Aurora Public Schools District 131 public meetings in 2021
29 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Education Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held a routine meeting with procedural items and a major discussion on Results Progress Monitoring. The board reviewed data on graduation rates and chronic absenteeism, particularly for Black and Hispanic students, and discussed strategies including a new Hazel Health partnership for mental health services. No votes were taken on policy changes; the session focused on monitoring and questioning district staff.
- Discussion of Result Progress Measure (RPM) 2.1 and 2.2: on-track graduation rates for 9-11th and 12th graders, with targets to be determined
- Discussion of RPM 3.3 and 4.2: severe chronic absenteeism among 6th and 9th grade Black and Hispanic/Latinx students, with target percentages to be determined
- District announced a partnership with Hazel Health to provide students with access to licensed therapists, including mental health screening, short-term therapy, crisis support, and care navigation
- Board questions on behavioral health support strategies: PBIS, restorative practices, MTSS, and teacher training on social-emotional learning
- Credit recovery options discussed: summer school eligibility based on iReady tiers, and availability of credit recovery throughout the school year
The Board of Education approved the meeting agenda. Members reviewed Results Progress Measures regarding graduation tracks and chronic absenteeism for specific student demographics. The session included public testimony regarding the potential closure of Sable Elementary and the expansion of Aurora Science and Technology (AST) high school.
- Approved the December 14, 2021 meeting agenda (7-0)
Board of Education Special Meeting
This is a special meeting of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education held at the CASB convention. The only substantive item is a review of Blueprint APS, the district's strategic plan, with Strategic Development Advisor Mackenzie Khan. The agenda is otherwise procedural, consisting of call to order and adjournment.
- Review of Blueprint APS strategic plan with Strategic Development Advisor Mackenzie Khan
The Board of Education met for a retreat with Strategic Development Advisor Mackenzie Khan and Superintendent Rico Munn. The session focused on the origins and foundations of Blueprint APS to inform future decisions in January 2022. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Board of Education is holding a special meeting at the CASB Convention to participate in team development focused on Policy Governance. Facilitators from the Council of the Great City Schools will lead a review of governance policies, including student outcomes and board limitations.
- Board team development session with CGCS facilitators Cindy Elsbernd and Kim Martorano
- Review of Policy Governance documents including APS Results & Limitations (July and November 2021 updates)
The Board of Education met with Council of the Great City Schools facilitators to review Policy Governance and Student Outcomes Focused Governance. The session included a team building exercise and a review of progress monitoring between the board and superintendent. No formal votes or policy changes were recorded.
Board of Education Special Meeting
This special meeting of the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is primarily organizational: it includes the swearing-in of members and election of board officers. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and set the next meeting date.
- Election of board officers
- Swearing-in of board members
- Approval of minutes from Oct. 19, Oct. 21, and Nov. 16, 2021 meetings
- Next regular meeting scheduled for Dec. 14, 2021
The Board of Education met for a special meeting and approved the minutes from October 19, October 21, and November 16, 2021. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved minutes for October 19, October 21, and November 16, 2021 (7-0)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education will review progress toward its adopted Result 2 (Postsecondary Workforce Readiness), focusing on measures of 9th–12th grade students on track to graduate by credits earned. The session includes detailed Q&A on student behavioral health supports, a new partnership with Hazel Health for teletherapy, credit recovery options, and strategies from the Zero Drop Outs initiative.
- Results Progress Monitoring for Result 2.1: 9–11th graders on track to graduate and 2.2: 12th graders on track
- Launch of Hazel Health partnership providing teletherapy and crisis support for students
- Q&A on behavioral health monitoring, PBIS, restorative practices, and MTSS frameworks
- Discussion of credit recovery options including summer school, extended school year, and competency-based capstones
- Zero Drop Outs strategies for 12th graders, including capstone coordinators and assessment funding
The Board approved the meeting agenda and reviewed progress monitoring reports for 9-12th grade students on track to graduate. The session included discussions on student behavioral health supports and the launch of a partnership with Hazel Health.
- Approved meeting agenda as discussed
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will convene in person for an executive session to receive legal advice. No other business is scheduled.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) for legal advice
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is meeting to review and discuss a resolution related to HB21-1055 Compensation for School District Board Members. The board is seeking staff, student, and community feedback before making a final decision on the matter.
- Review and discussion of HB21-1055 Compensation for School District Board Members resolution
The Board of Education met to discuss a resolution regarding HB21-1055 Compensation for School District Board Members. Directors decided not to proceed with the resolution because community feedback was unattainable at the meeting.
- Declined to proceed with HB21-1055 Compensation for School District Board Members resolution
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will convene in person for an executive session meeting. The board will recess into executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) to discuss a personnel matter, specifically the superintendent's evaluation.
- Superintendent evaluation to be discussed in closed executive session under state law
Board of Education Meeting
At the Oct 19, 2021 meeting, the Aurora Public Schools Board of Education approved several consent items—including minutes from Sep 21, 2021, supplemental curriculum materials, personnel actions, Long Range Facilities Advisory Committee applications, and the district’s Unified Improvement Plans submission to the Colorado Department of Education. The board also approved the 2021‑22 APS/AEA Memorandum of Understanding that establishes collaborative work‑groups for hybrid, remote, and flex learning in response to COVID‑19. Additionally, the board adopted amended results and limitations baselines to monitor student outcome progress.
- Approval of the 2021‑22 APS/AEA Memorandum of Understanding for pandemic response
- Adoption of supplemental curriculum materials (preview available online Oct 4‑15, 2021)
- Approval of personnel action items presented by Human Resources
- Approval of Long Range Facilities Advisory Committee (LRFAC) applications
- Approval of Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) for submission to the Colorado Department of Education
The Board of Education approved resetting the baseline for results and limitations to focus on instructional impact through 2025 due to pandemic disruptions. The Board also approved supplemental curriculum materials and a memorandum of understanding regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
- Approved amended results and limitations to reset baseline data and prioritize instructional impact through 2025 (7-0)
- Approved supplemental curriculum materials (7-0)
- Approved 2021-22 APS/AEA Memorandum of Understanding in Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (7-0)
- Approved personnel action items (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved September 21, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold an executive session, closed to the public, to discuss a personnel matter under Colorado law. The agenda includes a single substantive item: an appeal hearing related to a personnel issue. The meeting concludes with adjournment.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) for personnel matter
- Appeal hearing on agenda
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will enter an executive session under state law to discuss a personnel matter. The sole substantive item is the evaluation of the district superintendent. No other decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.
- Superintendent evaluation (personnel matter) discussed in executive session
Board of Education Meeting
The board accepted Results Progress Monitoring 2.3 data, revealing that 16.1% of 12th graders have met the menu of options for college/career readiness under new Colorado graduation requirements, down from 18.15% the previous year. The board also approved consent agenda items including minutes from August 17, limitations progress measures on stakeholder engagement, and personnel actions. A policy on administration of medical marijuana to qualified students was listed but details are not provided in the agenda text.
- Accepted Results Progress Monitoring 2.3 data on 12th grade graduation readiness (16.1% on track)
- Approved Limitations Progress Measures 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 on stakeholder engagement
- Approved personnel action items from Division of Human Resources
- Approved minutes from August 17, 2021 meeting
The Board of Education accepted Results Progress Monitoring 2.3 data regarding 12th grade students' college and career readiness. The board reviewed progress toward increasing the four-year graduation rate from 76% in 2019 to 80% by 2026.
- Approved the agenda for the August 17, 2021 meeting
- Accepted Results Progress Monitoring 2.3 data (6-0)
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is meeting in a closed executive session to discuss a personnel matter, specifically the superintendent evaluation, under Colorado law. No public decisions or votes are expected during this session.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(f)(I) to discuss superintendent evaluation
Board of Education Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will approve the meeting agenda and several sets of prior meeting minutes. It will feature a student musical performance and recognize work tied to the APS 2026 strategic plan. The board will review progress on early literacy, 9th‑grade equity, and diversity, equity and inclusion metrics. Public comment will be allowed with a three‑minute limit per speaker.
- Approval of agenda (action)
- Student performance: Urinetown selection by Aurora Central High School
- Recognition of APS 2026 Faces of the Future strategic plan
- Public comment opportunity (three‑minute limit, sign‑up by 4:30 PM)
- Progress monitoring discussion on early literacy, 9th‑grade equity, and DEI metrics
The Board approved the meeting agenda and conducted a progress monitoring session on student outcomes. Discussions focused on early literacy, 9th grade equity, and staff perceptions of diversity and inclusion. No other substantive votes were recorded.
- Approved meeting agenda
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will convene virtually for an executive session. The board is expected to recess into executive session under state law to receive legal advice related to a litigation matter. No other business or public discussion is scheduled.
- Executive session to receive legal advice on a litigation matter under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b)
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Board voted to nominate a new Vice President, approve changes to policies BEDB (Agenda) and JEA (Temporary Attendance), and approve Zero Dropouts as the external management partner for Gateway High School under a State Board Order. The meeting included full public seating and live streaming.
- Approved Zero Dropouts as external management partner for Gateway High School turnaround, with a 6-0 vote
- Nominated and approved Director Debbie Gerkin as new Vice President following Director Cox's resignation
- Approved policy BEDB, Agenda changes
- Approved policy JEA, Temporary Attendance Procedures changes
- Board discussed Zero Dropouts' experience with ESL students and 9th-grade intervention strategies
The Board of Education approved a proposal to appoint Zero Dropouts as the external management partner for Gateway High School to meet state accountability requirements. The Board also filled three vacant leadership positions and approved two policy changes.
- Appointed Debbie Gerkin as Vice President (7-0)
- Appointed Marques Ivey as Board Secretary (6-1)
- Appointed Nichelle Ortiz as Board Treasurer (7-0)
- Approved policy BEDB Agenda changes (7-0)
- Approved policy JEA Temporary Attendance Procedures changes (7-0)
- Approved Zero Dropouts as external management partner for Gateway High School (7-0)
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special meeting to receive a presentation on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and to recognize community partners. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled. The meeting is open to the public in person and via livestream.
- Presentation on COVID-19 essential expectations and lessons learned from Superintendent Munn
- Community recognition for partners who supported APS during the pandemic
The Board of Education received a report from Superintendent Munn regarding the district's COVID-19 essential expectations and academic loss. The Board and Superintendent also presented awards to community partners for their support during the pandemic.
- Received COVID-19 Essential Expectations and lessons learned report from Superintendent Munn
Board of Education Special Meeting
This special meeting is informational, covering the upcoming board election with four director seats open and a review of the board governance model. No votes or decisions are scheduled.
- Information session on the November 2, 2021 board election for four at-large seats
- Presentation by legal counsel on election process and board member responsibilities
The Board of Education held a special meeting to provide information regarding the election process for four open director seats. Legal counsel and current board members presented details on responsibilities and the non-partisan election process. No substantive votes or policy decisions were recorded.
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education holds a discussion on progress monitoring, focusing on early literacy (RPM 1.3) and post-secondary workforce readiness (PWR RPM 2.1 and 2.3), including detailed Q&A. The board also considers consent items such as approval of minutes, personnel actions, and edits to policy BEDB-Agenda.
- Progress monitoring discussion includes Q&A on early literacy, summer school enrollment (1,700 students in credit recovery), and night school interest (100 families)
- Approval of personnel action items from the Division of Human Resources
- Approval of edits to policy BEDB-Agenda
- Approval of minutes from May 18 and June 1, 2021 meetings
- Public comment opportunity with sign-up by email prior to meeting
The Board of Education met to review progress monitoring data regarding early literacy and postsecondary workforce readiness. No substantive policy changes were decided; the Board primarily approved the meeting agenda and discussed student performance metrics.
- Approved the June 15, 2021 meeting agenda (6-0)
Board of Education Special Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a special meeting to continue work on Policy Governance with invited facilitator AJ Crabill. The board will also discuss governance-related items including quarterly self-evaluation, 360 survey, board retreat, and the 2021-2022 meeting schedule. Additionally, they will discuss COVID-19 protocols for board meetings.
- Policy Governance discussion with facilitator AJ Crabill
- Governance related items: self-evaluation, 360 survey, retreat, meeting schedule, and agenda policy edits
- Discussion of COVID-19 protocols for board meetings
Board of Education Meeting
The board will review Progress Monitoring data on elective course enrollment, 9th grade transition supports, and targeted supports for Black and Latinx students under the Resiliency and Recovery Plan. They will also discuss policy BEDB on agenda edits, conduct a quarterly self-evaluation, and approve consent items including personnel actions.
- Progress Monitoring: 35.3% of high school students enrolled in academic electives, 46.8% in CTE (2020-2021).
- Discussion of supports for 9th grade transition, including mentorship and Young Men of Color Collective Impact Project.
- Quarterly board self-evaluation facilitated by AJ Crabill to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Policy BEDB amendment to include Progress Monitoring as a regular order of business item.
- Consent agenda includes approval of April 20 and May 4 meeting minutes and personnel action items.
The Board of Education reviewed progress monitoring reports and discussed high school elective enrollment and 9th-grade transition supports. No substantive policy decisions were made as items regarding Policy BEDB and the quarterly self-evaluation were moved to the June 1 meeting.
- Moved Policy BEDB agenda edits to June 1 meeting
- Moved Quarterly Board Self-Evaluation to June 1 meeting
- Tabled final decision on COVID-19 meeting accommodations until June 1
Virtual Special Board of Education Open Meeting
This special board meeting focused on a Reduction in Force (RIF) discussion. The board voted 5-2 to approve Option 2, which involves in-building substitutes, from three proposed options. A separate motion to extend meeting time also passed. The meeting included public comment procedures.
- Reduction in Force (RIF) discussion and vote: Board approved option 2 (In-Building Substitutes) by 5-2 vote.
- Motion to extend meeting time carried 6-1.
- Public comment sign-up via email prior to meeting.
The Board of Education approved Option 2 to assign up to nine displaced staff members as full-time in-building substitutes. This decision was made after reviewing three options to address overstaffing and the Reduction in Force process.
- Approved Option 2 to assign up to nine displaced staff as full-time in-building substitutes (5-3)
Board of Education Executive Session
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is meeting in executive session, closed to the public, to receive legal advice on two items: a Memorandum of Understanding with the Children's Opportunity Foundation and a Facility Use Agreement with the Aurora School of Science and Technology. No public decisions will be made at this meeting.
- Legal advice on Children's Opportunity Foundation MOU
- Legal advice on ASST Facility Use Agreement
Board of Education Meeting
The board approved a consent agenda including food service contracts worth $3.5 million with Gold Star Foods and $1.7 million with American Produce, plus a $1 million dairy agreement with Meadow Gold Dairy for the 2021-22 school year. Other approved items include a wireless antenna lease with DISH at the Rocky Mountain Prep Fletcher Building, a memorandum of understanding with the Children's Opportunity Foundation for an Aurora Central High School baseball complex, and a renewal of Vista PEAK's innovation plan.
- Prime vendor food contract with Gold Star Foods, estimated $3.5 million annually
- Fresh produce contract renewal with American Produce, estimated $1.7 million annually
- Dairy service agreement with Meadow Gold Dairy, estimated $1 million annually
- Wireless antenna lease with DISH at Rocky Mountain Prep Fletcher Building
- Children's Opportunity Foundation MOU for Aurora Central High School baseball facility and sports complex
The Board of Education approved several vendor contracts for food and dairy services, a wireless antenna lease for the RMP Fletcher Building, and a $10 million investment for a sports complex at Aurora Central High School. The Board also approved the Vista PEAK Innovation Plan Renewal and a progress monitoring calendar.
- Approved food service contracts with Gold Star Foods ($3.5M est.) and American Produce ($1.7M est.) (6-1)
- Approved 2021-22 dairy service agreement with Meadow Gold Dairy ($1M est.) (6-1)
- Approved wireless antenna lease with DISH Network at RMP Fletcher Building for $2,000/month (6-1)
- Approved Children's Opportunity Foundation MOU for $10M baseball/softball complex at Aurora Central High School (6-1)
- Approved Vista PEAK Innovation Plan Renewal (6-1)
- Approved progress monitoring calendar (6-1)
- Approved April 20, 2021 agenda (6-1)
- Approved March 23, 2021 meeting minutes (6-1)
Board of Education Meeting
The Board approved consent items including minutes, personnel actions, and an extension of the ES Foods vendor agreement through 2021-2022. They voted on boundary adjustments for elementary and middle schools in Blueprint Regions 3 and 6, approving several scenarios but rejecting others. They also approved a $924,007.95 bid for the Daybreak at Tower Phase Two housing construction project by Pickens Technical College. Additionally, they received a COVID-19 update from the superintendent and discussed progress monitoring of district vision alignment.
- Approved elementary and middle school boundary adjustments for Blueprint Regions 3 and 6 (multiple motions passed; some failed)
- Approved $924,007.95 bid for Daybreak at Tower Phase Two housing construction project
- Approved extension of ES Foods vendor agreement through 2021-2022 school year with expected orders up to $1.4 million
- Approved personnel action items from the Division of Human Resources
- Received COVID-19 update and discussed progress monitoring of district vision
The Board of Education approved specific school boundary scenarios for Blueprint Regions 3 and 6 and a contract for the Daybreak at Tower Phase Two housing project. A food vendor agreement extension was also approved. The Board rejected one proposed boundary scenario for Region 3 Elementary.
- Approved Region 3 Elementary-Scenario 1 boundary changes (5-2)
- Approved Middle School-Scenario 1 boundary changes (7-0)
- Approved Region 6 Elementary-Scenario B boundary changes (7-0)
- Denied Region 3 Elementary-Scenario 2 boundary changes (3-4)
- Denied grouped boundary adjustment recommendations for Regions 3 and 6 (3-4)
- Approved $924,007.95 bid for Daybreak at Tower Phase Two (7-0)
- Approved ES Foods vendor agreement extension through 2021-2022 school year (7-0)
- Approved personnel action items (7-0)
Board of Education Retreat
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will hold a retreat postponed from March 13 due to inclement weather. The main agenda item is a discussion on Policy Governance with facilitator AJ Crabill. The meeting is in-person with limited seating and streamed online. No votes or concrete decisions are scheduled.
- Policy governance discussion with facilitator AJ Crabill
- Postponed from March 13 due to weather
- Meeting held in-person with limited seating and online streaming
- Attachments include progress monitoring documents
The Board of Education met with facilitator AJ Crabill to discuss Policy Governance, progress monitoring outcomes, and the distinction between Board and Superintendent work. No formal votes were taken; the session focused on reviewing monitoring processes and communication expectations.
Board of Education Meeting
The Board of Education will vote on personnel action items and adopt updated Board Results and Limitations, which define district goals and monitoring measures. They will also receive a COVID-19 update from Superintendent Rico Munn and a report on recovery essential expectations, including student survey data on internet access and iReady diagnostic results.
- Approval of personnel action items from the Division of Human Resources.
- Adoption of updated Board Results and Limitations (passed 6-1, with Marques Ivey voting nay).
- COVID-19 update from Superintendent Rico Munn.
- COVID-19 Recovery Essential Expectation Report, including iReady diagnostic data showing slower academic progress compared to prior year.
- Public comment period with sign-up by email, limited to three minutes.
The Board of Education approved updated Board Results and Limitations to tighten focus on student achievement. The Board also approved personnel action items and the meeting agenda and minutes.
- Approved updated Board Results & Limitations (6-1)
- Approved personnel action items (6-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved February 16, 2021 agenda (7-0)
- Approved January 19, 2021 meeting minutes (7-0)
- Denied motion to move Results & Limitations to Consent category (6-1)
- Approved motion to move Results & Limitations to Action category (7-0)
Board of Education Special Open Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education is holding a special open meeting to continue work on Policy Governance, facilitated by AJ Crabill. The meeting includes procedural items such as call to order, welcome, and adjournment. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is focused on discussion only.
- Policy Governance Discussion with facilitator AJ Crabill
The Board of Education met with facilitator AJ Crabill to discuss policy governance, specifically focusing on Results and Limitations. The session included guidance on writing community vision and values into policy and director self-reflection. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.
Board of Education Meeting
The Aurora Public Schools Board of Education will meet virtually to consider a consent agenda including approval of the 2021-2022 school calendar, personnel actions, policy updates, and a resolution to use a portion of beginning fund balance. The board is also asked to approve 2021 legislative priorities that call on the state to not use annual assessments for accountability purposes during the pandemic.
- Approval of 2021-2022 school calendar
- Personnel actions including creation of Classroom Monitor positions funded by repurposed substitute budget
- Approval of 2021 Legislative Priorities asking state to reexamine accountability system and pause school ratings using disrupted COVID-19 data
- Authorization of 2020-21 use of a portion of beginning fund balance per state statute
- Policy edits to align with new board meeting schedule
The Board of Education approved the 2021-22 draft calendar, personnel actions, and updated board meeting policies. Members also authorized the use of a portion of the 2020-21 beginning fund balance and approved 2021 legislative priorities. Several community members spoke in opposition to the proposed closure of Peoria Elementary.
- Approved 2021-22 Draft Calendar (7-0)
- Approved Division of Human Resources Personnel Action Items (7-0)
- Approved edits to Board Meeting Policies BEDB, BEDFA, BGB, and BGB-R (7-0)
- Approved 2021 Legislative Protocols and Priorities (7-0)
- Authorized use of a portion of 2020-21 beginning fund balance (7-0)
- Approved January 19, 2021 meeting agenda (7-0)
- Approved December 15, 2020 meeting minutes (7-0)