Staffing changes in WPSD

The Friday before spring break, 18 teachers received notice that their position would not be renewed the following school year…essentially a layoff notice. This was due largely to the school consolidation in the district – combing the middle school and high school, and closing Gateway Elementary altogether. So how were the staffs at each school affected? A CORA requested yielded the actual email sent to staff, and the summary of the number being let go from each school is shown below (names are not being included here for privacy reasons):

  • Gateway Elementary: 10
  • Summit Elementary: 2
  • Columbine Elementary: 0
  • Middle School: 4
  • High School: 2

WPSD leadership emboldened by lack of oversight

After voters rejected change last fall, and with the Colorado Department of Education handicapped by no legal authority to actually provide any oversight, Ken Witt and the WPSD board of education seem to be growing bolder, knowing there’s no real accountability in Colorado.

Recently, in responding to a single CORA request of mine, I believe the WPSD:

  • Violated my rights under CORA
  • Limited my rights to public participation in a school board mtg
  • Admitted to violating Colorado Sunshine Law
  • Issued a sworn statement that is legally incorrect

Here’s the timeline of events:

3/8 – agenda published for 3/13 regular board meeting

3/8 – board packet emailed to board members

3/8 – CORA req #617 submitted for board packet for 3/13 mtg; district sent confirmation of receipt at 3:54PM 3/12

3/13 – board mtg gets postponed one week due to weather

3/13 – 11:06AM, district sends email that for CORA #617, “These materials are not available under CORA because they are protected under the deliberative process privilege.”

3/13 – 11:32AM, I sent an email reply: “You make a claim of deliberative process privilege; I request that my rights under C.R.S. § 24-72-204(3)(a)(XIII) be respected. Per that section of Colorado law, I request “a sworn statement specifically describing each document withheld, explaining why each such document is privileged, and why disclosure would cause substantial injury to the public interest.” I also request that, per the same cited law, ” the custodian shall apply to the district court for an order permitting him or her to restrict disclosure.”

3/18 – The district sent a sworn statement signed by Superintendent Ken Witt, with these claims: “

  1. It is my opinion that the document is privileged under the deliberative process exception of CORA because it constitutes the confidential deliberations of the WPSD Board of Education which have not yet been released to the public or discussed in an open meeting.
  2. Disclosure of the document would cause substantial harm to the public interest because it would quell open and honest deliberations by members of the WPSD Board of Education when drafting, editing, and reviewing board packets prior to their public release.”

3/20 – the postponed 3/13 board mtg is held

3/21 – after several queries about the status of the district court order, I instead receive the results of my original CORA request #617. This exceeded the three day deadline the law requires them to provide a single document in. They never did get the court order as required, they just ran out the clock until it didn’t matter anymore.

Because the packet had been distributed to the board on 3/8 for use in a public meeting, it is not a protected document under 24-72-202(6.5)(c) – therefore it is subject to CORA.

I spoke in the public comment portion in the 3/20 mtg; not having access to the board packet prior to the mtg deprived me of the opportunity & right to provide comment relevant and based on information to be presented in the board meeting (knowing only general topics in the agenda).

The statements by Witt suggests a Sunshine Law violation, by saying there were ‘confidential deliberations’ outside of the public eye, that were the reason to withhold the document.

The ‘dark money’ behind the lobbyists opposing a Colorado charter school accountability bill

On March 7, three Colorado legislators introduced a charter school accountability bill to establish improved guidelines for authorizing and renewing charter schools by local school districts. The bill would strengthen the authority that elected school boards have regarding their governance of charter schools, and it also provides citizens with expanded information about the operations of […]
The post The ‘dark money’ behind the lobbyists opposing a Colorado charter school accountability bill appeared first on Colorado Newsline.
— Read on www.newsbreak.com/news/3380257157451-the-dark-money-behind-the-lobbyists-opposing-a-colorado-charter-school-accountability-bill

Public comment to city council

From the 3/21 council meeting (and posted to the Concerned Parents of Teller County Facebook group on 3/22):

Dear City Council,

My name is Anna Hand. I am here tonight to give my public comment on the matter of ending the sales tax initiative that is giving funding to our school district which is not now fit to use it responsibly. I have lived in – owned a home – in this community since 2007. I have worked for Woodland Park School district since 2008. I am devastated to be standing here tonight speaking as a private citizen of this city. I urge you now to shut down the tax monies being given to the administrative entities of WPSD through immediate action, clear accountability measures, or a strong sunset clause with conditions.

You may be concerned that people will see this action as taking money away from our kids. Unfortunately, those monies are currently being redirected, misused, and stolen before reaching the kids. The leadership of our school district is operating as a dictatorship. Responsible practices are not in place to account for any funds. Even an elected board member has no oversight of funds due to the shady business practices embedded into central office and operating in the shadows of our school board. When asked about the financial impacts of “consolidating” Gateway at the board meeting last night, the district administrators could not articulate the information asked for. Apparently, a new and expensive curriculum has been foisted on our elementary schools despite remaining years paid for with the current curriculum and no official adoption process. How does that give parents choice? The district schools have been told that no repairs or mitigation will be done as the roofs leak into student areas from the storm last week.

The people in control of public funds are using them for private gains. Their agendas take precedence over our community and stakeholders. Sadly, monies entrusted to our district are being funneled into the pockets of lawyers, outsiders, and a charter school with its own independent board. Two of our five schools – 40% – have been thrown away at the expense of students, parents, teachers, staff, and tax payers.

I was involved when the sales tax initiative was negotiated and passed. Unfortunately, since then, this district has been taken over. According to the audited budgets from 2022 and 2023 (before this board and with this board), the central support services line item has increased 76% – over half a million dollars. The lack of transparency leaves us to wonder what exactly those expenses are. District general administration line item increased 39% – over $400000 dollars. These are tax dollars. Outside monies and interests are influencing our elections, policies, and what used to be a quality public school system entrusted with educating our community. Brad Miller’s firm has taken tons of money from the district budget to lose first-amendment and other cases. Charis has declared publicly they want to control our city entirely and keep all of their tax exemptions. To exert this control they pack school board meetings advocating for policy and action and financially influence school board members. The superintendent of any school district is responsible for overseeing the budget. Our leadership at central office is highly under qualified and over powerful. The school board who should evaluate the superintendent gave him a raise and a carte-blanche part-time contract without due process. Then, they have the audacity to be offended that the city council questions them.

Our Colorado State budget is promising to fully fund schools for the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to this the budget stabilization factor – fondly known as the BS factor – has limited school funding significantly. When we voters of Woodland Park passed the sales tax initiative, the district released 6.725 mills that had been leavied in property tax. Fiscal conservatives should be pleased that we no longer need the sales tax initiative to make up for the shortfalls in school funding. Per pupil funding for next year is projected to be at least 11,065.32 – which is a 7.7% increase over this year. With the elimination of the BS factor, that per pupil funding is projected to increase even more. Despite worsening our declining enrollment, our district should be able to pay its bills without handouts. WPSD has healthy reserves – built over years of conservative budgeting by qualified professionals- and should be able to budget spending appropriately.

The city of Woodland Park deserves better. The students, parents, teachers, and staff in our schools deserve better than to find out about the death of their careers, legacies, and buildings with the callous strikes of email after email. There is not even the name of a person to contact. The humanity of our community means nothing to them. The people in charge now cannot be trusted. Decisions are made in the dark and behind closed doors. The public, teachers, staff, students, and parents have no choice or voice. Questions are answered with threats.

The tax payers of Woodland Park are the ones who should be offended. Look at what has happened to the things our community tax dollars built. These tyrants do not deserve a penny. Please take the necessary action to stop the sales tax initiative immediately, add accountability measures, or create a sunset plan.

New Columbine Principal Announced

Sent to parents today:

Dear WPSD Families and Staff,

Woodland Park School District is pleased to announce that Landis Seabolt will be the new Principal of Columbine Elementary School, starting July 1, 2024. Mrs. Seabolt’s extensive education experience and demonstrated leadership make her a valuable addition to Columbine Elementary.

Mrs. Seabolt currently serves as the Director of Woodland Park High School’s Panther Academy, overseeing various educational programs and initiatives. Additionally, she holds the positions of Summer School Administrator and Online Program Coordinator, showcasing her breadth of experience in diverse learning environments. 

Mrs. Seabolt’s educational experience spans over ten years as a teacher and more than twelve years as an Instructional Leader. This background significantly bolsters her expertise in curriculum development and instructional strategies. 

In 2023, Mrs. Seabolt obtained her principal license, furthering her educational leadership and excellence. Mrs. Seabolt’s vision for Columbine Elementary School emphasizes the importance of keeping parents and guardians at the forefront of their child’s education. She is committed to fostering strong partnerships with parents and guardians, ensuring parents are actively involved in their child’s education. 

In a coordinated transition plan, Ginger Slocum, the current Principal of Columbine Elementary School, while assuming the role of Chief Academic Officer effective April 8, 2024, will work closely with Mrs. Seabolt for the remainder of the school year. This collaboration aims to ensure continuity and a smooth transition for the benefit of all Columbine students. 

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mrs. Seabolt as she becomes an integral part of our Columbine Elementary School family.