On October 21, Superintendent Dr. Larry Polk announced that Colorado Independent School District (CISD) has achieved a Superior Achievement Rating of 98 on the School FIRST rating for the 2022-2023 school year, an improvement from last year's score of 92. Dr. Polk attributed this accomplishment to the district's strong commitment to financial stewardship and the dedicated efforts of staff members.
During the meeting, the board honored Principal Lorianne Toombs of Colorado Elementary and Middle Schools and Principal Steve Komppa of Colorado High School for their exemplary leadership and contributions. Their commitment to fostering positive learning environments has been instrumental in the district’s successes.
Mrs. Toombs shared an engaging update on student initiatives at CES/CMS, highlighting a recent field trip for second graders to a local pumpkin patch, where they participated in a screening of the book The Wild Robot. This educational experience not only enhanced their learning but also added an element of fun. To improve communication with parents, CES/CMS has launched a new weekly update initiative. The 7th and 8th grade volleyball and football teams are enjoying successful seasons, contributing to school spirit, while the "Donuts for Dear Ones" event has successfully increased participation among younger students.
At Colorado High School, the school band earned all Division 1 ratings at a recent UIL competition, showcasing student talent and hard work. Additionally, students collected over 9,000 items for the local food bank, demonstrating their commitment to community service. Academically, the ACT is scheduled for October 29, with over 50% of seniors now fully TSI-complete. The school’s HVAC and agriculture programs are thriving, with certifications for welding students on the horizon, preparing them for future career opportunities.
The board celebrated the district's acceptance into the exemplary cohort for 2024-2026, reflecting a superior rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
The board reviewed the district's food service performance for September 2024, noting a decrease in meal participation compared to the previous year, with 10,251 lunches and 8,027 breakfasts served. To enhance student engagement with meal services, Cafeteria Director Becky Sanford plans to revise menu options and introduce snack bars at both the middle and high schools.
Significant developments are underway with the construction of new baseball and softball fields at Wolf Stadium, along with upgrades to the concession stand and the establishment of a new Career and Technical Education (CTE) building at Lone Wolf Boulevard and 17th Street. These projects promise to enhance both athletic facilities and educational opportunities within the community.
Updates on the baseball and softball fields were provided by Claire Saiz from Gallagher Construction. Key developments include the forming of foul line curves and the pouring of dugout foundations. Electrical work is also underway, with Gallagher negotiating a $15,000 discount on electrical services, reducing the total cost to $179,130.14. The fields are on track for completion by February 15, providing a state-of-the-art facility for student athletes.
In conjunction with the new athletic fields, significant upgrades to the concession stand are also planned. Gallagher sought board approval to put this project out for bid, which was unanimously granted. The renovated concession stand will serve not only baseball and softball events but also Wolf Stadium, addressing concerns raised by the Colorado Wolves Athletic Booster Club regarding workspace and accessibility. The budget for the concession renovations is capped at $200,000, with bids expected to be posted in the Colorado Record.
The district is also excited to announce the construction of a new CTE building designed to expand vocational training opportunities for students. This facility will feature dedicated classrooms and specialized areas for hands-on learning, significantly enhancing the educational landscape. The board has unanimously approved the project to go out for bid.
These transformative projects at Wolf Stadium and the new CTE building represent significant investments in the community’s athletic and educational infrastructure. Community members are encouraged to visit the site to witness the progress firsthand, with updates on these projects to be communicated regularly.
Additionally, the board discussed the process for filling a potential vacancy on the board following the possible resignation of a member. Dr. Polk outlined three primary options for consideration: the appointment process, an open application process, or leaving the seat vacant until the next election cycle. He expressed a preference for the appointment method, citing its historical success in helping new members acclimate and gain community acceptance.
The board engaged in a thoughtful conversation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each option, highlighting the importance of encouraging community involvement through a straightforward application process. Dr. Polk confirmed that he would develop an application template, ensuring compliance with residency requirements.
A timeline was set to have the application ready for distribution by the next meeting, and the board remains committed to a smooth transition and effective governance within Colorado ISD. The next board meeting is scheduled for November 11, where further updates regarding the vacancy will be addressed.
In addition, the Board approved a resolution outlining its legislative priorities for the 89th legislative session, emphasizing the importance of transitioning school funding from an average daily attendance model to one based on enrollment. This shift would align Colorado ISD with the majority of states and address ongoing challenges with declining student enrollment.
The board unanimously supported a motion to enhance the safety of school personnel, aligning with House Bill 3, which supports the roles of the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the guardian program.
The board reviewed compliance measures for the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIFTA), approving a comprehensive approach to safeguarding students online, which includes safety policies, content filtering, and educational training.
Trustee Wood raised concerns regarding a bid for a property located at 740 East 5th Street in Colorado City, emphasizing the potential risks associated with the deed's language. After further discussion, the board voted to table the discussion on the bid until the next meeting, underscoring the importance of ensuring that prospective buyers are well-informed.
Trustee Alvarez and President Strain shared valuable insights from their experiences at the TASA TASB delegate assembly and instructional rounds conducted on October 8. Alvarez highlighted the pressing challenges facing public education, particularly the decline in teacher production. He discussed strategies aimed at encouraging retired teachers to return to the classroom, emphasizing the need for experienced educators to help bridge the gap.
Strain noted the high levels of student engagement observed during the instructional rounds, which showcased effective teaching strategies being implemented across the district. This positive feedback reflects the commitment of educators to foster an engaging learning environment and underscores the district's dedication to student success.
As the meeting concluded, the board reaffirmed its dedication to improving student outcomes and fostering a supportive educational environment. Colorado ISD continues its mission to provide excellent education for all students.