The Southwest Open School board on Monday discussed student developments, charter renewal and a recent survey. This month’s focus was the revised budget.
The meeting was the last for Casey Simpson as director, as he has accepted the general services director position for the city of Cortez. Joe Kelly will be the interim director, starting in January.
The board celebrated their first theater class/program, which is funded by the LOR Foundation. The class presented at Zu Gallery as “paid actors” and received compensation as if they were hired for a production.
Students are also in the midst of a trip to New Mexico, learning pottery from Native American artisans whose family have been actively making pottery for more than 600 years, according to the board.
Simpson also announced that students have kick-started their own creative Instagram profile to showcase their artistic endeavors. The Instagram handle is @swos_handmade.
Simpson noted that it was the first step to opening a SWOS store where students can sell their creations.
The LOR Foundation also provided a $14,480 grant for food and snacks.
Course completion rates at the school are up, but Simpson shared that the dropout rate is high as well, something school leaders are working to combat. When SWOS students think about dropping out, the board said, it is important to inform students about options in the workforce, a trade or GED.
Even with a high dropout rate, the board reported that the environment was “stable, consistent and positive.”
Lastly, they discussed a recent staff survey that allowed the board to hear feedback from faculty and staff.
One respondent, answering the question about where they believed there could be opportunities or need for growth in 2025 said, “I would like to explore possibilities that would allow for electives to be multi-house rosters. I would also like to see more classes that include experiential and hands-on learning. I believe that class size and makeup plays a major role in the ability to execute trips, hands-on, experiential and authentic project/problem based learning.”
Others gave their thoughts regarding the survey question that asked the “greatest glow/success” achieved at SWOS in 2024.
“The greatest success is the ability of diverse individuals to bond together in elevating our youth and exceeding the horizons of their future,” one said.
“This year has been remarkably positive in nearly all aspects. There seems to be an encompassing intentionality of success and buy in with the vast majority of staff and students. Great job and kudos to all involved,” another shared.
The school’s charter renewal will be presented to the Montezuma-Cortez school board at thir regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.
