The Dolores County RE-2J school board on Nov. 9 celebrated math scores, athletes’ achievements and Rico’s annexation, and toured the work site of the new elementary school.
“The board was excited about the progress and excited to see the shape of the building starting to show,” Superintendent Ty Gray said.
The Board of Education started with a farewell to Jenny Smith, whose term on the board expired. She was given a plaque from the district as a thank-you for her work on the board since 2013.
“Congratulations to Jenny Smith for all her years on the board,” the district said.
The board welcomed returning members Donella Fury, Crystal Jarmon and Kimberly Alexander, who were reelected on Election Day.
The board reviewed their workshop in October, when the superintendent’s evaluation was completed and the district strategic plan was reviewed.
Facilities Director Vern Hall reported to the board on his staff and facility needs, saying he would present needs for the facility department in December along with quotes for those needs.
Alexander reported that Rico’s detachment from the Dolores County school district passed by a “landslide” vote, about 85% to 15%.
The Rico detachment will take effect July 1, and district boundaries will change. These new boundaries were discussed, as well as the need to redistrict. The change will affect five board seat districts.
Alexander also reported on BOCES and spoke about the process for the Montezuma Cortez District’s application to leave BOCES.
Secondary Principal Shane Baughman reported on the accomplishments of the students and staff on the SAT/PSAT in spring, sharing that the ninth grade PSAT students were eighth in the state for performance in math. Baughman also spoke of the volleyball and football teams’ success in the fall season, as they both played in the postseason.
In action items, the board discussed the superintendent’s evaluation and contract renewal, policies in need of updating and personnel additions.
In the next meeting, they will be discuss the mill levy certification that will need to be approved for 2024.
Gray told the board the recent Studer Education Conference was “very informative” and showed different ways the program can take the district to the next level. The focus of the conference, according to Gray was leadership development with a coach, as well as looking at system improvement.
He also gave an update on the new mastery library, which is part of the work request program, saying it will go live after Thanksgiving break.
“The system is very easy to use and I believe it will help organize requests and help streamline the process,” Gray said.
The next Dolores County school board meeting will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
