El Paso County Colorado School District 49 public meetings in 2023
34 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education met for a regular business meeting on December 14, 2023, approving a consent agenda with personnel changes and two new course offerings. The board approved a Criminal Justice pathway at Sand Creek High School and upper-level Mandarin Chinese courses, both aimed at expanding student career and language options.
- Approved SCHS Criminal Justice Pathway courses, including Intro to Law and Public Safety, Law Enforcement, Security and Protective Services, Dispatch, Crime Science, and Criminal Justice Capstone
- Approved Mandarin Chinese III and IV course descriptions for Sand Creek High School
- Approved consent agenda with personnel changes for substitute, extra-curricular, professional/technical, licensed, administrative, and educational support staff
- Recognized staff achievements, including a school counselor at Patriot High School earning national recognition and 23 teachers receiving Falcon Education Foundation mini-grants
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to discuss specific legal matters. The primary action was entering an executive session to receive legal advice regarding school displays.
- Executive session regarding legal advice on school displays
CLAC Meeting
The Superintendent's Cultural Leadership Advisory Council (SCLAC) is meeting to consider adopting its charter, bylaws, membership, and meeting calendar. The council will also receive administrative updates from Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Bonds. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy or financial decisions listed.
- Review and possible approval of SCLAC Charter 2023
- Review and possible approval of SCLAC Bylaws 2023
- Discussion of advisory council membership
- Discussion of advisory council meeting calendar
- Administrative updates from Dr. Fletcher and Dr. Bonds
DAAC Meeting
The District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC) discussed administration updates regarding student testing and career pathways. The meeting included reports on new board officers, facilities planning, and upcoming charter renewal processes.
- Administration update on Star, DIBELS, and Access testing
- Board officer elections including President Lori and VP Jamilynn
- LTA full renewal presentation scheduled for January 11
- Facilities Master Plan presentation
- Discussion of High Impact Tutoring grant for math
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education is holding a special organizational meeting to sign confidentiality affidavits, administer the oath of office to newly elected directors, and elect board officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer). They will also appoint Lanette DePaul as assistant to the board and David Trautenberg as assistant treasurer, and bid farewell to departing members. The agenda is largely procedural, with no substantive policy or budget items.
- Signing of confidentiality affidavits by all board directors (required by C.R.S. 22-32-108(5)(a))
- Administer oath of office to newly elected board directors
- Election of board officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer)
- Appointment of Lanette DePaul as assistant to the board and David Trautenberg as assistant treasurer
- Farewell to departing board members and receipt of official abstract of votes
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education is holding a special meeting that consists almost entirely of an executive session to receive legal advice on current and potential lawsuits. The only other actions are procedural: approving the agenda, returning to regular session, and adjourning.
- Executive session under C.R.S. 24-6-402(4)(b) for legal advice on current and potential lawsuits
- Approval of the agenda
- Return to regular session (motion carried unanimously)
- Adjournment
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting and approved a resolution opposing proposed state rules that would limit homeschool enrichment program and charter school funding. The board also discussed new career and technical education pathways at Falcon High School, including a Digital Media and Communications pathway and an Advanced 3D Art course. Several routine items were presented for information, including contract renewals and a monthly district performance report.
- Approved resolution opposing proposed School Finance Rules limiting homeschool enrichment and charter school funding
- Discussed new Digital Media and Communications pathway at Falcon High School
- Discussed new Advanced 3D Art course at Falcon High School
- Information item: 2023/24 PPBOCES contract renewal
- Information item: IT Managed Services contract renewal with Sentinel Technologies
CLAC Meeting
The School District 49 CLAC (Community Leadership Advisory Committee) is meeting to discuss the outcome of the November 9 Board of Education action on proposed charter revisions, which would make CLAC a subcommittee of the DAAC. The committee will also vote on officers and review meeting date changes. Most agenda items are procedural, such as approving minutes and agenda.
- Discussion of CLAC Charter Revisions following Nov 9 BOE outcome
- Election of Secretary (candidate: Tammy Harold)
- Election of Co-President (candidate: Jaime Bell)
- 2023-2024 meeting date changes (mostly Thursdays)
- CLAC Final Bylaws approved Sept 28, 2023 (information only)
SEAC
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) of School District 49 is meeting to receive updates from the Special Education Department, the Board of Education, and district leadership. They will also discuss new business items including parent surveys, a resource fair recap, SEAC by-laws, and the co-chair position. The meeting is primarily informational and discussion-oriented, with no formal votes or decisions listed.
- Special Education Department update from Director Rhonda May
- Discussion of parent surveys
- Resource fair recap
- Review of SEAC by-laws
- Discussion of co-chair position
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education is meeting to handle routine business, including approving the agenda, consent agenda, and personnel changes. The main action item is a vote on a new job description for a Social Worker Intern position, which would be fully Medicaid funded and aimed at filling staffing gaps for mental health service providers.
- New job description for Social Worker Intern (fully Medicaid funded)
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel changes (licensed, administrative, substitute, etc.)
- Appointments to District Accountability Advisory Committee (Kyle York, Scott Cox)
- Approval of minutes from September 27 and October 12, 2023 meetings
- Public comment guidelines and recognition of staff/community achievements
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to approve innovation plans and resolutions for specific school zones. The meeting also included updates on district enrollment trends, benefit renewals, and discussions regarding student fees and literacy performance.
- Approval of innovation plans for POWER and Sand Creek Zone schools
- Discussion of student enrollment trends impacting the General Fund
- Update on 2024 district benefit renewal and plan design
- Discussion of new and revised student participation fees (~$6.5M budget impact)
- Discussion of primary literacy performance and DIBELS 8th data
DAAC Meeting
The District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC) for School District 49 met on October 24, 2023, to handle routine business, receive updates, and hear reports from school accountability committees. The most consequential action was a vote rejecting a community member's request to add the Pledge of Allegiance to the meeting agenda. The committee also approved updated bylaws and discussed future topics like graduation requirements and family engagement.
- Vote: 18 no, 9 yes — Pledge of Allegiance not added to agenda
- Approved updated DAAC bylaws
- Discussed possibly moving civics course requirement from 9th to 11th or 12th grade
- Impact Aid forms due November 17; used for DODEA grants for math and Stetson Elementary DLI program
- Future presentations: facility updates (Dec), safety/security (Jan), Title programs (Apr)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education is meeting to approve policy updates, including changes to purchasing thresholds, and to approve the district and school Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) required by the state. The board also approved a consent agenda covering personnel changes and meeting minutes. The meeting includes public comment and updates from the superintendent and student representatives.
- Approved policy updates for District Procurement, including changes to purchasing thresholds
- Approved District and School Unified Improvement Plans (UIPs) for 2023-24
- Approved consent agenda with personnel changes (substitute, extracurricular, professional/technical, licensed, educational support)
- Approved minutes from August 10, August 23, and September 14 board meetings
- Public comment limited to 2 minutes per person
CLAC Meeting
The District 49 CLAC (Community Leadership Advisory Committee) will hold a business meeting with procedural items, administrative updates, and several action items. Members will vote on approving the CLAC bylaws, elect a Secretary and Co-President, and approve a new meeting schedule for the 2023-24 school year. The agenda is mostly routine, with no major policy or budget decisions.
- Approval of CLAC Bylaws final draft (September 2023)
- Election of Secretary (candidate: Jaime Bell, backup Tammy Harold)
- Election of Co-President (candidates: Jeffrey Hall and Jaime Bell)
- Approval of new 2023-24 meeting dates (mostly Thursdays, one Wednesday)
- Approval of minutes from May 18 and August 29, 2023 meetings
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to approve policy updates and appoint members to the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC). They also discussed a new Health Science Capstone course proposal, board policy updates for procurement, and an enrollment and amended budget update.
- Approved policy and procedure updates (multiple policies including BDFC, IHBIB, JBB, JK, JKE, JLCD, JKD-E/JKE-E)
- Approved 12 DAAC member appointments (e.g., Katharine Euler, Shelby Esquivel, Jennifer Boulware)
- Discussed new Health Science Capstone course with QMAP and Phlebotomy internship at Sand Creek High School
- Discussed board policy updates for purchasing thresholds
- Discussed 2022-2023 enrollment and amended budget update
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education is holding a special meeting to consider a resolution declaring a vacancy. The agenda includes procedural items and the action item to approve the resolution.
- Resolution to declare a vacancy (action item)
District-wide Wellness Advisory Council
The District-wide Wellness Advisory Council is meeting to monitor the district's wellness policy, review district updates on nutrition, Medicaid-funded wellness funds, and staff wellness programs, and discuss the mission and vision for D49 Wellness. They will also review survey data and consider how to increase staff participation in wellness challenges.
- Nutrition update: serving 2,300 breakfasts and 9,200 lunches daily
- Medicaid wellness funds: $1,000 available to participating schools
- Staff wellness: $500 per school for UMR wellness, Goosechase app purchased, Walktober competition starts 10/1
- Smart Source Survey due Nov 3, 2023; 26 schools completed in 2021
- Discussion on D49 Wellness mission and vision statement
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting and approved a resolution to place a mill levy override question on the ballot to increase funding for teacher and staff compensation. The board also approved submitting several resolutions to the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) for the 2023 Delegate Assembly. The meeting included informational updates and discussions on district performance, assessments, safety, enrollment, and budget.
- Approved resolution to refer a ballot question to increase the Mill Levy Override for teacher and staff compensation, estimated to generate about $9 million starting in 2024
- Approved list of proposed resolutions for submission to CASB 2023 Delegate Assembly, including impact fees, stop arm, IDEA, and school standards
- Discussion on 2022-2023 state assessment data (CMAS, PSAT/SAT) and district performance metrics
- Update on safety and security operations in the district
- Discussion on 2023-2024 enrollment trends and potential negative impact on the General Fund budget
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education held a regular meeting with procedural items, public comment, and consent agenda approvals. The board voted to approve the 23/24 proposed budget, the James Irwin Charter School replication application, and a resolution for an intergovernmental agreement for the November 7, 2023 election. All motions carried unanimously.
- Approved 23/24 District 49 Proposed Budget (all funds)
- Approved James Irwin Elementary School charter replication application
- Authorized intergovernmental agreement for Nov 7, 2023 election with El Paso County (estimated cost $50,000)
- Approved personnel changes (licensed, extra-curricular, support, substitute, administrative)
- Appointed John Graham as CASB delegate, Jamilynn D'Avola as alternate
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
This is an informational workshop for prospective school board candidates, not a regular business meeting. It covers board member qualifications, roles, district overview, and the local election process, followed by an open Q&A session.
- Board member qualifications and code of conduct review
- District performance overview by Superintendent Hilts
- Local board election process, timelines, and campaign finance
- Open discussion and Q&A on school board elections
- Other volunteer opportunities: School Accountability Committees, District Accountability Advisory Committee
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education held a special meeting on June 28, 2023, approving six action items and discussing five items. Key approvals included a remote learning resolution, a new Compliance and Service Specialist job description, temporary hiring authority for the superintendent, a resolution supporting capitalism, and election-related resolutions. The board also discussed a new course proposal, a charter school extension, a primary literacy update, the public comment sign-up process, and policies under review.
- Approved remote learning resolution for 2023-2024 and beyond
- Approved new Compliance and Service Specialist job description (salary $44,283-$59,134 plus 35% benefits)
- Granted Superintendent Peter Hilts temporary authority to hire for July 2023
- Approved Resolution Supporting Capitalism
- Approved resolutions for school director candidate nominations and coordinated election participation
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education held a regular meeting on June 8, 2023, approving routine items including consent agenda personnel changes and policy updates. The most notable action was approving a preschool tuition increase from $7.63 to $10.25 per hour (about $402 per month) and a $50 late fee. The board also received updates from the superintendent and student representatives.
- Approved preschool tuition increase to $10.25/hour (approx. $402/month) plus $50 late fee
- Approved consent agenda including substitute, extracurricular, professional/technical, educational support, licensed, and administrative personnel changes
- Approved policy updates including IHCDA (concurrent enrollment and ASCENT) after first read
- Approved minutes for March 22 and April 13, 2023 board meetings
- Heard superintendent updates including high school SPF distribution and postsecondary readiness documents
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education will hold a work session to honor Employees of the Year. They will consider approving a resolution recognizing the 2022/23 Teachers of the Year, Service Stars of the Year, and Support Stars of the Year, and direct administration to proceed with the ceremony.
- Approve resolution recognizing 2022/23 Teachers of the Year, Service Stars, and Support Stars
- Direct administration to proceed with appreciation ceremony
- Recognition aligns with District 49's 'Value All People' strategic priority
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting on May 4, 2023, where it approved the superintendent's employment contract and discussed several items including new policies, job descriptions, and performance reports. The board also heard presentations on individualized education programs and climate survey results.
- Approved contract of employment for Superintendent Peter Hilts (motion carried 4-1, Ivy Liu nay)
- Discussed new policy JLCDC and regulation JLCDC-R for student medical treatment per Colorado law 22-1260
- Discussed new regulation IJA-R-2 for human development and sexual biology education for 5th graders
- Discussed new job description for Purchasing Specialist (no budget impact)
- Discussed new job descriptions for Benefits Technician and Senior Payroll Technician (approx. $7,800 annual cost increase)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to interview superintendent candidates in executive session and then took action on the search. The board voted to name Peter Hilts as the sole finalist for the superintendent position, with one member voting against. The meeting also included routine procedural items such as approving the agenda and adjourning.
- Executive session to interview superintendent candidates not yet named finalists, with consultant Dr. Walt Cooper of McPherson & Jacobson LLC
- Resolution declaring Peter Hilts as finalist for superintendent of School District 49 (passed 4-1, Ivy Liu opposed)
- Meeting held at Excellence Lab - Creekside Success Center, 3850 Pony Tracks Drive, Colorado Springs
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The D49 Board of Education is holding a special business meeting. The main item is a motion to enter executive session to receive legal advice and discuss candidates in the superintendent search, with the search consultant present. The board may take action afterward on matters discussed in the closed session.
- Executive session under CRS 24-6-402(4)(c) to discuss superintendent candidates not yet named finalists
- Search consultant Dr. Walt Cooper of McPherson & Jacobson LLC to attend executive session
- Potential board action following executive session (item 2.3, motion TBD)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to take action on several items, including approving the superintendent search process proposed by consultant Walt Cooper, approving policy updates, and approving two new course proposals for Vista Ridge High School. The board also received information on student study trips and survey results, and discussed new job descriptions and a budget preview.
- Approved superintendent search process proposed by McPherson & Jacobson consultant Walt Cooper
- Approved updates to Board policies including JF-E Admission and Denial of Admission and JKB- Student Detention
- Approved new Walking PE course for Vista Ridge High School
- Approved new Functional Fashion and Costume course for Vista Ridge High School
- Discussed new Military Student Transition Consultant job description (0.5 FTE, no budget impact)
District-wide Wellness Advisory Council
The District-wide Wellness Advisory Council is meeting to monitor wellness policy implementation, review the Physical Activity and Wellness policies (no changes proposed), and discuss district wellness updates. Members heard reports on a wellness summit, a $20,000 donation from Kaiser Permanente and Denver Health Foundation, and schools' use of Medicaid wellness funds up to $1,000 each for health-related activities.
- Kaiser Permanente and Denver Health Foundation donated $20,000 for community and family engagement and staff wellness
- Medicaid wellness funds up to $1,000 per school for items like yoga night, gardening club, nutrition bags, and recess equipment
- Staff wellness funds of $500 per school for proposals like wellness weeks, hydration alternatives, and staff yoga
- Review of Physical Activity Policy JLJ and Wellness Policy ADF with no changes made
- Community Resource Center at Horizon Middle School opening delayed from Aug 1, 2022
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to take action on several items, including approving meeting dates for 2023-2025, adopting four strategic objectives, selecting a new director district configuration, and choosing a leadership model. They also discussed the 2023-24 budget preview, education legislation, and the annual education technology report.
- Approved BOE meeting dates for 2023-2024 and proposed dates for 2024-2025
- Adopted four strategic objectives: improve math outcomes, pursue local financial support, de-escalate high impact behaviors, restore stakeholder trust in BOE
- Adopted a new director district configuration (motion carried 3-2, with D'Avola and Liu voting no)
- Selected a leadership model (2 Chief Officer or One Superintendent) as presented
- Discussed 2023-24 budget preview with projected $132.6MM in program formula funding (2022-23: $121.6MM)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education is holding an annual planning summit to discuss strategic objectives for 2023, a district restructure proposal, and performance reviews. They will also review board management items and set board goals. The district restructure may be voted on at the March 9 regular meeting.
- 2022 Strategic Objectives Report and 2023 recommendations
- District Restructure discussion led by Jack Briggs, possible vote March 9
- Reconfiguration of Director District boundaries
- Mid-Year Academic Growth Performance report
- Review of Board Evaluation Surveys (VoW and Multi-Rater)
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The Board of Education held a special meeting to approve the 2022-23 amended budget and decide on charter renewals for five schools. They approved renewals for Grand Peak Academy, GOAL Academy, and Rocky Mountain Classical Academy, and denied Liberty Tree Academy's renewal, instead offering a one-year contract. The board also approved the amended budget despite lower enrollment trends.
- Approved 2022-23 amended budget (motion carried 5-0)
- Approved Grand Peak Academy charter renewal for 5 years (2023-2028)
- Approved GOAL Academy charter renewal for 5 years (2023-2028)
- Approved Rocky Mountain Classical Academy charter renewal for 5 years (2023-2028)
- Denied Liberty Tree Academy renewal; approved 1-year contract instead
DAAC Meeting
This is the District Accountability Advisory Committee (DAAC) meeting for January 24, 2023. The agenda includes procedural items (approval of minutes and agenda), updates from administration and the board, a presentation from facilities staff, and reports from School Accountability Committees and subcommittees. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.
- Approval of last meeting's minutes
- Approval of agenda
- Administration update by Lisa Fillo
- Board update by Jamilyn D'Avola
- Facilities presentation by Lou Fletcher and Bruce Brown
BoardDocs Imported Meetings 2007- 2025
The District 49 Board of Education is meeting to approve routine consent items, including personnel changes and policy updates, and to certify the 2022 property tax mill levy of 45.159 mills to El Paso County. The board will also hear updates from officers and the student representative.
- Certify 2022 mill levy of 45.159 mills (General Fund 26.459, Abatement 0.200, Override 18.500) on assessed value of $1,314,377,980
- Approve consent agenda including minutes from Oct 13 and Nov 10, 2022 meetings
- Approve policy and procedure revisions (first read)
- Approve personnel changes: extra-curricular, professional/technical, substitute, educational support, and licensed personnel
- Public comment limited to 2 minutes per person
SEAC
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) of School District 49 is meeting to receive updates from the Special Education Department, the Board of Education, and district leadership. The committee will also discuss planning for SEAC focus groups, including dates, locations, purpose, and questions. The agenda is largely informational and procedural, with no votes or decisions listed.
- Special Education Department update from Director Rhonda May
- Embedded Support Team update
- Board of Education update from SEAC Board Liaison Lori Thompson
- District update from Dr. Nancy Lemmond or Peter Hilts
- Discussion of SEAC focus groups (date, location, purpose, questions)