Math games Gilpin County Middle School Math Ambassadors shared how they use the concept of probability to make their own games in Ms. Fuller’s math class. PHOTO BY CURT HALSTED[/caption]

The Gilpin County School Board approved contracts for the secondary and elementary principals during a regular meeting on April 19, 2022, at 7 p.m. in the Board meeting room. The Board also heard reports on surveys, strategic communications, and hiring staff members.

The Board approved the contract for Heather Huntoon, elementary principal, for the 2022/2023 school year at $87,257, with retirement and benefits totaling $121,441.08. The Board also approved the contract for Alexis Donaldson, secondary principal, for the 2022/2023 school year at $116,336, with retirement and benefits totaling $156,095.34.

Both principals reported on the results of a survey to school staff, parents, and students.

Huntoon said that 35 staff members returned the survey and said they have a good working environment, and 97 percent of staff feel supported. Staff value student learning and administrators support them when needed. Staff believes that 94 percent of students feel that they demonstrate empathy. They also agree that Gilpin is a good place to work.

Areas for growth include regular communication and collaboration; students aren’t always respectful to staff and classmates; the school should create a plan for continued growth.

Regarding adult wellness, the lack of substitutes was a problem for staff. When they need to call in sick, they have overwhelming guilt.

Donaldson reported that 69 parents returned the survey. Overall, parents felt positively toward the school, and they like the way the school communicates.

They don’t feel part of the decision-making process, so the school should do a parent information session and have an open principal’s night once a quarter. Donaldson said that out of 150 students, only nine students said they are not learning what they need. “There are a lot of things to celebrate. My plan is to get students involved.”

Huntoon said the elementary school has a great culture. It is a safe place, they reported. “We have 83 students. Students would like a voice and would like to be heard. Peer mentoring groups are important,” Huntoon agrees.

“Students know about goal setting and how to be successful. They have a strong sense of community. As leaders,” she asked, “how do we bridge those gaps?”

Superintendent David MacKenzie reported on strategic communications and said the school will have an open house at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27. They will have a new student orientation that evening and show visitors what the school is all about.

“The local newspapers have been great and have been running a feature article,” he said. “I am Gilpin County” presents stories of local students and runs advertisements for the open house. He said they will repeat all that for “back to school” in August.

The school plans to reach out to alumni from past years, keeping them connected to the school. They will continue to build the program forward.

MacKenzie reported on the need for paraprofessionals in the schools. They have two part-time paras and one fulltime para. They are trying to keep the class size at 25.

Board members said they needed to figure out the rules but 25 to one is fair. The preschool current enrollment is at 10, and they don’t know if they need a para. Board members said that kindergarten is a good place for a full-time para.

Staff said one para is needed since 2.49 teachers and one para are grant funded. They said they need four staff in Montessori Schools. Since 2012, they have gained 11 students. The Board approved hiring one more para.

The Board discussed a position for an instructional coach. It would be two hours a day and makes sense for 65 staff members and one coach.

MacKenzie said they need to have a coach. Staff wants to have a coach, so he will talk to a potential employee. Staff said we can stick with this plan for a year and make sure we are collecting all of the data.

The Board considered an elementary school counselor, who would hopefully increase graduation rates. Having an elementary counselor is a unique position. Current Counselor Kim Cobb has the training and professional learning and could start soon. MacKenzie will pursue the opportunity.

The next meeting of the Gilpin County School District Board of Education will be on May 3, 2022, at 7 p.m.