>> Keegan Barkley: Hello. >> Aaron Salt: Hi, we now have a quarrel if >> D Rusterholtz: Good. >> Aaron Salt: When I get started. >> D Rusterholtz: I was
wondering. >> Aaron Salt: I would. 'Ve got Keegan David and Cassie. >> D Rusterholtz: Just the three of us.
>> Aaron Salt: Yes, sir. >> D Rusterholtz: What a team. I love it. >> Keegan Barkley: Candace, had we heard from Sue or Mick?
>> Candace Blake: So I just checked in with Mick to see if he was having trouble joining and then Sue, let me know a few hours ago that she was unable to join. And she had let Mick know
>> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> D Rusterholtz: Keegan, are you? I don't see you on our online list. Are you at the school? Oh no, I see you.
>> Keegan Barkley: No. Yeah, I'm calling in from Milford Pennsylvania, right now. >> D Rusterholtz: Oh, what my favorite places. Pennsylvania, I'll be there a few days.
>> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Mix study was joining and just a moment. He said he Dr. Candace. So I was Seeing if I could reach in the link to forum. Give me a
second. >> D Rusterholtz: I'm entire Hogan National Park. >> Keegan Barkley: Lovely.
>> D Rusterholtz: Home of the Burning River. >> Keegan Barkley: I tried to turn my camera on a minute ago, but it said, I didn't have
permission or I needed to be. Allowed. Oh, yours is on. >> Aaron Salt: You should you're contributor. >> Keegan Barkley: All right,
well, I'll try again. oh, Okay, maybe I tried before I was added. Maybe that's why. Will it work? There it is. Hi. Oh, it's dark in here. Sorry. >> Aaron Salt: You're muted
David. There you go. >> D Rusterholtz: oh, >> Aaron Salt: Cassie's on. >> Keegan Barkley: She is, yeah. >> D Rusterholtz: Okay. Well,
it's good to see you guys. >> Aaron Salt: To see you. >> Candace Blake: Bitcoins. >> D Rusterholtz: I'm gonna take
my camera off. >> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> Candace Blake: There. >> Keegan Barkley: There is Mac. >> Aaron Salt: The community if you're trying to say anything.
Still muted if you're trying to say anything. >> Keegan Barkley: message him and see if he Cassie, are you back? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, I'm back. I was just trying to text
Mick and if I turn on my camera, my everything will start to freeze. So It makes on here
twice. We have double mix. >> Mick Bates: Okay, can you hear me now? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes.
>> Mick Bates: Wow. >> D Rusterholtz: Yes. >> Mick Bates: Hello everyone. Sorry about that. I had I had
looked it up this afternoon at all set to go and obviously, I Didn't have as ready to go, as I thought. >> Keegan Barkley: All right.
>> Aaron Salt: So again. >> Keegan Barkley: now just for clarification purposes, this meeting is open for viewers to log into correct? >> Aaron Salt: yeah, and we actually have it set where it's streaming on the YouTube
channel, like our normal meetings are. >> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> Aaron Salt: we didn't have a chance to get that worked out last time. It's even an hour to get it work in this morning. So and we >> Keegan Barkley: Okay.
>> Aaron Salt: so the normal like we're live message on the YouTube side is streaming this >> Keegan Barkley: And it's streaming, currently. >> Aaron Salt: Yes, ma'am.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. >> Candace Blake: If we could all the meeting, the work session, the order, and then I can do roll call, and then we can start the process. That
would be. That would be wonderful. >> D Rusterholtz: Who is leading the meeting? >> Keegan Barkley: Mick.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: One of the mix, there's Mick. >> Candace Blake: One of the next. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Make your media to me yourself. There you
go. >> Mick Bates: Oh my goodness. >> Candace Blake: Alright. >> Mick Bates: All right. Well, >> Keegan Barkley: All right. >> Mick Bates: Okay, sorry. Sorry everyone.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, let's call this meeting to order. Can we do roll call?
>> Candace Blake: Barkley. Bates. Kimbrell. Patterson is
an excused absence, so rusterholtz Thank you. >> Cassie Kimbrell: All right, interview, I have a few questions for they're the same questions for >> Mick Bates: Canada. >> Cassie Kimbrell: both
candidates. If anyone else. >> Mick Bates: For anywhere else. >> Keegan Barkley: Yep, either is fine tonight. >> Mick Bates: just, >> Keegan Barkley: Just to call
out quickly, too. I did send an email to Everyone BCC. So, we wouldn't have chats with a template for taking notes. If you want to put. So everyone could put notes in the same, kind of document, if you would.
Like, obviously, it's optional, but if that's helpful, you can do that. >> Cassie Kimbrell: You know, I got that right before the meeting, I couldn't even open it and asked me for an email. >> Keegan Barkley: oh, really
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah and I'm I'm not a windows user so it might have been because I'm a >> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Mac user, so I do appreciate it. Thank you.
>> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I can send you a screenshot of what it did but I won't do that right now since we're already 11 minutes. >> Keegan Barkley: Sure. All
right, well, I'll see if I can get that working, but we can share notes later. On Excel, so it should. But what I'll do
some troubleshooting after the call then. >> Cassie Kimbrell: No worries, or we can just discuss it at a another time. so my first question is and like I said, these are two both
candidates so I'm not asking different questions for anyone. How will you maintain transparency and accountability to the board? And I know you've already been in that position,
but if you want to just elaborate on some of that, Mr. Salt. >> Aaron Salt: Yeah. So as you know, when I came on four
months or so ago, I kind of talked with everyone and said, You know that I was gonna operate a transparent fashion. I've been working to provide I provided
semi-weekly updates to all board members kind of from when I took over in March through the end of the school year and as we got into summer it's just
Not a lot from the district side and so we'll reinitiate those as we move on. another factor that we put in was that accountability piece transparency accountability. I think go hand in hand and so
having that accountability piece of having those board policies, those executive Expectations. brought forth at the board meetings and in providing the
reports to the board in the public meeting. I think it was a long way for the transparency and outside of just with the board and having that kind of honest open communication is increasing the transparency of
the public as well. Where you know we do have the board packets available on Monday so that everyone can get access To those, we've been responding to
core quest and finding other ways that we can try to make the information as accessible to the community as possible. >> Keegan Barkley: Cassie, did you want to ask your other question as well? And then we'll
just kind of go around >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, I just had a I I had a few of them but if you want to take turns, maybe that might be better. So it's not just me asking questions. We can go back and forth if you want. >> Keegan Barkley: Okay.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: Um, yeah. So >> D Rusterholtz: Yes, I would like that. I think that's a good idea. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah, so I had a couple of questions as well, and I do also plan to ask
the same ones for both candidates. So the first one I had is just what, what data do you regularly monitor or do you plan on regularly monitoring to assist
the health of the school district? >> Aaron Salt: so, We get data in cycles and so there's different data that are
available throughout the school year. Other. Tests come out, we monitor.
I lost it, but like unit tests like us consistent unit tests, which will help align at the Elementary East. So you can see you know how each
first grade classes performing both in a specific. school, but also in multiple, kind of how tt growth and achievement are
factoring through those. Those consistent tests. Along with that. And this is something that we were talking about implementing. the last couple years just hasn't
happened. It's something that Lindsay and I've talked about as far as trying to implement moving forward is doing a surveys with both the community
really large, but all so among staff and doing sort of temperature pulse checks working with Those are kind of the data
that we have and what we do with it really depends on what the data is. I mean we want to use it to do better. We want to make sure that we're improving our processes. We want to make sure
that we're increasing trust with both the community and other stakeholders as well as with teachers. and staff. We want to make sure that we are
increasing accountability between us and our partners. But also internally, we want to increase accountability. Um, those are types of things that
I'm looking for right now. As far as just this initial set and we already have some data. We've been, I've been monitoring to see mass data. We're supposed to meet with gender. Mara to go over
kind of what that looks like and how we need to adjust our PD for the upcoming school year to address, some of the specific needs that I can see. And some of the trends that we're
starting to see in that CMS data. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, does anyone else have a question before? Keegan, I go back and forth. >> D Rusterholtz: Yes.
>> Mick Bates: Well. >> D Rusterholtz: I was just waiting for Mick. I was just waiting for Mick to have an opportunity to step in >> Mick Bates: No. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay.
>> D Rusterholtz: Okay, Mr. Salt, you've been here. At the school for a while. I'm gonna
ask a question regard to The. Atmosphere. As far as the school goes in the past couple years, some would say that we have had
quite a bit of turmoil. At the school district. I'd like to know how do you see? That that
is an issue. And if you do, how will you handle that in regard to teachers staff? administration? I know that's a big question.
You might need a minute to think about it. So let me know if you
are >> Aaron Salt: Sure. so, what I'll say is in the past, when you walk through the
schools, it has had a feeling of Staff walking on eggshells is kind of how I've portrayed this when I've had this conversation with other folks. and what I
can tell you right now, when you walk through it feels differently, there seems to be People seem to be able to breathe a little easier and they have in the past. I've heard from parents and
staff members, that they have noticed quite the, the difference in kind of that atmosphere. I means a lot to me that that
they're approaching me to tell me that they're feeling this difference. That everything's.
Great. Like there's always room for improvement and so kind of the plan from here. And how do we how do we move forward is to just kind of continue the things
that we've done in the past few months, as far as open communication Having preemptive communication kind of proactively working with with staff making sure they're
involved in the plans that we have moving forward and it's not some of this isolationists that we've had previously. really reaching out to in that I
hate to keep saying this but you know, talk about transparency already but but having that transparent communication, for instance,
before spring break, we typically send out letters to staff members who are going to be Non-renewed and just say, Hey, we don't have a position for you next year. And with how late the the sales tax repeal came in into the budgeting
process. We didn't have our staffing where we needed to be able to send that out. And so,
I walked down to, I was at both Columbine and The secondary campus for staff meetings. and
told them, Hey, We don't have answers yet. But as soon as we have answers, we'll let you know and I know that's not what you
want to hear, but that's as much information as I have. and so kind of in this process of understood that People just want to be kept in the loop.
They don't like the walls that have been put up previously and that having that honest open communication from central
office matters, even if the answer is We don't have an answer yet but we're working on it. that's really started to
build back trust with With our staff. >> D Rusterholtz: if I can ask just a quick follow-up on that, how I you mentioned that you
were a staff meeting at several or one of the schools. How do you believe that you should personally have a part in it? Or do you believe that it
should be administrated? Installing these, as you said, transparency issues or The walking on eggshell issues. >> Aaron Salt: A staff meetings are in my opinion, they belong
to the administration of the schools. I was invited on both accounts to to provide an update because we all knew that this was an update, that staff were
expecting and we didn't have answers yet. And so, both of those principles, invited me to staff meetings to say, Hey, we'd love for you to give the update that you have. You can though it's
Much of an update. And so aside from choking, and almost dying on a starburst in front of the secondary staff. It went, you know, it was met with a lot of
a person of this through that process, just having having answers, and frankly being visible in the schools made a big difference.
>> D Rusterholtz: Okay, thank you. >> Mick Bates: Aaron. obviously, you had been here for quite some time when you were
assigned, the interim position, He explained for us a couple of things, one, what were some challenges that you saw and I say from the outside, it wasn't
the outside but you weren't in a superintendent role. Some things that you witnessed that you'd say hard I'd have done that a lot differently. And then once
you assume the position, the, you know, the result of that being okay. Now, now I better understand or a comparison between
Doing it as the COO and then doing it as superintendent. You have made some some comments regarding attitudes and
You know, the general demeanor in the school but what have you seen? That was challenging. You know, you have some solutions that you're pleased
with what, what do you stand? >> Aaron Salt: um, I struggled with. when I was the CEO that I didn't have
control over, That I do now. One of those. was the the districts interest in willingness to partner with parents, when it comes to making
big decisions, That was something that we didn't do a lot of before, but something that I thought we should have. And so, you know, we're, we're looking at ways that we can
increase that as we move forward. Year. But even when you start looking at like the three-year range, a lot of opportunities are present itself for the
district to really build that partnership with parents. Another struggle that I had that I've been working to rectify, is how we've isolated ourself as a district within the, the community These small
rule, communities are so interconnected that when you have large organizations, like the school district kind of pull itself away. it creates gaps and
problems across the The community, they're ripple effects. And I think all of us can can speak to how And so, you know, working to,
you know, attending Kiwanis and building relationships there. I've worked with Sheriff, Mike Cell and Chief Diesler looking at doing a couple initiatives, especially
with them. Sheriff, Mike cell about. the security, how we can ramp up security, how we can partner with them at getting an SRO program back into the district, in other ways that we can kind
of cross train and make sure that his team is comfortable with our team and our team's comfortable with their team and moving forward, the other
thing, and this was something that I I work to rectify when I was still the CEO. I've just continued in this role as interim was accessibility and just presence and buildings. I've
continued to to walk around. I've Done Classroom tours with Tory up at the secondary campus to see how how our instructions you know, taking place how materials
being presented what the feel is and kind of culture is inside of the classrooms and not just in the hallways And so, those are things that I've already
proactively done obviously with Summer it's a little bit more difficult to do that. But something that I plan to make a regular thing for the next school year to make sure that
we're we're keeping that in place. Those are kind of the
big. Biggies. >> Mick Bates: Thank you. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. you sort of crossed over some of
my other questions so I'll try not to give you questions that are Repetitive. Okay. What unfinished business our priorities from the last
superintendent. Are you prepared to address or or something that you're looking forward to? I know you sort of touched on that, but at the UC
any unfinished business that we need to Continue. Our or from our last superintendent that was
not. addressed, How would you or what would you Think those are.
>> Aaron Salt: so, The last superintendent completed, a lot of the projects that that he'd kind of listed out.
there were a few things that had not started yet. One that I think is probably the biggest Need and everybody. Ginger, I've already talked about a protein that's a little bit
differently. Was he was wanting to update the math curriculum and implement math curriculum across the Elementary's specifically, which I think is A potentially needed thing, but
I don't know that we did a real thorough curriculum review before we made the decision to try to to get new curriculum
and so we didn't actually purchase anything. Ginger had brought in a handful of samples. so a little investment, but not substantially. And so actually I
haven't note that I left on her desk, last week or so, first to address tomorrow is like, We
need to develop a plan for reviewing curriculum. And deciding if what we have is what we want. If not, then we'll have a committee to kind of figure
out what the change needs to be. But until then we need to make sure that what we have. We need to actually decide whether what we have meets our needs or not
before we decide to change curriculum. And so that's part of one of the things that I want to look at. I know we've made some other curriculum changes.
I think some of those were really needed from what I've seen but the math I think is one there. we need to make sure that our our in classroom instruction is
really strong and that's one of the things I've talked to to Ginger about as far as how we address this in professional development, moving forward.
there's ways that we can do this and even with Not the Best Curriculum. If you have really effective teachers, you'll still see a lot of academic growth and
So, we need to make sure that, you know, we're not curriculum reliant, but trust the professionals that are in there and make sure that they have all the tools and equipment they need to succeed.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, thank you. >> Mick Bates: Here, Aaron you >> Cassie Kimbrell: Do have a follow-up. >> Mick Bates: Go ahead. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Did you have
a follow-up to that? Or did you want to keep going in the circle That we Sort of started. >> Mick Bates: No. Well, I I mean I just had a follow-up to
that being Aaron, you know, there's been a lot of changes take place. At the district with regards to, you know, many fastest physical facilities Curriculum.
Do you is this something that you want to continue to do? I mean, our are you Are you on that same page through this whole process in trying to get this back around.
to academics and and foregoing some of the other things that just kind of ran interference. What's your position on where we're at now and where you would like to go >> Aaron Salt: so what I can tell you is, I believe,
absolutely and strong academics, you know when I said on the board in 20, that was a large part of my focus and what we talked about was really trying to to focus on scores. I was
trying to build a Consistent curriculum, across the district and said it. One of the things that we had in 20 that isn't an issue here is, we had elementary
schools that have different curriculum and so when they got to middle school, you had kids that were talking three different languages and so they had to spend the first chunk of
time getting everybody on the same page before they could actually move forward. And so that was a struggle here. We don't have that nearly as much
because our Elementary's are using the same curriculum and so when they get up into the middle school zone, It's a they're already talking the same
language. I can tell you that, we have a lot of work to do based off of the way that the seamass scores are looking right now, especially at some juncture points. There's some factors in
here and it's all embargo so I can go into a lot of detail and the public meeting right now. But what I'll tell say is that there's some some juncture points that we've identified or
that I've identified as far as how we need to specifics that we need to address some of them are difficult classes. We know
that, you know, certain classes are have a high level of IEP and so they just need extra support and that shows in these test scores. We see some transitional periods where
scores are not as strong as they need to be frankly but they're at these junkster points. So how do we support in some of these
transitions to really make sure that we're not seeing dips in those transitional phases. And so I think there's a lot of
low-hanging fruit, frankly that can really help support the academics that we're doing. That are extra. We're going, I think, is been the right.
Direction. And I'd say, you know, if you look at the scores from the last couple years, I think that helps as an indicator this year. Pros and Cons, but Shows us where we
need to provide additional support to our students and our staff to make sure that we can. Really keep those dips as low as
possible and push for additional. Achievement. >> Mick Bates: Thank you. >> Keegan Barkley: All right.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Keegan. Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: Yep. And the I was just making sure everyone was done first. And the other
question I have is on Kind of navigating some of those difficult. relationships, right? Like this when you're >> Mick Bates: He?
>> Keegan Barkley: leading an organization as a superintendent does, you you have naturally many different stakeholders, right? There's many people you have to take into consideration when you're making decisions and they don't always have the same
opinions or, you know, the same interest, right? Like what benefits one doesn't always benefit the other. And so I, you know, just kind of looking
to to address that. Do you have in a specific example where you've had to navigate kind of conflicts between different stakeholder groups. You know
what is that decision-making process? process look like for you and and how do you kind of walk through that? >> Aaron Salt: Yeah, no, it's a
great question and We do a lot of stakeholders, and we have a lot of passionate stakeholders. That's one of the great things about Woodland Park. What I love
about being here, we have a very involved in engaged community and it shows From snow days all the way up to, to graduations. So, It's a
difficult balance, because You, you can't make everyone happy with every decision that you make. I can tell you for myself, I believe. I'm gonna do what I believe is
the right thing for the kids as much as possible. Our. We're an academic institution. We are here to provide education to students and that needs to be
our primary frame and goal and so when it comes down to, how do I make decisions, That's where I go to is, how what are we gonna be doing? That's gonna be the best
result for the kids that we're here to serve. And I can tell you that's true for Like everyone that I can think of in this district and that's
one of the cruel things about being here is we have such incredible passionate staff members. That truly care about
our kids and their success that I have the utmost confidence. That. the decisions they make, they believe are in the best
interests of of the students as well. at the end of the day, you know, the buck stops here, right? And so regardless of what other decisions are made, I'm the one who carries that responsibility and the accountability to both
the board and the community for making. Any certain decision? and, you know, I don't take that lightly and so that's where it
comes down to is is I listen? To a lot of people in fact, Diane from Boces was telling me the other day. she goes You know, you always listen but you almost never do what I want you to do. I said but I always
listen to you. >> Mick Bates: Hmm. >> Aaron Salt: but you're not the one who's responsible for making the decision. I am, and I have different factors that I have to weigh in, because she's
not part of our district. And so, I listen, I listen to the stakeholders. I gather feedback. I listen to staff. Make sure
everyone's heard in fact. Yesterday. David, our new CFO. had an incredibly out of the box idea to help solve one of the issues we were facing with Boces
and so, we're like, we're moving forward with it. I know that if it doesn't go well, I'm the one who owns that decision and if it works great, I make sure he
gets the credit because it was his idea but ultimately it comes down to me. But this decision is what's in the best interest of our, our students, and our other stakeholders. And so, it's
a balancing act and, you know, Some real make the wrong decision every once in a while. I just did the best that I can for the kids that we have, the staff that we have, the parents
that we have the community that is around us and move forward from there. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Great question Keegan. I actually had one and I'm gonna take it off my
list for Ginger, but I was, how do you handle situations where multiple district owners have conflicting priorities. And I feel like that question you
already own. So, Thank you. That's all. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Rusterholtz.
>> D Rusterholtz: Were there. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I don't have any fell UPS. >> D Rusterholtz: Okay. Mr.
Salt keep Ing that I started with earlier. About relationships. as far as
relationships go within the community, you believe that it is part of your job as if you were the superintendent or interim, superintendent to increase employment, or to bring
back. To bring back students to parents have moved them to other districts. I know it's something that is You know,
it's going on across the United States with most public schools. But do you believe that part of your responsibility as superintendent or And if it is,
how would you go about? making it more appealing for parents to bring their kids back to our school? >> Aaron Salt: It's a great
question. I'm gonna start by saying. I don't pretend to know the reasons why people take their kids out of the district, move
them to another district, move them to private school or whatever they choose to do. That's the parents decision. Not my decision. I believe it's my role in my responsibility to make this district as appealing
a place as it can be. So parents want to put their Kids here. Now, what that does to actual enrollment? It's I mean if people work in the springs and they want their kids
to go down to one of the The schools in the spring so they can be close by when they're doing their commute. Nothing. I do for the culture here is gonna
gonna shift that sort of convenience nature. and so all I can do is make sure that we have the best most enticing. School district. We can to bring
as many kids here as possible, and that's my goal, I think the way we do that is we rebuild trust with the community, we build these community
partnerships so that we have robust. Activities and opportunities for kids, you know, building out, you know, internship options. Whatever that happens to be where, you know, working on
building a CTE center. that's something that not, you know, some of the larger districts on the springs have, but not a lot of other rural districts have
and so being able to capitalize off of that from from nearby districts who might want to hang, you know, send their kids at some place where they can get, you know, Welding Certs or
the Prostar or you know whatever else we do in the future. We want to make this an inviting place an enticing place. We want to make sure our scores are strong so that
parents can look at us and say we know when we send our kids Woodland Park, they're getting the best education in the area and that's my responsibility. I don't own the, you know, what
parents choose to do with their kids, all I can do is own what we do and what we Prov. Died, if they choose to go somewhere
else. Then that's decision that they're making. >> Cassie Kimbrell: May I ask, >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you. I appreciate >> Mick Bates: I, >> Cassie Kimbrell: oh, Mick,
may I ask a follow-up question. >> Mick Bates: Certainly. >> D Rusterholtz: Sure, what? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Mr. Salt, do you just to follow up on
Rusterholtz question? You'll see advertisement from other school districts in our local paper. Do you? Believe that we should be advertising more of our own school and trying to get out
the great work to make it more enticing on top of building the community partnerships, the trust the internship options, maybe it is sharing the CET center. and
some of the great stuff that we have here, so that The community members and parents and business owners and just everyone knows what we are
offering. >> Aaron Salt: I would love to do that. Some of the Where I
live down in springs. I've gotten flyers for three different districts trying to get me to enroll my kid. um, in
their district. And I think that's a great Great opportunity to get the word out but direct mail costs a lot of
money, right? And so we we have a budget that we have to to stay within and so I'm all for. Ramping up what we can do from a
media perspective, but we've got to be really careful that we don't pump so much money into that, that we >> Keegan Barkley: Are. >> Aaron Salt: I mean, you guys understand this just as well as
I do that. We're in a pretty tenuous situation when it comes to to our budget. We don't have a lot of a lot. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah. >> Aaron Salt: of margin and so, you know, I don't want to spend
money on print ads and then we get down the road and and we don't have the money, we need to do repairs on, you know, one of our facilities. And so,
as long as we're doing things in a smart strategic way, all for doing that, but we have to develop the the right plan. That's not going to cost us a lot of money. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you.
>> Mick Bates: You know. So did someone else have a follow-up to that? a question for you, Aaron, we've talked about it in the past but you know, as
much as I just sat here and said that we've got to get back and focus on, academics which I feel strongly about but I do think a facet of that is the extra curricular
activities that that we offer up here in Woodland Park. I mean there have been a number of people that have brought their kids here for whether it's sport whether it's a sporting
activity, band, theater, whatever it might be. What I think we could all agree on, is that kids are involved in after school activities and various things. tend to do better. Relationships
are better and I think that by they're doing these activities. They, you know, is an opportunity for them, it's to excel. That falls right back on
their academics. What, what is your feeling on continuing to? Feed that and and grow that. >> Aaron Salt: Oh, I I in such a
strong believer. I was a student athlete in high school. I played soccer. But that's a whole different story. Uh-huh. But I have personal friends who
would not have completed high school if it wasn't for athletics programs where they're eligibility to play, would have gone away as their grades dropped. Or if they would have dropped out. And so
the only reason they finished high school was because of the athletics and other activities that were provided to them as an incentive for them to stay in
and keep their great strong. So I am wholeheartedly supportive of doing this. Not not just from the dangling. The carrot
perspective but It creates such an opportunity to learn soft skills to understand how to work as a team, how to communicate effectively. You know, you look at our theater department and
what these kids do from a public speaking perspective being able >> Mick Bates: People. >> Aaron Salt: to get up on stage in front of people in the bright lights.
>> Mick Bates: See. >> Aaron Salt: Incredible opportunity across the board. That we have, I feel obligated you know as a district to
provide these types of opportunities because again it serves such a purpose of thing on that carried out there provides opportunities, to learn
these soft skills. But what we really want when we start talking about education is there's this whole child that we have to be able to do we want
kids to be well-rounded productive citizens, when they graduate high school, and if they can't function a team, they can't speak publicly. If they can't do some of these things, they learn in these
activities if they don't learn leadership by being, you know. Team captain, whatever it is that they're doing, then we're not doing our due Diligence of
creating these well-rounded individuals who can really be contributing citizens. So 100% it and I just want to say that I don't believe being academically focused precludes the other
pieces. I think they're all part of one package when we put >> Mick Bates: Very good. Well, some good observations and I I mean, I strongly agree. I think it only complements the academics. I
have a grandson in our home that, you know, his is eligibility was was his grades were always important but I
don't think to the same level that Making sure that he's getting the necessary grades to continue to participate in that. That,
that's a big deal and Over the years, we've watched that improve as as via coaches and Teachers and others that have been a part of that. We've
seen a lot of improvement in that area and I do think that those extra curriculars, do everything that you just shared. I think they make for a much better rounded adult as they as
they can complete their high school years. Whereas, if they were not participating in those things, I think would be a noticeable difference.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: I know we only have four minutes, I have other ones that you've sort of cross answer those. So I want to open the floor up. I don't know if Keegan has another one.
You sort of look like, Day. >> Keegan Barkley: I do. Yeah, I have a bunch but I am trying to, you know, ask the the question that will be the most beneficial. So I
think the one I want to ask about and I know it's it's maybe one that people don't necessarily enjoy during general
But you know, looking Looking at maybe a time where you didn't make the right choice, right? A time where you made a mistake or you missed
something right? Drop the ball. you know? And then kind of what's your response to it, right? It doesn't it almost doesn't even matter what the mistake was but you know how do you move forward when you've made a mistake? Kind of what's
your process for that? How do you take ownership? >> Aaron Salt: Sure. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Oh, can I and I'll just add to that because Keegan that was actually one of similar to ask. And just
what, what was the outcome of that as well? Like just to add to >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Aaron Salt: um, strangely difficult conversations, don't love it,
but I'm sorry away from it, The conversations that have to happen have to happen. Number two. I fully believe that as a leader. It is my duty in
responsibility to lead by example and demonstrate the types of behaviors and attitudes that I expect and want to see from those That I lead. with
that being said, This role. And in other roles, where I get in my head a little bit, there's a lot going on, gets to be some high stress
situations and I don't respond to people in necessarily an appropriate tone and get a little short or curt maybe elevate my voice more than I
need to for you know office level conversation. and the way that I've handled that in the past, and including here recently was I
went and I said down to the person's office and I said I want to apologize for how I reacted. I was not right. There's a lot of other stuff that I have going on, which
doesn't excuse my behavior, but I just wanted to let you know that I apologize for the way that I did that. Would you
please forgive me? And we can we can read this. at calmer more professional tone. And although that's not often, Expect to admit the mistakes
that I make address the person that I'm wronged ask them for forgiveness and then move forward. >> Keegan Barkley: That they forgive you. >> Aaron Salt: Yes, they do.
>> Mick Bates: Yeah. >> Aaron Salt: Chocolate helps too. >> Cassie Kimbrell: All right.
I know we only have a minute left for this. >> Aaron Salt: we, you have a few more minutes if you want my calendar set up to do not full meeting so that it gives a break
between them. And since I set them up back to back it created a 10 minute gap in between them but the next one doesn't start till four so you do have a few
extra minutes if you like, or if anyone needs to go, you know, Take a bio break. At this point, that would be We can. Sign off
now. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Rusterholtzer, Bates and Keegan Hunt. And I had similar questions. That was that was my last one was about difficult leadership.
>> D Rusterholtz: Yes. >> Cassie Kimbrell: You either had to make or break and then what was the outcome. And so you know sometimes you drop the
ball and and how that responses. So thank you Keegan >> D Rusterholtz: I do have another question that kind of goes on the Difficult question, difficult
situation. And how did you handle it type question. But this will be more specific yet. I asked the question not and, and I And asking this question, it
tells me a lot about your perspective on leadership and where you stand on other issues.
So, We have a nationwide. Dilemma. between some and specifically, Colorado is one of those states
that Wants to protect. Students, who And specifically with that. Do you believe that a biological boy participating on
girls, sports teams or using girls bathrooms or girls, locker rooms? In any, tell me your position on that and how would you handle that? >> Aaron Salt: this is,
>> D Rusterholtz: if that were to occur, >> Aaron Salt: This is an incredibly complicated situation. what I'll say is right now, we
have That. Allow. Anyone to choose whatever bathroom they want to use, whatever locker room they want to use. And so
it would be a violation of law for us to prevent someone from Going the direction they want to go. Transgendered athletes. And as I think, most people are
aware. I sign on to a letter that said, I thought they made the wrong decision. I think there are differences between Biological differences between boys and girls when it comes to
sports specifically in strength and and skills and abilities. And so I think putting them
I've seen people. >> D Rusterholtz: Okay. >> Aaron Salt: get hurt women, get hurt because they're playing against boys. And some of these these cohort, high school sports So I know the board passed a
resolution. That identified two genders. I'm happy to support that as it pertains the policies as it pertains to the the sports in that process. however, I do not support policy
that would violate state law, which would be that preventing people from going into bathrooms and locker rooms of their
Opposite. Biological gender. >> D Rusterholtz: let me be specific then. Just so I understand what you just said at the end because I seem to get mixed messaging and maybe it's just I need some clarification. if John show if John a junior in
high school shows up at school tomorrow, as Jane and he walks into the girl's locker room during some class when they're all changing, how will you handle that?
>> Aaron Salt: Again, this is a very nuanced situation. This is a type of conversation. We have to involve parents in and have a conversation but from a state law perspective, we can't
prohibit him from walking in. >> D Rusterholtz: Well, you protect the Knowing that this board of directors in the majority will would probably support your
decision. >> Aaron Salt: Oh, probably support. And supporting is very different when it comes to violating state law. and so what I'm telling you is I'm not going to take action
that I knowingly violates state law when it comes to our students. >> D Rusterholtz: So, you're saying you will not protect the girls. >> Aaron Salt: Start. >> Keegan Barkley: That's not.
What are you saying, David the H. >> D Rusterholtz: No, no that's a specific. I didn't interrupt you. I want a specific answer. Will you protect our girls or not?
>> Aaron Salt: I'll protect our girls to the greatest extent possible. I will involve parents in conversations.
>> D Rusterholtz: Okay. >> Aaron Salt: But there's great law. That I cannot violate. >> D Rusterholtz: okay, thank >> Aaron Salt: Would be an optical for me to, In fact, there's board policy that says
I'm not allowed to >> D Rusterholtz: Okay, thank you. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Barkley, did you want to finish your statement?
>> D Rusterholtz: just, >> Keegan Barkley: And I was just saying that the Wanted
that question to stop. Where we ask questions that could get us in trouble. That's a little different since we're not employees of the school
district. I just >> Cassie Kimbrell: Got okay. Yeah. >> Keegan Barkley: There are questions that are illegal to ask. and I want to make sure we
don't start asking. Those kinds of questions in a professional interview. That's all >> D Rusterholtz: I, I appreci. >> Cassie Kimbrell: And I agree with that. >> Mick Bates: Yeah. >> D Rusterholtz: your, I do appreciate your concern but I
think that I may have danced close to the line, but I stayed far enough away not to create a foul >> Cassie Kimbrell: I also. >> Keegan Barkley: Maybe. >> Cassie Kimbrell: don't want any more lawsuits and so you know, as even if there's board policy, the states that we have
to also follow laws from the state as well as well as our local. On district home rules. So, Mick, did you have a question? >> Mick Bates: No. >> Cassie Kimbrell: well, we
have >> Mick Bates: I, >> Cassie Kimbrell: Four more minutes. >> Mick Bates: I I just have a comment that this is a very
liquid subject right now and this is a common question being asked in our public schools. And I I don't know where this is going
to go, but clearly. as everyone's aware it's it's a contentious issue. And We'll just have to see where it goes with the hope that We will make the right decisions
regarding these issues and keegan your right there. This is complicated. And we need to not get too far off in the weeds on this but you know this isn't
over yet and we really don't know what's final outcome is going to be. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. Well. >> Keegan Barkley: Aaron, is there anything you would like to?
Say, you know, for lack of a better word, any Any last words were parting. sentiments. You would like us to take away from our conversation.
>> Aaron Salt: No, I just I appreciate the. The positivity that I've gotten from this board in the the change that we've
made reflective in the communications, the transparency, in those things that I've been working towards the fact that this board is
recognized those differences I I appreciate having that feedback. Just one quick question. I know we're right here at time, but what concerns do any of you have about me being able to fill this
position? >> Keegan Barkley: Always a good question. >> Aaron Salt: So, I ask it all the time.
>> Mick Bates: Well. >> Keegan Barkley: Anyone want to go? >> D Rusterholtz: But I do, I do have, I wouldn't say it's a concern. A lot of stakeholders parents.
Let me not say a lot, stakeholders and parents have And community members in the past, have wanted to see a person in the superintendent role who has teaching experience who has
educational experience. I know when Mr. Witt was hired that was part of their One of their big concerns. He has no experience in academia as far as teaching, and
leadership. So, how would you? Address that. >> Aaron Salt: so, I've been in
education culture. for better part of 10 years when it comes to governance and leadership, I help found a charter school
where we actually have to talk about curriculum and testing and how we actually prove to the district that we're doing what we need to do. And so that's a different
level than what some people recognize as far as the, the access we have. I'm a big believer in Professional
development and I read a lot. I >> Mick Bates: just, >> Aaron Salt: read books about pedagogy. I read books about best practices and I don't pretend to know everything about it. I've been in a classroom. I
didn't teach full time but I was a substitute teacher for pretty much a long-term sub. So I had six months of experience at a
fit to seventh grade. kind of, Weird. Not elementary, not middle school, kind of model. And so I spent pretty much all day every day for six months.
In the classroom working with working with those students. And so, you know, there is some background that I have there, it's not licensed but what the other part that
I'd say is this is not a role. That necessitates educational experience. This is a role that necessitates leadership and
that's something that I have a lot of experience in having run small businesses before, having been in the private sector and in the public sector. I have a
world of experience and leadership behind me. That makes me available and Right for this job.
>> D Rusterholtz: Thank you, Aaron. I appreciate that. >> Aaron Salt: Oh, all right. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay.
>> Aaron Salt: You know. >> Cassie Kimbrell: well, thank you, Aaron. I don't know if anyone else has anything, we're at 401 now. So, >> Mick Bates: Thank you, Aaron. >> Keegan Barkley: Thank you.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you. do we need to switch off this call and go in or the just Will Miss Locum. Join. >> Candace Blake: I believe it's
the same link that was shared with her, and so, >> Mick Bates: Okay. >> Candace Blake: I I'll go ahead and text her to join. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay.
>> Candace Blake: oh, >> Cassie Kimbrell: while we're waiting, if anyone wants a drink or needs anything, I guess this would be the time to go. Rusterholtz your bathroom break
is calling you. >> Mick Bates: That. >> D Rusterholtz: That's funny. Mrs, or Miss Cassie. I like the questions, those were, those were good questions
that, that were asked. I wish I wish. We had more time. It seems that an hour is not quite enough time I had some other important questions and wanted to ask but >> Mick Bates: Well, Mr. Bates. >> D Rusterholtz: Let's see how
it goes. >> Keegan Barkley: I was gonna say we didn't quite get an hour there. >> D Rusterholtz: Now. It's going to easily gone an hour and
a half. It was I like the way he answered are we allowed to say anything right now? We're so public. So It would be best
not to say any opinions. >> Keegan Barkley: Probably. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Well yeah, not you're in a discussion so I mean you are open to discussion. Just not
>> Keegan Barkley: Decisions. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, not decisions. So if you're completely fine to discuss anything but not give any decisions at this time.
>> Mick Bates: Correct. >> D Rusterholtz: Oh yeah, I I agree With that. I just wondered what the protocol with protocol. We were taking because where we just asking questions, do we
want to have any discussion? I didn't know how appropriate would be in this venue at this time anyway. >> Mick Bates: Well, we can
certainly. Do that upon completion of Gingers interview but we've got to be careful about giving any personal opinions or personal thoughts.
Excuse me about the interview process or the interviewees. So but we certainly could discuss have a discussion when this is complete.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: I, >> D Rusterholtz: on behalf of the people who are listening and I would like Keegan to since she has so much experience with
human resources. I know that the public will want to hear. our hear what our thoughts are. So when will be the appropriate time for that and what will that
look like? >> Cassie Kimbrell: I would say after the, the 14 days and then like I said, we cannot Deliver
any sort of decisions you can. Or lean and and I know I'm not Keegan But Keegan looked like she was thinking. So we cannot lean in any sort of direction, as far as
>> Keegan Barkley: I though, and >> D Rusterholtz: I understand that. >> Keegan Barkley: this is the first public interview session, I've been involved in. Usually they're
Not public, and you can have more candid conversations. I Yeah. Would advise not providing too much at this moment. let's
get all of our data first, and then we can Go from there. >> D Rusterholtz: I think that's >> Mick Bates: Agreed. >> Keegan Barkley: But we might, that's my thoughts.
I thought I saw. Ginger pop in. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I saw Ginger, she's a viewer. So I don't know if she can >> Keegan Barkley: She invited with the same. >> Mick Bates: He? >> Aaron Salt: She's been made a contributor, but she has to accept it. I'm trying to get her
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Perfect, thank you. >> Aaron Salt: to log in with her Woodland, Park account. So she can get in. >> Mick Bates: Okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Sorry. >> Keegan Barkley: Always fun
when you're helping. the other person interviewing for the job, get into the interview. >> Mick Bates: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: It's okay. My little girl's going up going
to her. picture curricular. So she just came in and said goodbye. So, >> Keegan Barkley: Will advise asking the same questions though
so that you have the same data points to reflect upon >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes, I'll go ahead and start if that's okay with you Keegan. And just do sort of the same
>> D Rusterholtz: You just heard me? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Circle that we had. It that works for everyone.
>> D Rusterholtz: I think that's as good idea. I liked I like doing the circle this time on this. Yes, I liked it much better than the way we did it on
the previous superintendent. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. and also sometimes like I could be asking and it happened the same questions, so it just gives me. That extra pool of
questions. And so I thought we did a Good job with that. So thank you. >> D Rusterholtz: Yeah, people I have questions. You guys asked the same questions. It was nice
hear that. We're on the same page so to speak. In our questioning. >> Keegan Barkley: I think we have Ginger.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Wait, we have gender she's here. Well, there she is. >> D Rusterholtz: I, I see a G. >> Mick Bates: here's, Your muted, Ginger.
>> Keegan Barkley: There it is. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. Hi. >> D Rusterholtz: There she is my ginger. >> Ginger Slocum: Hi there. How is everyone? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Good re. >> Keegan Barkley: Good. How are you? >> Mick Bates: Good. Thank you.
>> D Rusterholtz: Amazing. >> Ginger Slocum: I'm >> Cassie Kimbrell: All right. Are you ready? >> Ginger Slocum: I am ready? Yes.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, I will ask the first question. Um, >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: will you maintain transparency and accountability to the board?
>> Ginger Slocum: So, I believe the way to maintain transparency and accountability is number one. Communication. And when I'm talking about communication,
I'm not just talking about, um, a weekly email, I'm talking about. getting Information from Our Schools, Our principles like a
weekly updates about what's going on in the district. And then if there's something really important that's going on keeping you informed
along the way, but it's also really important for you to be informed about those weekly events happening at schools. Because that's how our board is visible
and part of our school district. And I think that having Myself as a bridge to bridge that gap between myself and the schools, the principals is really important,
so yes, it might be in writing but it could also be updates. That could be a weekly newsletter to you all, but it also could be a weekly meeting with one person or two people per
sunshine laws and then in communicated out to the rest of the board. I also feel like as far as accountability, And that's my job to report,
back to you. And so keeping you informed on that progress whether it's weekly or monthly is also just as important >> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you.
Does anyone have any follow-up questions? >> D Rusterholtz: No, I don't. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Key. The sparkly. >> Keegan Barkley: no, sorry I
was Writing my notes. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Oh, I'm right there with you. >> Keegan Barkley: My computer is jumping because I'm typing on it. Well, while you're chatting and
Sorry, I'm trying to ask the questions in the same order, but I didn't write them in the order. We asked. So,
>> Mick Bates: Right. >> Keegan Barkley: I think the the question I'll ask first then is around data. So just curious as, you know, transitioning to a superintendent position, what data you will be monitoring regularly to help you assess the
health of the district and then how you plan to act upon the data that you are gathering >> Ginger Slocum: I thought that we have a few really important
priorities right now that I would be collecting Data on. one is always going to be academics because our students are the reason that we're all here. And so maintaining that
academic accountability maintaining that data with Whether it is. Like beginning of the year assessments and moving towards middle of the
year and end of year and seeing how our students are growing. Whether it's the state mandated tests and assessments, but also looking at that curriculum and seeing if there
are gaps in the curriculum that we're not meeting based on the state standards or the standards that we are using also based on Instructional practices. If our
curriculum like usually when I'm looking at Data. Academics. I'm looking at which standards,
or Really, which standards are we really needing? Well, in which are we not? And so, within our curriculum are there, gaps in the curriculum that we need to supplement? Are there
instructional practices, where one school is really doing a great job. In the other school, needs some growth and support, how do we set up?
collaboration amongst those grade levels or those teachers? So academics would definitely always be something that I'm looking at. some other priorities that I think are really important right now with
the state of our district is from fiscal being fiscally responsible. and so something that I feel, would be very
helpful because we do have A newer team in this department would be as a superintendent, having a weekly meeting with the entire finance department, reviewing and republishing. Our
policies and procedures as a district, I know that we used to have procedures They were on our website. They could be reviewed, they could be revised but they need
to be publicized and they need to be followed. I do think that. Something else we could do is network with other public schools. We have a new
CFO, he's been doing a great job and he's learning a lot but it would be it's always helpful when you're new in a position to have a mentor and so setting
him up with a mentor and another school district I think would be a great idea. Also talking with other school districts about what professional development,
they give their CFOs and their finance teams just staying up to date and policy and procedure. I think that hand in hand will also rebuild trust with our community. I think that that's
what we need to do. As a team, the Board of Education, the superintendent, the leadership staff at the district office,
And use our grants responsibly. I know that I have written. one, very large, grant this year and we are still working on Meaning the funds back from the government. And I know that our
CFO is working very hard on that. And so just continuing that progress working with our auditors, doing those best practices would be really
important. And then finding a path back together. As a community for the sake of our children, and our teachers and staff. I think is really
important. So, those were things, those would be two things that I would keep in mind for. accountability. And data, the
third I think is just as important and that is improving our climate and culture for our teachers, our staff, our
community, and our students. In order to do that, we need to meet people where they're at. And that's hard, I think that giving authentic opportunities
for stakeholder feedback is really important. More than just Open. comments at board meetings. I think really having some type of a monthly coffee and it doesn't
just have to be me, it could be a board member. We could take turns things like that having intentional conversations, or conversation
invitations, where we Invite six to eight people. To come and talk about one topic. And
get feedback. I think it's important to do some surveys. Surveys are tough because you don't always get the feedback
that you want. But if you take that feedback and you truly listen and acknowledge you can Sometimes get really
great insights. and you can really build the climate and culture of not just the staff but also with our community, I
think something else I would love to do is having a listening tour at each school with our teachers and staff and families and just talking to them about what's
going great. where areas to improve and reporting that back to the Board of Education. And then I'm all about creating natural opportunities for staff Bonding, what are we doing to
give our teachers? And our staff. Natural opportunities to go out and do things together and to build. build team, and be better teams. And so those are
some of the things that I would do and report back to you. I also think having a Climate and Culture Committee district-wide because if that's an a priority for the
board, that would be another great. opportunity to get some teachers involved, maybe a principal, or to involved getting some
Families involved or parents involved. And see how we can do better.
>> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Any follow-up questions? No. >> Mick Bates: I don't know. I wouldn't necessarily say his
follow up, but an interesting question for you, Ginger is, you do have a pretty broad background in education. Give us a couple of examples.
you know, of where your qualities are, where you would be a good fit for this position based on your background and then, secondly, what are some challenges that you may or may
not have already seen? that come up that we're either surprising or? Yeah, I haven't thought about that. Give us a little feedback on that both directions. Please >> Ginger Slocum: yes, so I
would say from my background, my experience, I've been a principal for 10 years. I was a principal in some, my first two years in Pueblo and then three years after that, I
was a middle school. Principal in Platte Canyon School District. >> Mick Bates: Surprises right here. >> Ginger Slocum: And then, as most of, you know, I was the
principal of Columbine for five years. So, within all focus mostly on Columbine but within my first year there is when Covid hit and so that was a really tough time for
everyone. Teachers community staff families. That was a really tough time and so something That was a challenge. for me,
as a new principal because it was my first year was after We the restrictions had been lifted. How do you bring people back together in a school when people have been isolated? That was a challenge.
And so we work to hard as a team. It wasn't just me, it was using shared leadership skills and bringing parents back into the building.
Again, meeting people where they were at. And so I would say something I felt went really well, especially with my staff was we would do surveys from each year,
beginning and ending of year and At the end of one year, it was really low. And I would say, it was probably like that across the country. Um, the the staff climate and culture
was by about October of the next year, we had raised that from 35% to 95 percent and that was an authentic survey. I did with my staff and I I truly believe
that was with me. working really hard to build. Those trusting relationships to have good, to have building shared
leadership. And to really provide opportunities for people to come back together naturally.
A challenge. For me right now. Is that what you'd like to hear Mick? >> Keegan Barkley: Make you still? >> Ginger Slocum: well, it >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, Bates.
>> Ginger Slocum: I would. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, go ahead and just go ahead and talk about. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay, we'll
just go with it. I would say an area of growth for me right now in my I've led a lot of meetings in my career and a lot of different
committees I have not. been a leader on a school board and so, I would say learning, Robert's rules, learning the ins and outs of all of that. Good stuff of how to be a part of the Board of
Education. But I also feel like that's something that I can learn. I've been to many Board of Education meetings. I just haven't been sitting at that table.
>> D Rusterholtz: Well, thank you, Ginger. I guess. I'm next on the question. Go around. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes. >> D Rusterholtz: This is David. Rust. >> Ginger Slocum: Hey, David. >> D Rusterholtz: You answered
mostly my first question, I think that right now. Being. At the lead, you know the most important for any school.
But we have our kind of a unique situation here in Woodland Park. You have this wonderful school, wonderful facility, a beautiful place to live. And yet, we have this turmoil
with employees with our teachers, parents administration staff and you gave a number of examples of how you would work to bring these
to remedy that problem, or start the healing process. And would you like to expand on some of those? I I heard some of the
things you had about surveys and meetings and can you give some some more ideas of how would you do it with? We have teachers administration parents students
and then the community, >> Ginger Slocum: Sure. That we have had a lot of transitions. We've had challenges. and I do believe that I have the
right leadership, qualities and characteristics to be able to bring people back together. I do feel that sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is be kind to someone you
disagree with and have a tough conversation. To move forward together. and so, I think that
there are People who? Still feel like they need to be heard. And I am a good listener. but you can't just listen, then
you have to acknowledge, you have to go back and have conversations with the people who can make the changes who can move forward together. And so I
think Although it's seems the simplest is to be a good listener, but it's the follow-up actions that come afterwards. It's how can we
rebuild trust together? because, There's always two sides, sometimes there's three but there has to be a path forward. And when you're an educator,
you're in this. To do what's best for children. And so the heart of that improving the climate and culture Is all
about. Doing the very best we can for our students. There's a quote that I try to live by especially as a principal and I'm not even sure where it came from. But it says,
if we want schools to be the best place for students to learn and grow the culture of the school must be the best place for teachers and staff to work and grow and I truly believe
that and I feel like if we are listening, we're acknowledging, we're taking action and it doesn't mean that everyone's going to agree with everything you do. That's not
How it works for leaders sometimes as toughest decisions are the hardest ones. To make, but they're also very important. And so meeting people where they're
at listening, giving authentic opportunities for stakeholder feedback. Really, I'm all about talking and having a committee of staff. and maybe a cup, a few parents, and maybe a board member, and
really having those conversations of, What do you need? How can we do better for you? How can we trust in our
our school district? But also in our community, I think it's really important and especially because I Know that affects
children. I know that it affects our students and that's the most important reason we're here. >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you very
much. I appreciate your answer. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. make text me and said he lost Internet connection so he will be back. I just want to let you
guys know that. I will. Go to my question. If anyone does anyone have any follow-up? No. All right. What unfinished
business or priorities from the last superintendent? Are you prepared to address or anything that you see that we need to move forward on? >> Ginger Slocum: That's a good question. So, unfinished
business. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, so anything that you know, that you saw that we were working towards or stuff
that just was left Open-ended Things that you're prepared to address or ideas that you have moving forward with it priorities. Yeah.
>> Ginger Slocum: Okay. So again my two top priorities I'm gonna always say academic focused is always going to be a priority because I'm an educator and that's what educators do. But I
I do think Making sure that we're being fiscally responsible. making sure that we are working to improve the
climate and culture I think some other things that we have in the works right now that we talked about Throughout the
year. that is still something that we're talking about, is how Providing successful pathways forward for our students as their graduating high school. Um many students are going to go
to college, but not all students. that's not their path. And so providing more opportunities with CTE. Moving forward, I is a really great
Thing to do, I know that we've been working really hard. Our, our CTE director is a high school teacher. She works night and day, and I collaborate with her quite often.
About providing different opportunities, different apprenticeships, things like that for our students. So I do think that that's a priority that we should continue moving
forward with. And I will tell you, their classes are packed at the high school. And so I think that's a really great priority.
um, As we? Move forward. She has opportunities to write grants. And so, a lot of that is how can we support her or help her with the grants? Because she can't do all of the things
that she was hoping to do on per our place right now, fiscally But there are, there's always a way. You have to be mission
driven. And we will find a way, if that's what's the best thing to do for our students. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah. >> Ginger Slocum: That I answer everything or do you have any?
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Well yeah, I was just typing sorry and had to go on you. >> Ginger Slocum: Oh, it's okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: So you don't hear me just typing my notes. Um, >> Ginger Slocum: No, it's fine. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Bates Bates,
just rejoined the call and so I will up just get them up today. I asked What, unfinished business or priorities from the last superintendent. Are you prepared to address? And if you
have any follow-up, questions, Bates, or if you want to move on to your next question, before we go to Rusterholtz, please feel free to do so or we can skip you and
go to Rusterholtz if we want to circle back. >> Mick Bates: I would like to comment on that. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay.
>> Mick Bates: Miss Slocum. You then you've been here through this whole process and a lot of transition. are you seeing steady improvement? Now, I mean, I know
we've had some challenges in the financial department. But are you seeing steady progress? I know there's still more to do, but do you feel like we're on the right track?
>> Ginger Slocum: I feel that there is definitely. A lot that we need to continue working on. and I do think being fiscally responsible, and
when I'm saying that I'm not saying that as a negative, I'm saying it as this is where we're at right now, So how do we make the best improvements we possibly can and be transparent
to the public while we're doing it? I do know that, you know, the elephant is in the room is that we lost Our sales tax and that
was a big hit to our budgets. I do think. That we need to find a path forward. I know that everyone worked very
hard to balance the budget and I appreciate that very much in it. It was hard work. But I do think that that's an area of unfinished business
where we need to find a way forward. To come back together as a community, and I'm absolutely up to that challenge. >> Mick Bates: Thank you.
>> D Rusterholtz: This is Slocum. You've answered almost all the questions that I've asked previously. So let me give you another one.
>> Ginger Slocum: Sorry. >> D Rusterholtz: I don't know how fair this is, but I'm going to ask it anyway because I was happy to ask Mr. Salts, this
question And it's concerning our students. You know, most less than 40%. The last time I saw 40% of our students, go on to college. So, we have most of our kids
going into other vocations and we know that nationwide. We need more trade. It's hard to. find, you know, tradesmans to do
things. What, what plans would you have in place to meet the needs of possibly 50 or 60 percent of our students that aren't on an
academic threat? >> Ginger Slocum: so, I would definitely say we have some programs at the high school that we could continue to build one of them is career, start career. Start is when students can do more of that type of
trades work but it also it can be college-bound my own daughter. Did it? For her senior year of high school where she went to Pikes Peak State
College in the mornings. And to classes, based on zoology, there were lots of other classes that were available as well, like, Automotives and things like
that. So, that's one thing that we could continue to make sure that we are supporting it supporting the right personnel to move
forward with those pathways. And I would say CTE Credit they can, they can go and do an apprenticeship. They can. miss our teacher. At the high school has been working really
hard to rebuild that program. We have an amazing culinary arts program. I know that they're working And lots of different departments to try to build that
programming even more. So for our students who are more trade, Trade-oriented as a pathway. I know that we have a lot of opportunities and town where we
can also work with the community and find apprenticeships and partner. And I think that's really important for our students as they graduate that every every single student.
Should have some type of a path forward no matter what their dream is. And all of those are, honorable.
>> Mick Bates: Yes. >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you very much. I appreciate your answer. >> Mick Bates: may I thought, >> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Mick Bates: May I follow up
David. >> D Rusterholtz: Of course. >> Mick Bates: And I want to make sure you were done. Give me your opinion on how
important the extra curricular activities are to try to young person's. Overall education. I mean something that we all see and you've probably seen
more of it in the rest of us have, but generally when money is tied which clearly it is, you start seeing some of those extracurricular activities
dropping off. How important you see those activities being to? There are young people's education overall. >> Ginger Slocum: So I'm going
to commend our district, for working really hard to. Not cut extra curriculars during this
financially tight time in our Our careers. However, to answer the question, I would say it's very important to Mick because oftentimes students who are in out in extracurricular
activities, whether it is a sporting event and academic event. That's, that's how they build their leadership skills.
Moving forward. that gives them opportunities to learn Teamship team building skills. I know that our football team had pillars and those pillars were just as important
as the plays the way that those young men and hold themselves accountable is really important. But it's also important
academically because when you're on a team whatever it is you have to have a certain GPA or you have to have your grades at a certain level to play. And so
it also makes your academ about some. It gives you balance of importance. So yes. Can you still continue to maintain your grade point average in your math class and go to a practice
or a game and not get home until 8 o'clock at night? It has a lot more than just playing the sport or being part of that. But it's also it, um, challenges our
students to become well-rounded adults on how you balance your life. And, and it also does help with creating leadership skills
in our students. >> Mick Bates: So, you see a way to continue with our extracurricular activities? Even under the Budget district constraints, do you think we can pull this off and continue to
excel in those areas? >> Ginger Slocum: I think that we have to be mission driven and we will pull it off because that's the best for our students. And we have a
community that supports >> Mick Bates: Communities. >> Ginger Slocum: our students. And I know there's rebuilding to do with that community, but I know that we all care about our our students and
our kids and I'm I am a parent also. and a community member and that's a really important this community. If you ever Go
to Friday night lights. Those stands are packed and people care about our kids, and we're going to work together to maintain those programs for our students.
>> Mick Bates: Thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Um, I'm gonna follow up Because the next question was similar to what Keegan
had off asked, and it was about the difficult leadership or whichever one she want. Keegan, but you've spoke a lot Miss Slocum about the fiscal responsibility and the balancing
of that and even with extra curriculars maintaining that for students. But I would also If you could give us some insight
or plans, or How you would handle some of those. building repairs. So we have and balancing that within a budget as well as keeping the extracurriculars because we want to be student focused and academic
focus but having a place for our teachers and our staff to also, just be comfortable and have the necessary needs that they everything that they need to
complete the academics and the instructional Ability. So, if you have any ideas on that or
Yeah, going forward, you're nodding your head. So okay. >> Ginger Slocum: Yeah, I do. And so I do believe that anytime that you're just Maintaining
your buildings and your district and a responsible way and I believe we probably have this already. I know that it was something we used to talk about a little bit more openly at DAC meetings, several years ago but it's really about
Having a prioritized list of what each building needs, so that you can plan ahead. And yes, we don't have a lot of funds right now. set aside for maintaining our buildings. However, we can make
a prioritize list we can work hard to maintain buildings instead of letting them go into despair, where it's You know, almost here like it's a lot more expensive to repair them. So I
think being thoughtful about how do we maintain what we have? How do we create a list for each school? What's the biggest priority at each school? And
then there are some grants out there that we could look into if we needed a really big repair, where sometimes they'll they'll
pay 50% and we pay 50%. So it's really all about being creative and resourceful. With, with
what we have to work with. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, and you're right there's the best grant that you could always look into as well. And I have spoke
to the district about that as well as me as long as we have the 50% to put in. So thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Keegan Barkley: All right. I
think it's my turn now. >> Mick Bates: M. >> Keegan Barkley: so the one of the other questions I had was around the stakeholders, and you
started to address this already in some of your other other answers. But obviously with this school district or any school district, there are many
stakeholders involved, right? And they don't always have the same opinions on what's most important or what would be most beneficial or even, you know, just
moral differences, right? So as as the leader, you kind of have to to navigate those waters Just curious. You know how?
You know what, what was your strategy you know to kind of navigate the differences with those stakeholders and if you have a specific example of a particular situation where
you've had to do that, >> Ginger Slocum: So, I will say that being part of the community and being visible and being out there is number one,
Going to Kiwanis breakfast, I've been to that before getting to know people. Going in meeting with different groups that meet monthly I think. It's
I've always been welcomed when I've been to different. community meetings as a principal whether it's here or when I was working in Platt, Canyon School District or in Pueblo, people
appreciate it when you come. And when you are, you're there to listen and it doesn't mean that you're going to take everything that they because there are a
lot of different opinions. But you Gain perspective. And I think people appreciate it when you're part of a community that
you're leading in and so truly immersing yourself into that community. Is the most important. Meetings or events. I think
those are all really important things and just putting yourself out there. >> Keegan Barkley: Did you have a specific example of maybe a tricky situation? You had to
work through? >> Ginger Slocum: well, I will say there's a few so as prince as a principal at Columbine, we always have master classes. That's something that's always been key to our
school and that includes bringing the community in and having them be part of our children's education, broadening their horizons. And after
Covid happened and we were getting back on track. It was really hard. It was probably I wouldn't say that it was a challenge to get people to come back in And so we, we worked
with different groups. We were very creative on how to bring community back into our schools and a lot of that had to do with just making phone calls and
having conversations and putting myself out there as a leader. I would also say that. I know that other superintendents would go to all
of those local group meetings. like going to breakfast with Kiwanis and being a member or going to the chamber and just being there and being visible and having conversations and
meeting people and and listening I do think another. On city and county sheriff's department and trying to partner
with them more. For our SRO program. I think that would be also really important to continue doing. I know that there's been some steps taken in that direction, and I think that
would be really important to continue with. >> Mick Bates: Very good. >> D Rusterholtz: So okay Mrs. Slocum, I guess I am the next.
Question, you've answer. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. >> D Rusterholtz: so many parts of my questions, but I think I'll give you an opportunity to be specific on this one. as you
know, Quite a few parents have chosen to send their kids. down the hill to go to school, rather than to send them here at Woodland Park in spite of our,
you know increase in academic performance. And so do you think it's your our part of your responsibility as superintendent to help bring those to how help
parents choose to bring their kids back to Woodland Park? Or. not as that not. Do you see that as part of your responsibility and if you do, how would you do that? If not, why not? >> Ginger Slocum: I I absolutely
think that is part of the superintendent's responsibility because you're the leader. and as the leader, if you have people, leaving your school district, more than usual, then you need to get to
the root of the problem. And so I feel like having those tough conversations asking, How can we improve? What do we need to do
to, Have you come back or reconsider? Those are all really important. conversations. I do know that choice is part of Colorado and parents have the right to choose what school
their children attend. But what are we missing or What aren't we doing? For them to choose us? How can we help? Um, our
students want to stay here and I think that comes with building relationships with our our families and our community and Really hearing and listening and
trying to do the best we can to educate our children and building a place where people come in and they feel welcome
and feel like they're part of a team. >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you. I appreciate your answer. >> Keegan Barkley: and I know this just as a follow-up to that because it was asked in the in the
last session a lot of other school districts will utilize flyers or advertisements to help kind of, let people know that there's spaces or you know,
the different kind of activities and and specials that maybe we have that that other schools don't kind of perspective is on on leveraging those types of
materials and and just your general thoughts on it. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you Barkley's about to ask us. >> Ginger Slocum: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I was
scrolling up to see because I did ask a follow-up about the advertisement and how we can Use you know what are some of the avenues you might want to
take for that? Thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: So I do feel like that's very important. I know from being part of this community that you read a lot in
the papers when people are unhappy but we need to be putting ourselves out there and showing the positive things that we have. We've so many amazing teachers amazing programs and
opportunities for students here. And we need to definitely make sure that we're advertising that that we're showing the, the positives that whether whatever type of communication works for
people, we need to explore all of those avenues, and some of it is social media, some of it is in the newspaper. Sometimes, it's being at the farmers market, but
I really think it's important that we are sharing those experiences or advertising. I think something else that we could do, and I'm not sure if
this has been done before, or not, I feel like maybe it has is bring back some of our students, who graduated from Woodland, Park High School and get testimonials like, How did
Woodland Park set you up for success in life? And so I think there's a lot of avenues. We haven't explored that we can, we
can continue to improve in that in that direction, especially in the summer. Yes, not all the teachers are working. But those of us that are here, that's the
time when we have a lot of families moving into town and they're looking to choose the right school for for their children.
>> Keegan Barkley: Thank you. >> Cassie Kimbrell: All right, any other follow-ups. I'm
taking all these notes. um, I don't want to ask more of the same questions and so, I want
to make sure that we're asking the you guys are always asking the same questions you have
before, so, Mick, did you have any Left on your list. >> Mick Bates: No. I mean I hit on a number of the similar subjects. I don't know that I
missed anything or not but no, I'm satisfied. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I see. >> D Rusterholtz: well, I do have I do have I do have one more that I did.
Ask Mr. Saltz. And it is a good to me, for me. It's a good social indicator of where you stand on certain things. So, and I just ask say that when I was asking Mr. Salts. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Did.
>> Mick Bates: so, >> D Rusterholtz: Today, we have quite a Discussion and issue. About.
Men presenting them, boys presenting themselves as girls and wanting to participate in girls athletics. And they're a boy or using
girls' bathrooms or girls restrooms. And I would like to know in spite of state law in Colorado.
Saying that we have to let them do it. What is your position on it? And how would you handle if a if a boy who yesterday?
Was John and he came in today as Jane, and he wanted to go into the girls locker room and change for swim. Team practice, how would you handle that? And
what's your position on it? And how would you handle that specific example? >> Ginger Slocum: well, first of all, I will say
Our children are living in a different age than we were. I feel that our girls have The right to have privacy.
And our boys have the right to have privacy. And if there are children who have different viewpoints of themselves than they have a right to have their
privacy as well. I am a mother of two daughters. And one of them plays college basketball. And she's worked really hard to
get to where she's at playing college basketball and I commend her for that and so I personally, as a parent would feel, Really sad for her, if
Someone came and beat her out of a position or her scholarship. Who was not? Biologically, you know, able to play women's
basketball. So I know that she has been in a position before where she has played against teams who had
um, diverse people on the team in that department and she held her own and she did the best that she could, but I do feel
like Title nine is there and it protects our girls rights. but that's a tough question because we live in a world right now where things are very different
than they were when I was growing up. And so, I respectfully would like to keep
Our girls sports for girls. But I also understand there are differences with with children and how they view themselves.
And so, providing kindness and privacy. For all I think, is important. >> D Rusterholtz: one thing that I pressed before was, Will you protect our girls from from
>> Ginger Slocum: I'm >> D Rusterholtz: that kind of situation? If Johnny goes up tomorrow, and wants to be Jane and go on the girls swim team
locker room. >> Ginger Slocum: In. >> D Rusterholtz: How will you put what will you do? What will your response? >> Ginger Slocum: Again, I'm a
mother of two daughters, who are both athletes. So, I'm gonna do the very best I can to Provide our girls, the opportunities they deserve and also follow Title 9.
>> D Rusterholtz: If it were appropriate, can I stand up and applaud? I take that back. >> Mick Bates: Hahaha. >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you, Mr. Slocum, I appreciate your answer. >> Keegan Barkley: so,
>> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Keegan Barkley: and one question that was I don't remember who asked it wasn't my question but it was asked in the last one. So I want to give you the opportunity to address it as well. It's just that if there
were things That. Or what particular things did you witness in the school district from Prior
Superintendents? That. Maybe you would have handled the situation differently. >> Mick Bates: Mmm. >> Keegan Barkley: You know if
you have a specific instance that you would like to address and and how you would have handled that situation differently or just maybe approach in general >> Cassie Kimbrell: Get Barkley.
That was yours, but and I was gonna, it's like what's a difficult leadership decision that You had to make possibly what have you dropped the ball?
What did you do? And what was the outcome? The world. Is that the one? >> Keegan Barkley: That was slightly different. >> Cassie Kimbrell: you're thinking, slightly different? Okay, okay. I'm trying to look back know, you're fine. Okay,
I'm sorry to steal the thunder. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay, so There have been a lot of changes in the last few years and they've been very quick.
Without a lot of collaboration. And some of those were tough decisions, and some of those decisions had been things that
I believe the community had talked about for several years but when it when it became felt like their rug had been pulled out from under them
because they weren't part of those conversations. Did some of those decisions need to be made? Yes, they did. however, I
think the manner in which you make decisions, Gives people trust in you. You can move forward with tough things. When you work together,
rather than when someone can just makes the decision and it's done and everyone finds out Quickly at the same time I can give an example. When sixth
grade got moved into the elementary schools. I was a principal at Columbine. I found out about 10 minutes before it
hit the public. Myself and the other two elementary principles. At the time, we I feel like we rocked that situation and we got together immediately, we
collaborated, we talked about how can we maintain and honor being a sixth grader and the elementary schools and we really collaboratively work together and honestly, if my youngest kiddo could have still been an
elementary when that happened, I would have loved to have had her at Columbine for sixth grade because I think we've done a fabulous job and all the
elementary schools. But that was a tough one because it just came out of like I didn't have that on my horizon. I wasn't planning forward, I wasn't being
proactive and I like to be proactive. And I like to plan ahead and know the big picture and when you can't, when you don't know the big picture and you can't plan for it.
it doesn't always feel good, whether it needed to happen or not, The manner in which it happened. Didn't feel good. I think it's been wonderful
and I think that it will continue to go well with that specific. example that I gave, but that, that's definitely one that That was hard and it was
quick and I didn't get time to plan ahead. However, because we came together as elementary principles. We really made it work well,
>> Keegan Barkley: Thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Mick Bates: Very good. >> Keegan Barkley: Cassie, if you want to ask the other one you were talking about, now he can do that.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Well, it's sort of on your ball, go ahead and ask it. That's all. Let me. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah.
>> Ginger Slocum: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Let me scroll back up to where it was. Okay, so Miss Slocum. What's an add to it. Barkley. Please do. What's a difficult leadership decision. You've had to make, possibly even dropping the ball a moment
where You know, it just didn't go your way. And what did you do about it and what was the outcome? >> Ginger Slocum: So, first rule
of sports, you never dropped the ball. Just kidding. No. So, I would say, when you're a new principal or you're a principal in general, it's kind of like
being on the front lines all the time and so you have to have quick reactions sometimes other >> Mick Bates: Hey. >> Ginger Slocum: times, you have to make longer thought out, decisions. But you always have
to be strategically, thoughtful of the big picture. What's the very best for the school? What's the very best for your teachers
and staff? And ultimately what's the very best for your students? and so, I would say, When I was
a younger principal. It was tougher for me to have some of those harder personnel conversations when something wasn't going right with another
adult in the building. And you learn as you grow as a principal and a leader that being clear, is being kind. And when you're, when you're clear with someone, you give them the opportunity.
to improve you put that the ball in their court basically, but you also give them the skills to improve. How can I set this person up to be the best teacher? They are if
they're first-year teacher and so I think as I grew as a principal I was much more intentional and thoughtful of when I saw an area of growth. It wasn't, just me marking them down. It was me saying Okay this
is an area of growth and these are the four ways I can support them. And here's an academic coach that can also support them. And
so really thinking about how I can do the very best again for The big picture of my school. My teachers and staff and ultimately my students. And that
was an area where I learned, as I went and I think it's almost something that you have to do when you're a leader. because now those conversations aren't
as hard there, there are challenging conversations for sure, but just knowing being clear as being kind and sometimes like I said, some of those most courageous
acts as having a tough conversation, but being kind when you do it. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Perfect injector Barkley. Did you want to add to that at all or follow
up at all? >> Keegan Barkley: with the only other add-on that I had asked previously was more specifically about maybe a mistake, so not dropping the ball necessarily, but maybe after the fact, right
hindsight's 2020. And you decided maybe that wasn't the best decision. You know, you're on the front lines, as you said, you have to make decisions kind
of quickly. If you had a time where you're like you know what? Maybe that wasn't the best way to handle that, or the best decision and then what was your
process going forward? How do you move forward when you've when you realize that you didn't make the right choice or the best choice? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you.
>> Ginger Slocum: So so thinking back again to being a principal because that's where the majority of my leadership has been, I think a mistake that
sometimes new principles or younger principles make is when a parent is upset about something. and you don't give them as much time as you should have. Um, and
so I would say the process that I've learned is that if A parent that's upset about something. You meet them where
they're at, you listen, you have a conversation. You try to move forward with them as a team and not just try to placate a situation. And so, yes, you might not always see eye to eye but their child is
attending your school. And so what are you going to do to help rebuild that trust with them? And it's really about having conversations being
visible. Having those tough conversations and listening. Did that answer the question? >> Mick Bates: Hmm. >> D Rusterholtz: That answered it for me one, I do have another
question, though. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. >> D Rusterholtz: to follow. Yes, that answers it. Well for me, >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. >> D Rusterholtz: One question that, Mr. Saltz was asked is in
general, what academic areas? Do you see that need to be? And this isn't exactly the wording of it, of course, but what what areas of academia at our schools? Do you think need
to be approached next to continue our our improved marked forward. >> Ginger Slocum: So, I will say anytime that you adopt a new curriculum, you're going to find the gaps. And so we've had our first
year with Ckla and we already had an inkling going in that there could be some gaps with phonemic awareness. And so something that I did, as I wrote into part of the Read
act, Grant to purchase. Some phonemic awareness. um, supports for our elementary teachers, to put in place next year to help with with the phonemic awareness. That's missing in ckla,
something else that has been on my mind as a principal even as a teacher way back. When is that our students know, don't know their math facts, as well as they should. And so having some type
of A plan or an initiative with certain grade levels to ensure that our our little ones are learning their math facts because if they don't learn them, they're going to have
gaps and those gaps will continue to get harder and more challenging as those math problems, get more challenging and you have more multi-step problems and they're missing the first step because they didn't
know all of their math facts. >> Mick Bates: Continue to. >> Ginger Slocum: So those are two areas. At the secondary level, I will say. And really, this is
something that we're doing across the district that I've been helping with leading. This is really going back and
refocusing on Plc's, which is our professional learning committees and really looking at student data doing deep, dives weekly monthly. not just in one
grade level but also vertically to see where are the gaps? So we can help. continue to fill those gaps and provide opportunities and supports that are needed by our students.
>> D Rusterholtz: Thank you very much. >> Ginger Slocum: You're welcome. >> Mick Bates: Anyone else? >> Keegan Barkley: I think we
asked all the questions. The last one that I'll give you is more open-ended. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: and and just more of a Do you have anything
that you feel? We haven't covered in our questions that you want to point out to us. Call out You know you're kind of last words. >> Ginger Slocum: Excellently, I'm glad that you asked that. So
I was gonna ask to say something. Anyway, So I just wanted, I know that you probably evolved seen my resume and my information. I
just wanted to talk a little bit more about my background. So I've been an education for 28 years. I have three college degrees and education. I have a
bachelor's degree in elementary education. And I was a teacher for 17 years in Illinois before we moved to Colorado. I have a master's degree in
curriculum instruction and I have a postmasters degree in educational leadership. I believe that my experiences and my education. I do feel like I am part of this
community, my children, attend our schools or did attend our schools. I feel very close to many of our students because I had them as a
principal They're my children's friends. They're my husband students. I am here, I'm in this community. I care deeply about this community and our
students. Someone. My definition of wisdom and I just want to share something with you that I would. I've been reflecting about because I
reflect a lot and I feel that wisdom is having a variety of perspectives. To reflect on and use as a guide. And you use
that information to make the best decisions possible based on your experiences but also based on your mistakes in your growth after making
mistakes and I've made mistakes. And I've grown a lot as a leader in the last 11 years. I do feel like I have the right. Qualities to be able to leave
lead the school district. I believe that I can build trusting relationships with our community. I know that I already have trusting relationships with many
of our staff and parents. And I truly like I said, care about our community and want the very best for our students. So
moving forward, as I've always done, I'm gonna do the very best for our kids, every single day. That's my goal, every single day when I get up and I come to
work. And I also want to thank you for the >> Mick Bates: Hey. >> Cassie Kimbrell: No, thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: for the interview, I really
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Thank you. >> D Rusterholtz: Do we have? >> Mick Bates: Very good. Thank you. >> D Rusterholtz: For a follow-up. I think well, I
think. >> Mick Bates: I think that. >> D Rusterholtz: I don't think I really need to ask another question. You've answered every question that I might have been. So, thank you. >> Ginger Slocum: Okay. You're
welcome. >> Mick Bates: Thank you, Ginger. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes, thank you. >> Keegan Barkley: Thank you so much. >> Ginger Slocum: Absolutely.
Thank you very much. should I sign off now is that What? >> Keegan Barkley: but, >> Mick Bates: Yeah. >> Keegan Barkley: Hey.
>> Mick Bates: There's nothing I know of. So thank you, Ginger. Thanks for joining us. And More to come. >> Ginger Slocum: All right. Thank you so much. Have a nice. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I think.
>> Keegan Barkley: Yes, thank you. Enjoy the rest your evening. >> Ginger Slocum: Thank you. Bye. >> D Rusterholtz: YouTube. Ginger have a nice. Have a nice evening.
>> Ginger Slocum: Thank you. >> Mick Bates: Well guys, something that I wanted to bring up here. For. Us theoretically
being off in July that. Isn't working out real well. So thus far what how many, how many of
you are out of town? >> D Rusterholtz: Well. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I, >> Mick Bates: Yeah, I'm sure you. >> D Rusterholtz: You know,
Ohio. >> Keegan Barkley: And Pennsylvania. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I will be out of town next week on the 16th through the 20th and then,
I can do some remote stuff, the end of July. Only because of my daughter's dad will be. >> Mick Bates: Okay.
Well, I'm open to others thoughts but it would seem to be the next thing that we should do is set up an executive session to sit down and better dissect. The responses we've
had. And Others thoughts. >> Keegan Barkley: I would agree with that. >> Cassie Kimbrell: When do you?
>> D Rusterholtz: Yes, I >> Cassie Kimbrell: When do you get back in town Director, Barkley and Director Bates. >> Keegan Barkley: I don't actually know yet, so we >> Cassie Kimbrell: Oh, that's that's,
>> Keegan Barkley: so that we drove so, certainly before The before August but we are. We're definitely out and through the like 20 or 23rd. We're just
not exactly sure when we're making the truck back. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I think that's excellent. I do, I love vacations like that. Where you are just on the road and can enjoy it with your family and
stop off and see different places that you might have. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I think. >> Keegan Barkley: We're trying it's very against my nature. to not plan things out very specifically. So
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Well. >> D Rusterholtz: Oh, come on. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Come on. you got, let's live a little >> Keegan Barkley: Spontaneity is not.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: While I'm loving that you're doing it. I've had many trips like that. I think they're fun at the same. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: You know, adventure a site adventure is a
good thing. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Bates, you get back the end of July. >> Mick Bates: well, I leave
next Wednesday and I have no idea what my communication abilities are gonna be like, And in Alaska where we're going to be. But, you know, I would like to Have that meeting, you know,
prior to the end of the month, I mean this is drug >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Mick Bates: out much further than I think most of us thought and I would like to have an
executive committee meeting. Sometime, yet this month and compare notes. I I don't know what others availability is, but >> Cassie Kimbrell: Um
Rusterholtz how does your end of July look? >> D Rusterholtz: Well, I don't know. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. >> D Rusterholtz: I really don't know. I
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Well, that's okay. >> D Rusterholtz: And then I'm going to Pennsylvania. So I mean, you don't know the detail
that but I will be available on the phone. but, >> Keegan Barkley: Mm-hmm. >> D Rusterholtz: I'm not sure when I'll be that, probably
sometimes the beginning of August, or late July. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, if >> Keegan Barkley: I think maybe we try and do.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes. >> Keegan Barkley: another maybe remote session, if we if we need to. But Right after because I think the rest of this week is
probably out. I know Candace is doing some training. >> Mick Bates: Right. >> Keegan Barkley: so, I don't know if another meeting this week will be possible, but or
maybe Maybe early next week or on the tail end of Mick's trip even if we have to do it remotely. >> D Rusterholtz: Yeah, I think
that it's important for us. This interview sooner than later. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah. >> Mick Bates: Yes. >> D Rusterholtz: loss fresh in my mind and, you know, I would,
I think willing to have it tomorrow sometime even. So the sooner, the better for me. >> Mick Bates: I think before the end of the meet we could be difficult, but I would certainly like to worst case have
something the first couple days of next week. And of course that self-serving because I'll be leaving on Wednesday. but I
I hope we could get something in Prior to my, you know, my leaving. And while this is fresh on our minds >> Cassie Kimbrell: Does I could do something possibly remote on. Well, before I go as well.
>> Keegan Barkley: Of Tuesday. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Tuesday. Yeah. >> Keegan Barkley: I can make something work.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: oh, >> Keegan Barkley: I will be at the beach but I can come back. Like I said, I can come back.
>> D Rusterholtz: He? >> Keegan Barkley: I'm there Saturday, so I'll it's fine. I'll be able to I'll come back. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Barkley. Director, Barkley Keegan. I
Sorry, I think the fort. What about the 14th that way? Because if we're planning like Bates in our planning to leave Not together. >> Keegan Barkley: Yeah, I'll
make it work. >> Cassie Kimbrell: But like if we're both ironically leaving on the Wednesday, I would be packing and it might be sort of crazy and getting so with the 14th, be better. Are you still going to be? >> Keegan Barkley: And but that's fine. I can make it work. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Of the 14th,
might actually be better. >> Mick Bates: The 14th. >> Keegan Barkley: Can give it, I can give you all an hour. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: That's fine. >> Mick Bates: The 14th would
would be pretty handy for me. and you know, I what's everyone thinking something this time of day maybe a little earlier in the day.
>> D Rusterholtz: You know, of all the >> Keegan Barkley: That would work. >> D Rusterholtz: days that may be the most difficult and I'll just share something. My mother is starting chemotherapy on the
14th and I will be >> Keegan Barkley: oh, >> D Rusterholtz: with her there. So I it hasn't scheduled when she starts and when it's over but it takes four to five hours. I heard, >> Mick Bates: I see.
>> D Rusterholtz: so, >> Cassie Kimbrell: Oh, okay. >> D Rusterholtz: that is the only problem that I have. But, you know, I could be part of it because I won't be there with her. And if I need to drop out, I can drop out. So I don't want
anything everyone else, either. >> Keegan Barkley: Right. And and honestly, I see this being maybe like an hour long conversation, right? There's only there's only two candidates. We've asked the
similar questions so we can go through question by question and just kind of cover the answers and then I'm just have more discussion on
you know, thoughts around the responses. then I think be in a good place where we can come back in an additional public meeting. once the 14 days are up and make a decision, >> D Rusterholtz: I think you're
right to. >> Mick Bates: I like, I like us. I like. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I agree as well. for Barkley your beach day,
would it be better to have it more in the afternoon or in the evening? >> Keegan Barkley: I can make any of it work. Honestly, if again an hour I'm gonna be at the beach for a week, so I can,
I can step away for an hour. >> Mick Bates: Haha. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I know I'm trying to ask him preference and I mean, would it be better for the >> Keegan Barkley: Friends. Um, I'm East. >> Cassie Kimbrell: evening for Rusterholtz, you know, as well? >> Keegan Barkley: I'm East
Coast right now, so, like right now. is dinner time, which is a little tricky. So if it if I can have it before a dinner time
that would be helpful for me but I'll make it work if it's not >> Cassie Kimbrell: And that might work for Rusterholtz. >> Keegan Barkley: And yep. >> D Rusterholtz: Well, I'll be East Coast time as well. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yeah, you'll be east.
>> Keegan Barkley: And before clock. >> Cassie Kimbrell: so, if four clock, would that work for the East Coast people to O'clock mountain time, >> D Rusterholtz: I will make.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. Okay. >> Mick Bates: all right, let's tentatively plan on that, and there will be some follow-up, but let's tentatively plan on two o'clock, Denver time. Next Tuesday.
>> D Rusterholtz: That sounds good. >> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: All right. Thank you. >> Mick Bates: Well. >> Keegan Barkley: X.
>> Mick Bates: I thought it was. Just thank you all for your attendance and we'll be following up. >> Candace Blake: well, um, >> Keegan Barkley: Yep. We have.
>> Candace Blake: could I interject just a minute? Make sure I'm tracking correctly. So it would just be The meeting would start obviously public but then you guys would be moving to executive session. There's
nothing. >> Keegan Barkley: Yes. >> Mick Bates: I don't think so. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Oh no, no. >> Candace Blake: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: At this time.
>> Candace Blake: Okay. >> Cassie Kimbrell: And Candace does that work for you? As far as the 14th? >> Candace Blake: And that. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Did I think
we said Monday, right? Where we all back on Monday, or do we switch? >> Mick Bates: Well, that was my fault. I I think I was thinking
Tuesday was the 14th. That's I'll be leaving on the 15th so the 14th would be good for me. >> Candace Blake: okay, so Monday Okay, um then I'll make sure because I'll have to get that
agenda out by Friday. So, I'll >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes. >> Candace Blake: Yeah, and then the last thing was just emotion to adjourn when you guys are >> Cassie Kimbrell: Yes. >> Candace Blake: ready. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay.
>> Mick Bates: Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Cassie Kimbrell: So moved. >> Keegan Barkley: Second. >> Mick Bates: Do I have a second? >> Cassie Kimbrell: Barkley. Second. >> Keegan Barkley: Second.
>> Mick Bates: All right, roll call. >> Candace Blake: Barkley. >> Keegan Barkley: Hi. >> Candace Blake: Bates. >> Mick Bates: I, >> Candace Blake: Kimbrell. >> Cassie Kimbrell: I,
>> Candace Blake: Prester holds. >> D Rusterholtz: Good. I >> Mick Bates: alright, well, watch your email but we kind of really have a date and time tentatively have a date and time here.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay, Bates, that makes sense. >> Keegan Barkley: Excellent. >> Cassie Kimbrell: because you kept saying Tuesday leaving, but seeing the 16th where I'm leaving. Wednesdays. I was confused. Okay. Other perfect.
>> Mick Bates: no, it it will be Monday, the 14th and there will be >> Cassie Kimbrell: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: Okay. >> Mick Bates: there will be follow up, okay? >> Keegan Barkley: Yes.
>> Cassie Kimbrell: We already did that. Very, thank you guys. >> D Rusterholtz: Okay. >> Keegan Barkley: Thank you. The text message reminders are really helpful right now, by the way. >> Candace Blake: Thank you. >> Mick Bates: Say that again. >> Keegan Barkley: But yeah. >> Cassie Kimbrell: Would you
Barkley? >> D Rusterholtz: Thank you, bye everybody. >> Mick Bates: All right, thank you. All >> Keegan Barkley: I, >> Cassie Kimbrell: Alright. >> Mick Bates: Bye.