The Board of Education Recap is a communication tool that is a summary of the information presented and actions taken at Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board of Education meetings. We hope you find it helpful for staying connected with School District 38!
The meeting included presenting Elevate 38 Awards to outstanding individuals who have helped make D38 great!
Two D38 Students Applauded for High Academic Achievement—Congratulations to Nicholas Berthelotte, junior at Lewis-Palmer High School, and Rhett Jones, junior at Palmer Ridge High School, who both earned perfect scores on the PSAT. We are proud of your accomplishment and thank you both for modeling the way for other D38 students! (Rhett wasn't able to attend, so his plaque will be presented to him at school.)
Community Organization Recognized for Longtime Partnership—Haley Chapin, Executive Director, and Rich Schur, Board President, both from Tri-Lakes Cares, were thanked for their care and genuine support of our district. Their work provides a compassionate safety net for families in need in our D38 community.
Board of Education Members Thanked for Commitment to D38—January is School Board Recognition Month, which is the perfect time to show appreciation for the hours of dedicated work and immeasurable energy that board members provide to support our students and staff.
Aaron Weeks and Anna Hacker, seniors, shared a presentation to showcase their school, Lewis-Palmer High School.
The student council members highlighted the school's efforts with Harvest of Love that raised more than $4,000 for families in need.
They also talked about their goal to fundraise $13,000 for their "Wish Kid, Harper," by selling snowball tickets and hosting glow-in-the-dark dodgeball.
Last year, LPHS was one of 23 student councils in the state to be recognized as a "Gold Council." As a Gold Council, LPHS students must meet high standards of community involvement, service, school spirit and achievement.
The agenda included the following discussion items:
Priority 6 Update—Relationships and Communication: Amy Matisek, Director of Communications, provided an overview of the work taking place on Strategic Priority 6: Relationships and Communication. Efforts include enhancing communication systems to reach staff, families, and our community, and uncovering new ways to develop and recognize community partnerships.
Priority 2 Update—Career and Innovation Center: Amber Whetstine, Assistant Superintendent; and Jessica McAllister, Director of Innovative Programs, shared an update on the new Career and Innovation Center including marketing efforts to promote the new center to students at our two high schools. They also talked about progress in seeking partnerships to help provide funding for equipment and state-of-the-art supplies.
During the meeting, the following items were voted on by the Board of Education:
Brett Ridgway, Chief Business Officer; and Melissa Andrews, Director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds, presented final recommendations regarding the subdividing of land parcels located within the district administrative complex boundaries for the purpose of pursuing a potential transaction with Tri-Lakes Cares. The Board voted 5-0 to pursue a sale of an approximately three-acre parcel of land to Tri-Lakes Cares.
Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine presented I Policy revisions (regarding instruction) to the Board of Education for a second reading and approval of recommended revisions. The Board voted 5-0 to approve revisions to I Policies.
Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine presented two I Policies for consideration for repeal by the Board of Education. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the repeal of I Policies, JOC-School Volunteers and IKFA-Early Graduation.
Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine recommended new policy IHBD-Equivalence of Services to the Board of Education for a second reading and approval. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the new policy.
Brett Ridgway, Chief Business Officer; and Melissa Andrews, Director of Planning, Facilities and Grounds, presented final recommendations regarding the future of the Grace Best Education Center. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the demolition of the building. The district remains committed to determining new site locations for the Home School Enrichment Academy and Transition Services.
Brett Ridgway, Chief Business Officer, presented and facilitated conversation regarding the district monthly financial reports. The Board voted 5-0 to approve an amended budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
Ron Schwarz, Treasurer, made a motion to remove item E4 (Resignation of Superintendent) from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and into Action Items. The Board voted 5-0 to approve the resignation. The Board will discuss next steps at their work session on Feb. 4.
