The Gilpin County School Board had its first meeting of the new school year on August 17, 2021, at 7 p.m. All were excited with the possibilities of the new school year, and were happy to have students back in the halls of the school, with athletes and cheerleaders outside, practicing. The cheerleaders had done well at two competitions over the summer., it was noted.

Superintendent Dr. David MacKenzie discussed the 8-man elite football meet on July 9, held by Craig Ball and his organization, with over 400 fans. He also related that Backto School night on August 5 was well attended by over 300 parents, teachers, and students. Welcome back!

On August 12, a farewell and thank you event was held for School Resource Officer Lee Ramsey, the District’s first Student Resource Officer. A welcome was offered to Melissa Sterny, the new S.R.O.

The new teachers introduced themselves with brief bios to the Board.

The school welcomes:

Melissa Sternlicht, the new S.R.O.

Beverly Schlager, fifth-grade teacher,

Heather Fuller, Secondary Math teacher,

Cynthia Sliker, who will teach 8th, 10th, 10th grade honors Language Arts as well as Middle School Investigative Design,

Danette Riehle, First grade, and

Kristin Felix, Elementary Special Education.

MacKenzie discussed recent meetings with Gilpin County Health about the COVID-19 situation, and plans to meet with their representatives monthly, or as needed. The Health Department has many vaccination and testing services available that are not used to capacity , so at this time, MacKenzie does not plan on offering either COVID testing or vaccinations at the school. He encourages students, parents, and staff to utilize what Gilpin County Public Health is offering. However, the schools will offer a vaccination clinic during Parent Teacher conferences on October 14 at 7 p.m.

Board member Joe Marr wanted to thank all the parents who kept their children home if sick, not just with COVID, but with sniffles as well. He also quoted MacKenzie, who said that everyone helped make the 2020- 21 school year successful through the pandemic by “flying the airplane while building it in the air.”

There are opportunities for teaching and student learning this year, both in person and with CDLS on-line. Almost all in-person students from last year are back this year. No remote learning program will be available this year except during a quarantine.

MacKenzie mentioned that the District Accountability Committee plans to request input and recommendations regarding any issues that they should consider. Some items the committee hopes to discuss are: the Unified Improvement Plan, teacher evaluations mandated by Colorado Senate Bill 1091, Nutrition and Wellness, the Gifted and Talented Program, anti-bullying, preschool programs, and the Budget. They want to discuss Critical Race Theory, Social Media Safety, and possible changes to the school calendar start date. Vickie Edwards will be introduced as Chairperson on September 7, and take the reins of the committee on September 20.

MacKenzie gave the highlights/ updates on the security measures funded by the Homeland Security Grant that was in effect from June 30, 2019 through June 30, 2021. Homeland Security suggested prioritizing improvements such as three security doors, cameras, electric/magnetic doors, and other physical improvements. The United Power generator for the school, Eagles’ Nest, and neighbors, has installed the infrastructure for the generator, but generator parts have been backordered.

Another big project in the works has been the sewer piping. The studies have been completed, and contractors are starting to get involved. A DOLA grant with 50/50 split to fund the construction design of the project is due on September 1.

Materials for the bleacher project are back-ordered, especially for the press box; the completion of the project is expected within 6 to 8 months.

The District Accountability Committee will have its first meeting of the year on September 20 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium and would like input on their to-do list.

The Gilpin County School Board meets twice a month, on first and third Tuesdays, with the next meetings on September 7 and September 21 at 7 p.m. either on YouTube or in person in the auditorium.