Author Archives: Matt G

CURMUDGUCATION: 60 Minutes Asked Moms for Liberty The Right Questions

Reporter Scott Pelley gets right to the heart of several issues. The difference between giving parents the tools to control what their own children can read (something the district also provides in spades) and trying to control what other parents can let their children read. The outrage-enhancing technique of treating isolated mistakes as proof of some widespread conspiracy.
— Read on curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2024/03/60-minutes-asked-right-questions.html

Gateway Elementary to be closed, students moved | Pikes Peak Courier | gazette.com

Less than six weeks after the announcement that the middle and high schools would be consolidated into one facility, another Woodland Park school is being shut down.

Gateway Elementary School will be closed next year, the Woodland Park School District announced on March 1. No classes will be held at Gateway next fall.
— Read on gazette.com/pikespeakcourier/gateway-elementary-to-be-closed-students-moved/article_d9851a0e-d832-11ee-9387-8334180105c2.html

Woodland Park School District announces plan to consolidate elementary schools | KRDO

“We’re notified of what’s happening. We’re not given any voice in what’s happening,” she said.

The teacher explained that she fears the change will impact students the most, as the shifting environments can reduce student motivation and cause uncertainty.
— Read on krdo.com/news/2024/03/01/woodland-park-school-district-announces-plan-to-consolidate-elementary-schools/

Ginger Slocum announced as new CAO

Ginger Slocum, current Columbine Elementary principal, has been announced as our new Chief Academic Officer.

Dear WPSD Families,

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ginger Slocum as our new Chief Academic Officer (CAO), effective April 8, 2024.

Ginger has been an integral part of our school district, serving as the Principal at Columbine Elementary for the past five years. She has demonstrated dedication, passion, and proven leadership at Columbine. Her wealth of experience and commitment to academic excellence make her the ideal candidate to guide our district’s academic endeavors.

Ginger holds a Master of Science in Education, with a focus on Curriculum & Instruction, and a Post-Master’s Degree in Administrative Educational Leadership. Her extensive experience in leading both secondary and elementary schools will contribute to the ongoing success of our district.

Ginger will work closely with Kim Moore, our current CAO, during a transition period to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. This collaborative approach will allow for a smooth transition and continuity in our commitment to providing a high-quality education to all students.

During this transitional period, Ginger will allocate her time between the District office and her responsibilities as the Principal of Columbine Elementary. We will post the Columbine Principal position to find a replacement for Ginger soon.

Please join us in welcoming Ginger Slocum to her new position as Chief Academic Officer. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in advancing our academic initiatives and ensuring the continued success of Woodland Park School District. 

Residents of Colorado Town Will Highlight Christian Nationalism After Wommack’s Takeover

He exploited scorched-earth political tactics to successfully place his preferred candidates on the city council and gain a 4-1 majority on the school board. Firings, resignations, enrollment declines and chaos ensued.

“We were sitting ducks,” said one conservative Christian resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns. “This was all brand new to me, this idea of Christians taking over. I had no idea what would happen to our local schools and I’ve been in utter shock and grief.”
— Read on coloradotimesrecorder.com/2024/02/residents-of-colorado-town-will-highlight-christian-nationalism-after-wommacks-takeover/60109/

Colorado House bill to add school, special districts to ethics commission oversight raises concerns | News | coloradopolitics.com

Cosponsor Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, added the districts covered under the bill “control billions of dollars of taxpayer revenue and currently enjoy an environment in which there exists no clear avenue to hear complaints of potential violations of our ethics code, including the use of their positions for personal gain.”

Testimony during Wednesday’s hearing focused on complaints from those who have dealt with the Woodland Park and Douglas County school districts, and complaints from homeowners in metropolitan districts where developers who serve as metropolitan district directors may financially benefit from those associations.
— Read on www.coloradopolitics.com/news/colorado-house-bill-to-add-school-special-districts-to-ethics-commission-oversight-raises-concerns/article_7c2cc062-d1a9-11ee-b537-b7b1e83cec7d.html