PBO West High School marching band trip to Orlando. So, the PBLO West Marching Band would
like to take an educational performance trip to Universal Orlando next spring break for 2027 where we will march on a national stage in front of thousands of people through the uh Universal Park.
>> Wow. >> So, I have some questions. >> Yes. >> How much will it be per student? $2,100 per student. Okay. >> That includes airfare and everything. >> That includes everything. Food, all inclusive. >> And how many kids do you expect to take?
>> We are hoping to take 70. >> Nice. >> Wow. >> Because the marching band will be close to 80 and usually we have a few that don't make it. So, um, we will we will be somewhere around 70.
>> And you'll have I'm sorry. >> Sorry. You'll have fundraisers to >> um Yes. >> Yes. >> To pay for it. Okay. To help the students. Yeah. >> Yeah. To help them out. Yes. >> Sorry, Mark. >> Oh, no. >> So, let us know about the fundraisers.
>> Yes. Yes. Absolutely. >> Especially the peaches. >> Yes. Oh, yeah. >> Peaches. Oh, >> they're the best. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. >> Item 7.02, O2 presentation of first
student contract extension. Mr. Dietro. >> All right. Well, good evening everyone. So, we did touch on this at our work budget summit, but we are uh finalizing or we are going into our last year. This is our last year of our transportation
contract. And and what the transportation contract is is it's it's our it's our home to school um route. So this is you know our bus routes in the morning, our bus routes in the afternoon. That contract also does carry over into our activities and our athletic trips and then field trips etc.
So it it is a it is a very big contract is getting a large number of our kids to school each day is is a high priority. And so currently we have a contract with first student and uh back in 2010 the district made the decision to outsource
transportation uh and not do it in-house anymore. And at that point in time uh first student was awarded um the contract and it's been a growing relationship um ever since. Uh we have signed two extensions
since 2010. And so, uh, what you have in front of you that I did provide you is, uh, kind of what that might look like if we decide that we'd like to do another extension. And so, just a couple things to hit on. I would like to introduce, uh, Deian Adterbury. Deanna, if you want
to wave or stand up, you're more than welcome to. >> Um, Deian Adterbury is the regional local manager, supervisor, director. I don't everything. Um, and she does have two of her um, managers, Daniel and
James, uh, here. And so she'll be able to answer any questions that you might have. Uh, I think one thing to note, Dian, when did you start working for District 70? >> Do you remember? >> 1994. >> Um, so Dan, you you could sit down, Dan. You
don't have to stand. Um, the reason I brought that up is when we did um move into uh outsourcing transportation, one of the the major um things with the district is they were looking for a company that was willing to hire our people because again our transportation
department uh employed uh our own people. And so that was a major concern of uh the administration at that point in time. And so Deianne along with many other uh bus drivers and uh mechanics etc did move into and did uh get
employed with first student and and several are still employed um today. And so we think that's a important thing to point out is um that that we do have still our employees. Uh we consider Deianne one of our employees because she really didn't stop working for us. She
just kind of shifted over to another company but still does the same thing. Um over the years uh First Student has uh been very solid in uh their rates and maintaining very minimal um cost increases uh as compared to some other
organizations um that do provide uh transportation contract services. So, you know, our rate has been steady 3.3% over the course of those uh 10 years of extensions where just within the last four years, um other districts who
outsource transportation, our neighboring district, have seen increases of 5, 11 and beyond and we have continued to see a just a 3.3% increase. Uh in addition to that, first student has still been able to maintain higher drive uh driver and salary wages
for their employees benefits uh which is huge in recruitment. And so uh although their uh increase to us was very minimal, they were still able to reinvest back into the to the company. And uh so again, we we uh we engaged
with first student on uh discussions of a contract extension. We do have the option of going to an RFP. We've heard that thrown out a few different times at at various meetings. Um, as Ron and myself and our team have discussed, uh,
we've looked at other contracts. We've looked at, uh, the neighboring contract that that District 60 has. We do not believe going out to an RFP would be a benefit to our district. Uh we believe the relationship that we have with first student um the the current contract uh
and the way it's written and and what they have uh proposed as a potential increase compared to what we might feel or might see with other companies through an RFP we believe is a very beneficial um thing. So just just to give you a quick what is uh you know
home to school routes look like for us. We have 58 bus routes right there or 57 bus routes and three white van or small vehicle bus routes. And so that's a standard um day uh where we have 58 routes, 70 if or 60 if you include the
white van routes. So that's our that's our home to school um routes. Then again we have athletic routes, we have uh field trips, etc. And then we we utilize them when we need assistance with certain things. And uh Mr. Sabonic in student services may reach out to, hey,
we got to get somebody home because a parent, we can't get a hold of a parent. We got a sick kid. We don't have one of our own drivers. And so, we'll call first student and they'll send a bus or they'll send a driver uh to do that. So, we do utilize them for special things. We also just signed a uhou this past
year for them to do our CD inspections on our own vehicles, our own uh small fleet vehicles that we use for student transport for our athletics and our ESS transportation. And so now first student does our uh CD inspections and that's been a great help to us. And Mr. Wagner,
you can certainly speak on this. Um the rate that we get is tremendous. uh the service that we get and then if there's repairs made uh they're making those repairs for us and they have been far less than what we were previously
>> so again one more example of just that partnership that we've had. So what I did attach uh and what you do have and and we can certainly go through everything or or you can ask questions. This is only up for discussion. So there there is a few weeks if you have questions that you want to ask, you can
certainly email me. Uh I can get those to Deian if there questions that Deian needs to answer. But um what you have in your packet is um five attachments. Attachment one is the contract. Now it is it is 2010. That's a contract that
was originally written in 2010. The good thing is we have had it reviewed over the years by our uh legal and so all the language is still uh within the legal realms of things. So, but it is a contract that was written back in 2010. Um and again, it just talks about, you
know, what the contractor rules are, what the the uh our roles are as a district. Uh it gets into some minor pricing in regards to how they secure fuel and fuel overages and those types of things. and then how contracts can be ended or how disputes might be settled.
So that's that's attachment one and that's the the actual contract. And so does anybody have any immediate questions on on that contract or that attachment? So attachment number two is um the
secondary piece of that contract and that's the exhibit B which is our property lease agreement. Um, when we did go out to an RFP, we did work it out to where to keep the cost down, uh, part of it was us selling buses to the company, uh, etc., but they do lease our
property for, uh, it's it's essentially, I think, a dollar how it's written in. So, basically, we let them utilize, um, our property. So, they utilize the first student bus garage that's out in PBlo West um, which is right next to one of our schools, Liberty Point. And then
they use the Baxter site to house their other buses, the mechanic shop, the offices, etc. out in Publo West. That's they they utilize that, the gas tanks. And as part of that uh lease agreement, I said, "Why don't you charge them and bring money back in?" Well, it's it's
written to where our our rates are lower and uh we pay less for routes based on the fact that we're letting them come in and utilize our facilities. Um there is a maintenance agreement where they do do all the maintenance and keep the upkeep of the facility. Uh in regards to
repairs prior to this latest um potential extension, uh most of the repairs were at the district cost. So the district was responsible for making repairs, but we did come to an agreement that any major repairs over $5,000 would go to a cost sharing of 5050. So, an
example might be Deian, we just recently did some tank work uh a few uh years ago. Things like that that you know may have uh significant cost to them. That would be now a new cost sharing agreement under the new extension. Um so that's that's the property lease
agreement. So that just goes through what what that looks like. Any questions on that? All right. Attachment three is just an example of the last two amendments for extension. So you could see when they were signed. So again uh in 2015
uh 1415 and then again uh 20 uh 21 is is the last one and you can see the different rate sheets that were attached to those. So that's that's just for your reference that those were the last two that were signed. Um attachment four is theou I just referenced that we recently
signed in regards to the inspections and to the repair uh services. And then the fine final big one is um their proposal for an extension and it does come with the cover letter that does talk about you know things impacting the market right now including like the driver
wages how much they've increased again technician wages etc. Um so it just goes into that and then the next part of that document um again gets into that's that amendment to say we'd like to extend this for another five years through uh
this the um particular school year. I think it's uh 30 uh June 3031. Um so again we would have five years starting next year. Uh and then again it does add that shared uh repair obligation. So we did make sure that that's in that
extension so we know that if we have big repairs that it's not just going to be a district burden uh to repair those. And then it just gets into talk about some things that first student uh or the rate sheet. So now you could see we did do a 5.4% increase. So it is larger than the
3.3 but again um costs are going up. Everything's going up. Uh we had the option to do a a larger increase up front with some smaller increases at the end, but as we talked, we'd rather just do a flat yearly increase. So we know
exactly what we need to budget each year. Just so you know, this year we budgeted just over 3.9 million. Uh we're anticipating just a little over four uh million next year. Uh we are probably going to be a little under budget this year. So um the 5.4 for next year. We
probably do not have to meet that whole thing as far as where we're going to add money to it. But then again, those those next years we will have to kind of account for that 5.4. But as part of that, 16 new buses coming into the the fleet uh next year would be part of this
and then they would have a couple years were no bus replacements and then the last few years they would replace aging out buses. And so again, that's another major thing, right? We don't want buses breaking down. Uh those types of things. and Deian, would those be diesel, propane? Do we have any idea what what they would be?
>> James, >> most likely diesel. Okay. So, um, white van, you see a white van fleet. So, we do utilize white van. That's either small small buses or, uh, uh, vans that you might see first student on the side of them. So, we do utilize those for
regular home to school routes. You also see our own district vehicles driving around. Uh, first student does do our ESS bus routes um specialized bus routes, but they do not do for the most part they do not do um our ESS small vehicle transportation. Miss Alonso
still has her group and vehicles at each school and district locations to do that. But that does include the white van uh as well. And then just the last documents and if you have questions Deian could certainly answer some of these. But uh writer uh conduct tracking
system utilizing that for a student has the capabilities to do that. Uh as far as uh more training uh implementing some different training programs Deian right for how to deal with um discipline um caring for students etc. And then uh you
know again the the tracking camera systems etc. First Student is the largest um transportation private school transportation company in the US. So they do uh uh have all the bells and whistles that we have access to and we do utilize the first uh view app so
parents can track buses, they can get notifications um and we have some other options that we could pursue with them as well. So that's the that's the presentation. Again, what we would be most likely coming back with you uh in the next
meeting would be to uh approve uh a recommendation of a contract extension. And so that's that would be the official time. So yes, Mark, >> uh I want to say on first students
part technology and the safety measures are incredible. It's They're not going to leave kids on the bus. It's just there's cameras on the buses. It It's just amazing. So, Miss Adterbury, thank
you. Is the 5.4% increase is that pretty standard that we're seeing or is that just like is there because I know we're going from 3.3 is most inflation and some of that kind of stuff. the the the last two increases. I did not see
district 60's increase last year. So that they paid five then they went to an 11% increase. I don't know what their last increase was. I think when we had our meeting Dan I mean most people were looking somewhere in the 10 to 11 12 >> and again some have fluctuating so like
you might see a big increase the first two years and then smaller increases. um we we felt like if we had that standard that we we would be much more comfortable. So I I would say based on industry standards, based on the cost of just doing business these days that uh
2% is we we actually you know I'll be candidate. I I thought it was going to be a little bit more than just a 2% on top of their last best thing. So I I think we're pleased with the five 5.4%. Well, Bob said he he expected it to be a
lot lower, but he's okay with the four five point. >> Well, they already put it's already in our hands, so they can't take it back. >> Well, thank you for that. >> Yeah, I I I I think it's fair. Again, like they are connected to our radio system, so um our school safe system,
their all their buses are equipped. Um we can talk to them, they could talk to us. Mr. Sodnik can get on the radio. He can talk immediately to the Anne. Um Deian's and her group are right alongside of us in the mornings during snow storms talking through things. Can
we send a bus here? Can we send a bus there? Um even with just athletic events, I mean she's communicating, her group communicating with Mr. Bumgardner. Um safety is number one priority, right, with getting our kids to and from places and and they'll they'll tell us we're
not going to send a bus up there period. And so we respect that and they're the experts. And so again, I think it's a great relationship and what we have in place um I think it really works in this case. So >> one more comment from the old guy. Mrs.
Adterbury trained me uh to be a small vehicle operator and at one time she actually drove for me. So >> yes, >> she's good trainer. >> All right. Thank you. Yeah, if you have questions, just email me. That
>> absolutely. Thank you so much. Item 7.03, presentation of revisions to policies, student use of cell phones, and other personal technology. >> Good evening, Madame President, board. Uh, United States is down one zero in
the bottom of the third. Coach Nch, >> thank you. >> Um, had a rough inning. Um, the first policy that I'd like to discuss is this student use of cell
phones. Uh, this is just a policy change because of House Bill 25 11135. Uh, just ensuring access to safe to tell, which we already did. Um, but it just needs to be in the policy. Um,
for the new members of the board, when I put it in red, that's the change. Um, and if I if I do it in red with a crossing it out, we're just getting rid of it. These are just additions and I added some some titles. Um, so it's easier to read, but it's access to safe
to tell 911 and um the mental health uh helpline state law dictates that to us. So, we just had to add that to the policy. Uh, so I would um appreciate that uh change. Um, the next one is JL CD-E.
I did not send you one in red because it would have been my like my Italian homework in high school. It would have been dipped in red. Um, this is a total change. We needed to uh make a rob more robust um authorization to administer
meds at school. This actually helps the parents out quite a bit because they only need one doctor's signature. Um, so they get the uh meds at school. It it'll also get initials for self-care. I made it a little bit more robust with a definition section saying what can and
what cannot be um administered or self- carried at school, which uh is lengthy. Pretty much nothing can be self- carried, which is okay. Um but uh when we do have the field trips and things
like that, um the uh law in 2022 allowed kids to have um one day's worth or the events worth of medication like a Tylenol or something like that. Um so that is something that we added we
wanted to make sure we added to the uh to the form. Any questions? So, I was reading over this earlier today. Yes, ma'am. Um, and I did have a question. >> On page three, it says, um, I'm just
finding my place here. >> Um, it lists certain medications that are rarely allowed to be self-arried, including pain medications. Um, so, and I just answered my own question. So it does list Tylenol, but it's
Tylenol with coding. So regular pain medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, those kinds of things students can have access to. It's just the >> sort of >> Okay, >> we can we can say no. Uh they have to show that they're able to to do that. Um
they have to show mental capacity and you know uh making sure that they're not going to give it to somebody else. and they can only have one day's worth and it has to be in the bottle, >> okay, >> labeled and everything. Um, and and really our nurses can say no um to any
of these um any of these things if we don't find that uh the kids are able to do so. That's actually in the competency portion on page four um that uh this they've demonstrated to the school nurse that they're competent of doing so. Um,
so it's not it's not going to be an elementary school thing. It's really that really is the self-care for those meds is going to be on a field trip out of state um overnight or something like that for our high school kids. Um, and it's going to be Tylenol and and that
kind of stuff. We we do have a med uh trained person on every one of our trips if we do have those things. And uh they're responsible of they're responsible to give the meds out and close the loop of time, route, uh date, all that stuff
>> and of course parental um approval, those kinds of things. >> Yes. All that stuff is on these. So it's it's this this is a very robust form. >> So you do have to like in order for this to happen, you have to have a doctor's signature. Yeah. For students. So that's
page one has to be done first. That has the physician's signature on it. And then the rest of that um which would be pages four and five. Well, the page one and two is the the form for administration of meds at school.
Parents and doctors need to sign that. And then the self-care contract just needs the parents, but it has to have the physician signature on page one. That's why I combined them into one. In self-care, it would be something like an inhaler or EpiPen or something. >> Inhalers are inhalers are covered by the
asthma asthma plan or um epinephrine is carried by the um >> another law with the allergy plan. So, those those were already taken care of. It's just more of the over-the-counter stuff that may be needed. Um but the emergency meds are always taken care of.
>> So, um I apologize just further clarification. So on page four, it does list over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol as a prohibited self-care, but then down on the the contract or the
um looking page number here. >> Yeah. So page, >> but it does list it as a possibility. So what exactly are we saying about >> there? You can't self- carry them without the contract. >> Okay. is what they have to do self carry with the contract and the doctors.
>> So they're prohibited unless they have special permission with the contract. Okay, thank you. >> And it's got they got to meet those four requirements to do so. >> Yeah. Okay, that's good. I know there were times when my kids were in school that I would have liked if they could have had it Tylenol or something at
school without >> Right. You know. Yes. Cough drops is a big one. >> Especially my high schoolers. Yeah. >> I still think >> I still think cough drops on there is crazy. But >> yeah, they the cough drops I mean that's they're over the counter and they've got just enough >> little stuff in them that could make
somebody have an allergic reaction. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. We had item 7.04 the RFP. I think we discussed that already. Um
any further discussion on that before we move on? >> May maybe a little bit from me, but Miss Bennett, you're opposed. >> Could you tell us why? >> Well, I think I did explain my position.
Um I agreed with Mrs. KS that I just think that our efforts right now would be better served um dealing with our our personnel issues with our superintendent. Um I'm not unhappy with the service that I've received, we've
received as a board from Mr. Miller. Um I think that anytime I've received any kind of input from him, I do check it with Casby. I check it, you know, just try to do my own research. Um, and I've
I found him to be really reliable. Um, and so I don't for because I think he's reliable. I think he provides good legal advice and I think our our efforts can be better directed toward other
concerns. Um, I'm not in favor of pursuing an RFP. I agree. His his uh advice is probably good. I've never really received any. Uh there's all that baggage though he
carries. And this isn't rumor. This is the baggage he brings to our school district, to the newspaper, to the chalk beat. I mean these are rumors and so that is my point.
>> Yeah. And I I appreciate your your view. We might have to agree to disagree on this one. Um any other >> Yeah. I was just going to say you know I I would agree with Ann as far as I am happy but I was willing to have the discussion even kind of you know we
essentially did have the discussion. Um I I more wanted to get on the discussion too. I would like to postpone or like kind of table this until we, you know, hear back from from Rhonda's RFP, you know, with some of
that. Um, and then also I I think we definitely need to figure out uh superintendent interman interim superintendent that policy as far as or procedure and timeline as far as what we're going to go before we take any
action on this. So that's more where I'm coming from as well, but we can still have discussions. >> AJ, I really appreciate your willingness to discuss. I really do. And uh actually, I've always had that from AJ. I
appreciate it, Michelle. Well, I think um our again we started with a request for this before we had a full board and I think it was our I I feel it's my due diligence um to pursue an RFP because we
do have a full board now and the process is something that you um put the RFP out. We give people firms time to apply. We make sure that what is in the RFP
um states what we want as a board and and districts do as you've mentioned. I think we could have the school district have they'll have a firm and the board will have a firm but I think it is um
with the evidence I shared and have researched I think it would be it's my responsibility and my fiduciary responsibility to pursue this and I felt like I wanted to make sure that we're looking at all of our options and we're
making good financial and um legal both financial um decisions but also with legal advice. Um having having accessibility to the attorney would be really important to me and >> and you think that you don't
>> um yeah I I I feel like I have not had the access to um the firm like I think I should. I mean, whether it be being present at a meeting
and giving me advice or um providing um things in writing for me to research, those are things that I would just want more of. And I think that's something we could put in an RFP and make sure that I'm, you know, I can call Caspby. And I I think um it was mentioned prior that
when um I had asked for when I I had suggested somewhere early on that I had reached out I had reached out to CASBY too and asked for CA asked CASBY for advice because I think one of the things that we have a responsibility to do is to be um good stewards of money. And so
I was just making sure that like I used CASBY because I did not want to to be charged $300 an hour. Um, and I I also did my reading. So, I just want to make sure that we're making the best financial decision, but we're also making the best legal decision for our
school district. And in referencing um I would say that I started in newspapers. I read articles too, but then I went and did my own homework and tried to figure out like so, you know, how many school districts are represented by one firm? How does this look across the state? And those are
things I mean I did, you know, association with organizations and things like that. And so I just want to make sure that we have the best legal representation for our school district because that's who we're elected to represent. So >> yeah, which I think we would all agree with that.
>> Well, to to offer a case, uh I've talked to this many people. We had a unfortunate board meeting a few times ago, >> right? Unfortunate meeting >> and
we feel that Mr. Miller could have put that back on track with advice to all of us, but you were the only one that got the advice. >> Yeah, >> I felt like he advised the the board.
The the advice was that we can't proceed without Is that the meaning you're referring to? We can't proceed without a an approved. >> We should have got that back on track >> without But he stood up and said, "We're done here." >> Yeah. >> I mean, he has no part of the board.
>> No, it's true. >> He took control of the meeting and said, "Folks, go home. We're done here." >> And it wasn't even you, man. It was him. >> That would have offended me as president. Fortunately, I'm not as easily offended.
>> So, here's my question. Um, >> from personal experience, you know, there was things said about me and accusations made, and had someone just sat down and talked to me about these things, I think they would have realized that many are not true. Would you be
willing to do the same thing with Mr. Miller? Because what I saw us greatly benefit from was sit down, come together, say, "Here's what's going on, and let's figure out a way to move forward." I think we did that beautifully last uh meeting. I think there's a lot that can be gained from
those sorts of conversations. So, would you be willing to sit down with Mr. Miller and say, "These are my concerns. How are you willing to address them?" and before we just, you know, because I haven't been on the board long enough, I think, to make a really well-informed decision on that front because I'm not
going to make a fear-based decision based on what people are screaming at me. I want to make a well-informed decision where I've made my due diligence, just like Michelle was talking about. I think a part of that would be going to Mr. Miller, sitting down, and having this very frank and transparent conversation.
But I also think it's our responsibility as a board to look at not just what happened in the um the the uh meeting on the 24th is did I get that date right? Yes, the 24th. Not just on the 24th, but
also looking looking back. I mean, again, we are a new board. >> I've looked at the finances of it, but I've also looked at like what what do we want from a law firm, and I think that
it would be our due diligence to reach out and see who's willing to represent us and do they represent us in a very objective way. and move forward. Again, I'm not sure exactly.
I don't know which firms will apply. I don't know um if they'll be local. I would hope that there are local firms, but I think it was my request prior to um pre all of the
issues with meetings and it's still my request. It is something that I think it is um our responsibility as a board. I would like to move forward with the RFP. >> So my question is, would you be willing though to just sit down with them? Because if we go through the process of
hiring a new firm or even interviewing all these new firms, you still don't have any experience with them, right? So once they're hired on, we don't know exactly how they will behave. And I almost always as you uh have new hirees or hire someone to provide a service for
you, there are issues that might come up that you might not agree with how they handle. So before we because we are in such a difficult time with what we are going to have to accomplish as a board in the next several months alone. I think it would not be wise to to
absolutely um uproot all of these processes. So I would think the best way forward before we address the RFP is to sit down with Mr. Miller because I want to do that. I would like to do that and I think if we all did it and came to him
Why not for you, Mark? >> Well, because I know >> you haven't sat down with him. >> I, you know, he's he seems to be a nice man. >> However, I know his what he's done, who he's worked for, and the problems he's
caused this school district to >> bring those things to him, sit in front of him, and say, "Mr. Miller, these are the issues I have with you. Address them like like we did as adults together when we decided to move forward." Well, I I will say um I just I I want to say this. So, when I ran for school board, um this
is a um >> school board is supposed to be nonpartisan and I would like it to be nonpartisan. I would like to serve students. I would like to serve the staff. I would like to serve school district 70. And I have
I would like to move forward knowing that we are doing that with an attorney that is serving us that is and and I I'm not sure who that is. I don't have someone in mind. I don't I um but I just want to make sure
that we are are choosing a law firm that is just providing legal counsel to us. That's all. >> I just want legal counsel. >> No. So, are you saying neither of you are willing to sit down and talk? >> Let me add, >> I spent eight years on the board with
two different attorneys. >> Neither of them had a single problem. And you know what their job was in the meeting? I think we're getting off track. Could you look this up? You pull out his big book of school law. And I don't feel
that confidence in Mr. Miller, plus the mileage it cost him to get here. agree to disagree. >> Yes, we did. >> Yes, we do. >> Okay, then let's move on. Item
8.01, open forum for comments. Um, do we have any comments tonight? >> We do. >> Okay, we do. So, I'll just quick reminder um comments are to be contained to three minutes. There will be a clock.
Um if you go over, we'll have to we'll have to stop. Um they cannot be abusive. No profanity. I think we all know the rules. So, let's let's move forward.
>> My first person is Aaron Okonnell. When you start speaking, I'll push start and then it's a little delayed, but it pops up on the screen. >> Thank you. My name is Aaron Oonnell and I'm from Woodland Park, Colorado. I'm here to talk about Brad Miller. The fact that he
sits up there with you all. >> Can I interrupt you for just a moment? She followed the policy and got written permission beforehand. >> Okay, good. I just I didn't know I just wanted to check. She did follow. >> I would like to pause the time to address that BEDH was not written to
exclude people from outside this district until the last time I came to speak here about Brad Miller. I'm not saying it was because of me, but it's a funny coincidence. So, I would like my time to restart. Now, >> we'll just continue where we were. >> I had to restart it because it started.
Sorry. go ahead and start speaking. >> So, I'm Aaron Okonnell from Woodland Park. I'm here to talk about Brad Miller. Tonight, several of you mentioned not listening to the media about him. I'm here to give you a real life experience. In 2022, Brad Miller on record advised the Woodland Park School
Board, how to skirt the law, and they listened. He helped name an agenda item, board housekeeping, knowing full well it was intended to bring on a much disputed charter school. Here were some of his words. It's not absolutely ne a necessity to provide granularity to the
public. Also, it's not necessity to tell the public in advance about every single thing that's being issued. He advised that members could avoid the Colorado open meeting law requirements by speaking in twos and used words like conniving and sneaky. These are all on the record. Well, I sued that school
board for violating the open meeting law or sunshine law as it's called. And Brad Miller's firm represented the board. It took four long years, but I took them to the Colorado Supreme Court and I won. I also filed a Corora lawsuit against the board because they refused to release a video of three board members talking in
the dark after a board meeting which had already been adjourned. I also won that lawsuit. Guess who defended the board? Miller firm. Do you know what happened to the camera that caught that video after I won that suit? It was taken down. Literally removed from the district office. Miller's firm and the
William Park School Board also tried to paint me as anti-charter. I'm an advocate for school choice and I first became aware of him when he was brought on as council for Lake Door Charter School where my children attended and I was a sitting board member. They tried to smear my name both on and off the record in order to support their false
narrative. Member has been given an incredible amount of power and money in many districts. Let me tell you where that leaves those districts. It cost districts hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some people like to say it's because they have to combat litigation, but they wouldn't have to fight lawsuits
if they stopped breaking the law. >> His district participation has led to mass exodus of teachers, staff, students, and families. This affects the entire district, which in turn affects property values, businesses, the real estate market, and the makeup of the community. The implications are
farreaching. Bryce Carlson, a lawyer in his firm, said my case was of little importance. The judge in his final order said in contrast to what Mr. Carlson argues um this litiga the litigation results have statewide implications. I
suggest you watch the board meeting from Woodland Park on March 11th and particularly pay attention to the two schoolboard members who had closing comments. They gave just a tiny glimpse into the havoc that Miller can cause one district. Miller and those who have hired him have tried to silence me for years. They have cost me my life savings
and unquantifiable trauma. But I didn't come here to be combative. I came here to speak the truth. I'm pleading with D70. Don't forgo your children's education in order to fund Miller's bank account. One border board member also mentioned there's a lot of change in the district right now. So why look for new
counsel? But in times of change and upheaval, you need someone representing you properly. >> Thank you. And if he was confident in his ethics, he would support your search for additional counsel. >> Time is up.
>> My next person is Dale. I'm going to butcher this. Sorry. Digan. Hello, my name is Dale Denigan. >> I'm from Ry, Colorado. Appreciate you uh giving me a few moments tonight and I appreciate the
atmosphere of tonight's meeting. It's been much more positive, much the atmosphere is much lighter and it seems like we're actually getting some things done. I'd like to thank the board and the teachers and the staff of district 70.
Um, I appreciate the presentation on our transportation. That's of most importance to keep our kids safe. And um, I live close to the uh to the bus uh station in in Ride, Colorado, and I can say that those
drivers and those buses really do a good job and they're well taken care of. I appreciate your efforts in keeping our kids safe and keeping them inspired. Thanks for the student and parental um involvement. We all share the same
common goals for our community and our children for a better America. At the last meeting, I witnessed some behavior that is preventing certain opinions and beliefs from being expressed. While differences of ideals and opinions
is expected, we should be able to discuss and debate these issues openly and fairly. I hope we can move forward in an orderly fashion in future meetings for the good of our children and the good of our community.
From the statements being made by our students and our community, we can be assured that concerned citizens are watching and they deserve our best and our best behavior. Thank you for tonight's meeting.
Appreciate everyone. >> Thank you. My next one is Michael McDow. Let's be clear about the state of district 70. It is unique in that it is both an urban and rural district
and because of this funding is crucial. We need to understand what is going on and why it matters. We are witnessing several active lawsuits, criminal investigations, negative media attention, and recall initiatives.
Brad Miller and Quinn Fryberg have infiltrated this board through their proxies and are attempting to leverage this district for their personal political agendas, which have already cost this district tens of thousands of dollars.
They are willing to use children tied to Riverstone Academy as political fodder for upcoming legal dispute that could eventually reach the Supreme Court. The aim is to divert our tax dollars from public schools and funnel those
funds to private institutions masquerading as public education. Look at other districts Miller has infiltrated and one can see the damage he and his collaborators have caused. I strongly recommend this board
terminate its contract with Miller. That alone will save the district tens of thousands of dollars this year alone. With so much attention focused on this school board, transparency now more than ever will determine if
this district moves forward or continues helping Miller and his associates drain the district's resources to advance their political ambitions through backdoor arrangements and questionable legal maneuvers. Thank you.
My next person is Kate Mchuk. >> Good evening. Um, I'm apparently not the only person that wanted to say something to Rhonda tonight. So, uh, I wanted to take a moment moment and recognize Rhonda for all of her support. Um, I've
heard non-stop from our staff. I know there were rumors before because you know like a middle school. So our district goes. Um and in that vein, I'm going to try and keep the right balance here. Be a little heart uh light of heart, but also meaningful and
maybe try out some of my middle school vocabulary that I was so blessed to learn when I joined the middle school again last year. Uh, so Rhonda, I'd just like to say your time in district se 70 has been pretty goated,
but truly what stands in this moment is your leadership by example. Thanks for the kind words to our PCA family at the last board meeting and the support of our collective bargaining agreement. In district 70, we have something special.
Our staff, administrators, certified educators, educational support professionals, and special service providers show up every single day for kids. They create schools where students feel safe, where family families feel welcome, and where students are
supported and challenged. And we do that all while being one of the lowest funded districts in one of the lowest funded states. That's not easy. If you know, you know. Our staff knows. But what makes the difference here? It's
people. Imagine what our people could do with adequate funding. You don't fully understand education unless you've spent time in public schools. And you don't understand district 70 unless you've seen the dedication of the people who work here.
And that kind of culture doesn't just happen. It's modeled every day. Now, I know sometimes people assume the education association and administration are not are always on opposite sides. And sure, we have our differences.
That's the nature of our work. But here's something I've always respected about District 70. Our administrators work just as hard as our staff. Stephanie and I just had a conversation about this today. Um, if staff have
duty, so do they. If staff are staying late for conferences, so are they. They wear any number of hats, just like our staff. One of my clearest examples for me are those late afternoons, let's be honest, evenings when I just heading home making those final check-ins,
non-emergency calls that need to be taken care of. If I call to bring something to Rhonda's attention, I can guarantee she's in her car, too, just beginning her trek home. That matters. That's leadership by example. That's a
shared commitment. Rhonda, you truly have made a difference for our district. That's not cringe. It's just facts. Well, I have to I have to say that I always every decision I make like try to
make is is it good for kids and how does it affect our staff? Um >> I always tried to think about when I was a teacher how mad would I be because that is that's the truth. You think like if when I make a big decision
that's going to affect teachers, I think about that from the standpoint of the teacher, you know, like would I be accepting of this? Would I be mad about this? And is this going to affect our kids? Is it good for kids? And sometimes if it's good for kids, that's okay if it makes teachers mad
sometimes because it's good for kids. Always, number one. But I mean, I I've spent a lot of time in middle school. In fact, they're my favorite people. I when I'm upset with things uh at work here, I walk to Pleasant View, which is 75
miles, takes me less than uh 12 minutes to get there. And then I see middle school kids and I talk to them and it they change your mood. I mean, children change your mood. They change everything about uh life and how it's perceived. And so, um six, seven,
>> let it die. >> Let it die. If you guys are all right, I would like to hear the rest of hers. >> Oh, >> she said she wasn't done, so I would like to hear the rest. >> Oh, absolutely. >> But okay, let me see where that's leadership by by example. That's a
shared commitment. And Rhonda, you've led with care for students, staff, and community. Even when we didn't always agree, and we didn't, that commitment to doing what's right for District 70 was always at the center. And that's something we can all respect. So
tonight, we want to honor you. We thank you. And yes, selfishly, we're sad to see you go, no cap, because transitions bring uncertainty, and staff feels that. They care deeply about this district, and they want to continue being heard, respected, and supported.
Rhonda, thank you for standing up for our schools, for supporting the process, and for leading with heart. And in true middle school fashion, I'll say you've made a difference. That's not cringe. It's just facts. Thank you. >> So, I'm gonna butcher this name as well.
Uh, Ariel Valentini. >> Hello, board. Thank you for your time. I'm Ari. I'm the parent of a county high junior. I'm really concerned about this district's continued reliance on Brad
Miller. He has ties to er Boseies and his record of advising school boards that transparency is optional. In May 2024, I personally contacted Mr. Miller after my daughter's track coach led a prayer at a school athletic awards banquet. I left a voicemail stating my
concern that prayer in that context is unconstitutional. I missed his return call, but the voicemail he left referenced another issue, first amendment concerns at a graduation ceremony. That told me that other parents in this community expect their schools
to adhere to the constitution. Public schools are required to remain secular under the First Amendment's establishment clause so students and families don't feel pressured to participate in religious activities at school events. The district's connection to the Riverstone School makes this
legal requirement urgent. Mr. Miller emailed D70 superintendent and board last June that Riverstone Academy exists to test the legalities around the issue of whether a public school may provide religious education. This district is
being placed directly in the middle of a deliberate legal test case. Mr. Miller is not neutral. He's a co-founder of Erboseies and acts as its attorney, which is a conflict of interest. His advice on transparency should alarm everyone here. In Woodland Park School
District, as Miss Okonnell just let us know, he told board members that it is not absolute necessity to provide granularity to the public. That's in quotes. That is bad advice as Miss uh Okonnell attested to because last month Woodland Park School District was
ordered to pay $150,000 in legal fees to uh Miss Okonnell. So that doesn't include what his firm is charging the district for a 4-year drawn out court case that uh was the result of
his deceit of the public over the merit academy charter school that he founded and it was audited in 2025 with 100 or excuse me $1.2 million in unaccounted for payments. I'm the public. You're the public. I deserve granularity. You
deserve granularity. We deserve that from an institution that serves our kids. When public school districts become grounds for ideological test cases, the result is going to be long, expensive litigation paid by taxpayers, including money that should
go to teachers, curriculum, safe facilities, and students. I'm urging the board to initiate a formal request for proposals for outside legal counsel with no erosce affiliation so that the district can choose another firm that serves students, the community and the
public interest, not public and excuse me, political agendas at our expense. The public schools exist for students, not for tax cases. My next one is, and I should know how to say your last name, but I don't. Melissa
>> Kellen. That's what I was thinking, but then I was like, nope, that's wrong. >> Thank you. >> Okay, Madame President, Superintendent Rain, members of the board, Ryan, sorry. My name is Melissa Kellen and I come before you um as a parent of two PBLO
West students. First, I'd like to thank Superintendent Ryan for your years of leadership. Um second, I'd like to thank the board for coming together to support our educators and district employees in our CBA last month. That was truly astounding. Um it was a strong demonstration of solidarity. To further
promote transparency, transparency and solidarity for our community and staff, I come before you today to strongly urge the board to initiate an RFP process for new legal counsel. This request is based on significant and ongoing concerns regarding conflicts of interest,
compromised ethics, and professional judgment, and the broader impact of our current attorney's actions on the integrity of the district. Of particular concern is the attorney's involvement to establish a public Christian school within the district's boundaries with the intent of advancing a broader legal
agenda agenda at the national level. This raises serious questions about our attorney's motives and whether he can objectively and ethically represent our public district with sim while simultaneously pursuing initiatives that directly challenge public education
systems. Additionally, his highly visible political affiliations create further concern. Regardless of personal beliefs, the role of district legal council requires neutrality and sound judgment. There are also tantamount
concerns beyond our district as other districts across the state have raised questions about similar practices and decision-making. The pattern, and it's a very large one, suggests that the issue is not isolated and should be of serious concern. Given these concerns and the
fact that the district is currently pursuing one of the most critical vacancies of the district, which is the superintendency, it is critical for the board to take proactive steps now to ensure that the district's legal representation is
without negative stigma attached. We do not need the negative stigma to attached to our district while we pursue the open vacancy for superintendency. Um, and we don't we don't need that process coded in a negative light. Initiating an RFP
process is a standard transparent approach that allows the board to evaluate qualifications, ensure alignment with district fiduciary and educational values, and restores confidence in the district. Thank you.
And our last speaker is Becky Casey. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for the board at the last meeting and coming together for the CBA. I have no um skin in the game in terms I'm not a teacher, but I do want to
support teachers and the schools. I had I have two girls that um now young women who graduated from Pablo West High School. Um my girls went through district 70 school from 2003 to 2017. And I will have to tell you that the
only reason I came to board meetings was to celebrate various accomplishments of the school and of the students. Um that's not why I'm here tonight. Um, while I appreciate it, I believe the
board is still illegit illegitimate. I am interested in your statements, Miss Bennett, related to your belief that Mr. Miller has represented you well, and actually I agree with you. I think he has represented you well. I don't think
he's represented the board well. And I'm curious when you chose to break the quorum the night that the there was a vote on who was going to be filling the board position if you talked to him and
if he advised you that what you needed to do was leave. And if he did advise you of that, why didn't you come back to the board and say, "I've spoken to the attorney. Here he is on the phone. He's going to advise
you why we have to why I need to leave this meeting now. I believe you left the meeting. There was a quorum. You broke that quorum and you left because you did not want a vote to be held to which could have been held to determine who
the next board member would be. I find it interesting that part of this the foundation of this is to allow a Christian school who are a school that will teach Christian values
in direct contrast to how this board is being um led. I don't see any integrity in what happened when you broke the quorum and I don't see any honesty in that. Further, it was interesting to me
tonight regarding an RFP that there was some discussion, some questions raised about what a two or 3% increase in the bus and the cost of the bus when there was over a 50% increase in the cost of the attorney. And I'm just wondering
where that discussion took place, why this board that was that hired this attorney thought it was worth it to increase the the um amount that the um board was going to pay by over 50%.
The community, the schools, our students deserve better. Thank you. Action items 9.01 approval of the handwriting without tears curriculum. Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I would like to recommend adoption of the
handwriting without tears curriculum for our elementary schools in school district 70. >> All right. Thank you. Any questions? >> Okay. Do I have a motion to approve the handwriting without tears curriculum as presented? So moved. >> Second.
>> All right. Y >> AJ Wilson, >> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Michelle Ericson, >> yes. >> Susie KS, >> yes. >> Motion carried. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much.
>> Um item 10.01, approval of the consent agenda items. Do I have a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented having been reviewed by the board? >> So move. >> Second. >> She's on it now.
>> Got it. >> You just need to be a little louder because I don't hear very well. Oh, sorry. >> I second. >> You're good. AJ Wilson. >> Yes. >> Ann Bennett? >> Yes. >> Mark Emry? >> Yes. >> Michelle Ericson? >> Yes. >> Susie K. >> Yes. >> Motion carried.
>> Okay. Thank you. Um, I would like to invite Stephanie and Rhonda to just say a few words. >> So, we have a few announcements and some promotions that we would like to announce uh this evening. And the first one I'll start with is uh the new
principal of North Mesa Elementary is coming to us as an assistant from an assistant principal at Sky View Middle School. Uh, congratulations Brett Bridgemond. Well, I'm super excited and humbled and honored by this appointment and
promotion. Um, you know, I wanted to first off thank you, Madame President, members of the board, Mrs. Ryan, again, congratulations on your retirement, Mr. Dietro. And you know, as I I look around the room in here, I've spent the last 19
years of my career in District 70, um, and I've run across a number of just wonderful educators and administrators and had the opportunity to kind of learn from some of them along the way. Um,
you know, I I've have Mrs. Russell behind me. I served as dean of students at Prairie Winds Elementary School. Learned a great deal from her. Mr. Sbodnik, I worked side by side with him over at LPI. Um, learned a lot from him
when I was interim dean of students. I saw Mr. Dilka um here. I worked for him as a social studies teacher um principal before him, uh, Mrs. Toooya, Terry Toya, who hired me and gave me my first
teaching job, social studies. Um, what a wonderful experience that that was. Um, you know, I continue to look around and I see I have my team here today, Mr. Brill and then Mrs. Laney, who's just been a wonderful colleague and teammate
all these years and going back to our teaching at LPI. Um, again under Mr. Dilka over here. and then Kate Paycheck who was one of our lead teachers when I worked at Prairie Winds under Mrs.
Russell. So, it's just I I say all this because there's so much gratitude for um this opportunity and I acknowledge folks who've come before me and I've learned a great deal and I'm just so excited for
the opportunity. Um, getting back to the elementary world after all these years in middle school is super exciting to me because I come from a home I grew up in an elementary school home. My mother um is actually a retired kindergarten
teacher from Sunset Park Elementary School and so there was always that respect there, you know, and I I saw it again at Prairie Winds and just how hard those elementary teachers work. But I say all this, I don't want to forget
about my people at Sky View either because seven plus years as an assistant principal and athletic director there and that school is second to none and I will continue to advocate for them as well. Um
and and just you know it's a national blue ribbon school. I mean, how lucky was I to kind of have that experience and and work there and and learn Mrs. James, Wendy James, who isn't here tonight, um was our principal for a long time there and learned a great deal from
her. Um a funny story getting back to North Mesa and my how excited I am there. I actually before I started in district 70 crossed paths with Mr. house who's now the principal there at Canyon
City Middle School. And so we were both PBLO guys driving out to Canyon City. And he was a teacher uh just getting into admin. I was social studies. Um learned a great deal from him then,
but I'm really excited to kind of pick his brain more and get to learn this new community now out on the Mesa, kind of where it all started. I just want to thank my wife tonight, my beautiful wife Tracy for being here tonight. And again,
super excited. Um, just getting ready to go from being a Titan to a Tiger. So, go North Mesa and go Sky. >> Hey, Brett. Now, I told you short and sweet. I'll let Miss Russell announce this next one.
>> All right. Um, our other position uh for promotion tonight is our assistant director of human resources and Mr. Brian Dilka has been selected for that position. Comes to us as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in our district. And very happy to welcome
him to district administration in the human resources world. Um, good evening. Mr. Bridgemond's going to be a tough act to follow. Um, you see my agenda here is uh bent in 84 different ways. Um, because all the anxiety that I have and it's none of it
is related to anything that we talked about in this room tonight. Um, my anxiety comes from the fact that I've been the principal of public county high school for the last 10 years of my life. And a common theme that started with Rhonda and I heard from Kate and Deianne and Bob um is that we have staff members
that give our lives to District 70 and and quite honestly um myself and my family have given our lives to Public County High School for sure for the last 10 years. So I'm emotionally wrapped up in this decision and it's a hard one for me. Um,
but the timing of it is right and um I'm super excited to move in the personnel office and and work uh with Stephanie and uh lead uh from the front with empathy and respect for all of our employees and to move forward and I'm I'm just really excited for the next
challenge. So, thank you very much. >> Wait, Mr. Del. Hey, Brian, get back. >> I was hoping you weren't going to say anything. Well, I'm not going to complain.
Although I was told to vote no, >> but probably by Bob, >> I want to say what how I really wish Brian had been my principal at county. He was assistant principal when I was
there. I'm here to tell you all the teachers absolutely love him. The students love him. They did a great prank last year with business-sized cards and put them all with his picture on it. Put them all over the school
everywhere. They're still finding them. >> 6,000 of them. >> 6,000. So, I wanted to say thank you, Mr. Dilka, for your service to County High School. >> Yeah. Thank No, you're welcome. >> WOW. >> Since I'm still the principal of County High School,
Chicago was fantastic. Bob totally undersold that. So, thank you, Mr. Chicago was fantastic. Uh we're in the middle of Wish Week. We got a fantastic celebration uh for Makea-Wish Week at Public County High School at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Everybody's invited. Uh we are going to push our fundraising well over
$25,000 for the week tomorrow to the Makea-Wish Foundation. We're super excited about that. and uh um we it's been an entire school effort um and we've disrupted teacher schedules and I'm super thankful for my staff for
playing along all week long. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. And last but not least, uh Chris Sabodnik is moving from the assistant director to the director role and hopefully removing some things from
Bob's plate so that Bob can remove some things from my plate. >> Sounds like my plate's getting bigger. >> Big plate. Uh congratulations to Brett, Brian, guys. Welld deserved. Um, I'm
humbled to take the take the opportunity to do this. Thanks for your trust. Um, like Brian, my family's been involved with District 70 a long time. My mom taught for 30 35 years at North Mesa. Um, and taught with a lot of people over
there. She one of one of the last Moheakans over there my mom taught with. But, you know, I've had a lot of uh wonderful people that have helped me through Mr. Petro. In fact, I did student teaching with Mr. Petro when I was 21 years old. Um so that was that
was pretty cool. But uh my wife uh came came with me tonight. She's the pre preschool director at uh Cedar Ridge Elementary. Wonderful program over there. But uh if you uh need something from uh our department, call me. Um if you don't have my number yet, I'll get
it to you. But I'll give you my direct line. Call me anytime. But uh I appreciate the trust. Thank you. >> Sign up, buddy. I I appreciate all the longevity that we've um spoke about in this room tonight because that is something that
District 70 does well is we we find employees and we keep employees for a really long time. So, thank you all. >> Thank you. >> Item 11.01. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, PBLO, Colorado, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Do I have a motion to adjourn the meeting? So move. >> I'll second. >> Yay. >> AJ Wilson,
>> yes. >> And Bennett, >> yes. >> Mark Emry, >> yes. >> Ericson, >> yes. >> Yes. >> Motion carry 7:51 p.m. Thank you, Kimber.