Here’s a brief summary of the meeting:
Student presentations
- Portrait of a Graduate Showcase: Two students from Escalante Middle School presented projects aligned with the district’s Portrait of a Graduate competencies:
- A National History Day project, which was both informative and entertaining and won in competition.
- A demonstration of digital music creation using sampling techniques.
- Student Board Member Update: Student representatives shared progress on their peer communication project and outlined plans to recruit next year’s student board members. Informational lunch sessions are planned, and applications are due May 1.
Key actions taken
- Scholarship Selection: In Executive Session, the Board selected their top three candidates for the DEF Elizabeth Testa College Scholarship.
- Facility Naming Policy: The Board directed the superintendent not to approve exemptions to the current facility naming and signage policy.
Topics discussed
- Federal and State Policy Discussion: In Executive Session, the Board reviewed the federal anti-discrimination and DEI certification requirement and the state's response.
- Board Activities Budget: Reviewed the 2025–26 Board activities budget.
- City Partnership: Discussed the zero-dollar lease agreement with the City of Durango for the Riverview fields.
- Board Elections: Agreed on the timeline and process for the November 2025 board seat election.
- Committee Reports:
- Reviewed committee meeting updates.
- Directors Stewart and Brown provided a legislative update.
- The Communications Committee plans to update the Public Participation process to allow remote participation.
Community engagement
- Public Speaking Assignments: Reviewed upcoming events and assigned board members to deliver speeches at graduations and retirements.
- Student Leadership Discussion: Agreed to explore adding a senior leadership mentor to the student board member program.
- Coffee Chat: Scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, 6 to 7 p.m. at the SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab on the Riverview Elementary School campus (2900 Mesa Ave., Durango)
Upcoming meetings
- Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (Durango High School, 2390 Main Ave., Durango)
- Work Session: Tuesday, May 6, at 5:30 p.m. at Riverview Elementary School (2900 Mesa Ave., Durango)
If you have any questions or would like further details, email the Board of Education.