Here’s a brief summary of the meeting:
Student presentations
- Animas Valley Elementary First Grade: Students showcased their project-based learning and demonstrated their reading skills. They presented innovative ideas for real-world problem-solving, including proposals for a zoo in Three Springs, complete with research on costs and benefits.
- Durango High School Welding Program: Students shared how they discovered their ikigai (life’s purpose) through welding, guided by CTE teacher Thomas Joyner. Two students are set to attend welding school with scholarships, and all program participants can now earn industry certifications.
Key actions taken
- Bond Resolution & Architect Selection: A special meeting was scheduled to vote on issuing the bond approved in November 2024 and to select an architect for the Three Springs elementary school project.
- Facility-Naming Policy: The Board continued discussions on potential exemptions to the signage policy regarding the naming of district facilities.
Board and policy updates
- Annual Monitoring Reports: The Board received the superintendent’s annual reports for Operational Expectations (OE-05 and OE-06), focusing on Financial Planning & Administration.
- Strategic Plan Updates: The Board reviewed progress on Strategic Plan initiatives and discussed policy updates based on recent legislative changes.
- 2026-27 Academic Calendar Review: The Board examined calendar options, incorporating community feedback while considering fixed scheduling constraints.
- Legislative Updates: Director Erika Brown provided an update from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) on state-level education policies impacting the district.
Community engagement and discussion
- Student Board Member Update: Student representatives reported progress on their peer communication project, including the launch of their Instagram account to share school-related information with students.
- Dr. Cheser’s Fulbright Trip to Finland: Dr. Cheser shared insights from her Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship experience, discussing education strategies from Finland that could benefit Durango 9-R.
Upcoming meetings
- Regular Meeting: Tuesday, March 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (Durango High School, 2390 Main Ave., Durango)
- Work Session: Tuesday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Escalante Middle School (141 Baker Lane, Durango)
If you have any questions or would like further details, contact the Board of Education at [email protected].