The Colorado ISD Board of Trustees convened on February 10th to discuss district updates, approve policies, and celebrate outstanding staff members. Here’s a recap of the key points:
Staff Recognition:
Teacher of the Month: The following educators were recognized for their excellence in the classroom:
Kathrine Plagens
Holly Rivera
Sam Hale
Staff of the Month: These staff members were celebrated for their contributions beyond the classroom:
Yvette Lujan
Ashleigh Foster
Freda Wesley
Task B Local Update 1 24 Discussion: A comprehensive review of updated policies was held. Key changes include:
FFG Local (Child Abuse and Neglect): Reporting procedures now include a requirement for individuals to provide their name and contact information when making an oral report of child abuse or neglect.
GKA Local (Tobacco and E-Cigarettes): The policy explicitly prohibits the use of electronic vaporizing devices on district property.
EHBB Local (Gifted and Talented Program): Requirements for documentation of program funding have been expanded.
EHB Local (Dyslexia Services): Compliance documentation is now required during ARD meetings.
DH Local (Employee Standards of Conduct): Extended tobacco and e-cigarette restrictions for staff, aligning with the student policy.
CY Local (Intellectual Property): Clarifications regarding the use of copyrighted materials for educational purposes.
CDA Local (District Investments): A new requirement ensures that investments made by the district are registered with key regulatory bodies.
CAA Local (Federal Grant Disclosures): Policy updates ensure compliance with federal regulations governing grant usage.
After thorough discussion, the board unanimously approved the updated policies.
Student Presentation by Kyanna Martinez: Kyanna Martinez, president of the TAFE chapter, shared her inspiring journey of writing and illustrating books for a TAFE competition. Her first book reached the state level, and she now aims to publish a second book titled Coming Out of Your Shell, which helps children navigate shyness and transitions. Kyanna and her team will travel to Galveston for the competition, hoping to qualify for Nationals in Florida.
District and Community Updates:
Community Partnership: Chief Strickland spoke about the ongoing collaboration between the Colorado City Police Department and the school district, highlighting their commitment to supporting students and staff.
Upcoming Events: Several significant events were announced:
Baseball/Softball First Pitch on February 25th
CTE Groundbreaking Ceremony on March 10th
Safety Improvements: The board discussed ongoing projects, including fire hydrant installation, slab placement, and new sidewalks, all aimed at enhancing safety in high-traffic areas.
Concession Stand Renovation: A proposal to renovate restrooms at the concession stand was presented for $52,455. The project includes installing ADA-compliant facilities.
Financial and Budget Discussions: The board discussed strategies to reduce costs through value engineering and agreed to approve up to $3.6 million from the district’s fund balance to support the projects, excluding a $1 million time warrant. This financial flexibility is intended to ensure that the district remains prepared for any unforeseen changes in state funding.
Future Board Meeting: The next board meeting will be on March 10th, following the CTE Groundbreaking Ceremony.
The meeting concluded with the board’s commitment to ensuring that all district decisions are made with the best interests of students, staff, and the community in mind.