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County to draft big box regs
By James Robinson
Staff Writer
Few issues have had the same polarizing affect as the question of whether to adopt big box retail regulations, although the town surmounted the hurdle in the fall of 2006 with adoption of a large format retail ordinance, and following a big box work session Tuesday, Archuleta County may soon follow suit.
During the meeting, and after taking public comment, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) set a tentative timetable that could bring big box retail regulations before the board for a vote in June.
In the interim, Archuleta County Associate Planner Cindy Schultz will work on draft regulations, using the town’s ordinance as a baseline, with draft completion and commissioner review scheduled for mid-April.
Under town regulations, adopted Sept. 14, 2006, retail square footage is capped at 100,000 square feet, with a 16-point economic impact assessment required for projects exceeding 40,000 square feet. Projects that exceed 18,000 square feet must also adhere to large format retailer design guidelines. A clause within the town regulations allows applicants with projects exceeding 100,000 square feet to make their case for approval before the town council.
According to the plan, and after receiving commissioner review, the draft document will undergo further fine tuning, with revisions available for public review on the county’s Web site. Furthermore, county planning staff will update the planning commission on the legislation’s progress during the commission’s regular meetings in late April and early May.
“Our task then is to get the public comments early, get them incorporated into the draft, then presented to the planning commission. We’ll keep them (the planning commission) updated, we’ll keep them posted,” said Schultz.
Schultz added that gathering and incorporating public comment into the draft throughout late April and early May would play a critical role in completing the project according to the proposed timetable.
On May 23, if all goes according to plan, the proposed legislation will come before a joint meeting of the county planning commission and the BoCC for a comprehensive review, including another opportunity for public comment.
If the planning commission recommends adopting the document, the regulations could go before the BoCC for a vote June 5.
During Tuesday’s forum, Archuleta County commissioners Bob Moomaw and Ronnie Zaday pushed to solidify the timetable, and the board agreed that, thorough, well-drafted design guidelines for all commercial structures should form the core of the legislation.
Although it is unclear whether the county’s regulations will ultimately mirror the town’s, Moomaw said adopting town standards is a prudent first step. From there, and over time, the regulations can be fine tuned to best serve the needs of the county.
During the public comment period Fred Ebeling cautioned the board, “What is appropriate for the town business area, may not be appropriate for the county.”
Commissioner Zaday has asked similar questions.
And, as the county grapples with infrastructure issues such as an ailing road system, capturing lost sales tax revenue remains a county concern.
Archuleta County Finance Director Bob Burchett said of the sales tax collected in Archuleta County, 50 percent goes to town and 50 percent goes to county, and of the county’s take, 50 percent is put into the road capital improvement fund while the other half goes into the general fund.
The 50-50, town-county split is governed by a voluntary, five-year intergovernmental agreement which will be up for re-approval in 2008.
Schultz said current sales tax leakage figures found in a town-commissioned study put general merchandise leakage at 50 percent.
But, will a large format retailer help solve leakage problems or would a mid-box solution resolve the issue without jeopardizing the existing retail community? Is a 100,000 square-foot size cap appropriate for the county? What elements should be included in design guidelines, and should a municipality or county government legislate employment practices such as wage and benefits packages?
During the next three months, the BoCC and the planning commission will grapple with these questions and others, and a telephone survey may be employed to further gauge public sentiment.
Whether comments come in the form of a telephone survey, e-mails, letters, phone calls, or during planning commission or BoCC meetings, Schultz said public input is vital to the process.
james@pagosasun.com
One charged in poaching case
By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer
An Archuleta County resident has been charged with at least one felony and several misdemeanors in connection with alleged poaching incidents that occurred between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 of last year.
If convicted on all counts, Michael F. Delyria, 18, could face several years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Further, his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 23 other states could be suspended for life.
Delyria has been charged with at least one count of Willful Destruction of Wildlife-Big Game or Endangered Species, for the unlawful take of big game, and detaching or removing body parts with the intent to abandon the carcass or body. The complaint is a class 5 felony and, upon each conviction, is punishable by one to three years in prison with two years parole, $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, an assessment of 20 wildlife license suspension points, and suspension of hunting and fishing privileges from one year to life.
Complaints have also been filed against Delyria for at least one count each of five misdemeanors, including Hunting Out of Season, Illegal Possession of Wildlife, Hunting From a Motor Vehicle, Shooting From a Public Road, and Failure to Dress or Care For (edible portions of game wildlife).
The severity of punishment associated with the misdemeanor charges varies, but each count carries substantial fines, license suspension points and, depending on the actual number of charges filed, the potential for additional jail time.
According to Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) investigators, charges against Delyria alleging illegal possession of wildlife (Count III) apparently involved at least one trophy mule deer buck with an antler spread of 22 inches, or more. If this proves true, Delyria could face additional fines of $10,000 per animal for violating Colorado Revised Statute 33-6-109 (3.4), more commonly referred to as the “Samson Law.”
During their initial investigation, DOW officers seized several items from Delyria’s home, and placed them into evidence. While a DOW spokesman stopped short of listing the items, he described them as numerous, with firearms apparently among them.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues, as the DOW and district attorney’s office expect to file charges against additional suspects, soon. According to the DOW, Delyria will likely face additional charges, as well.
chuck@pagosasun.com
Moratorium talks continue
By James Robinson
Staff Writer
During a March 14 work session, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners, county planning commissioners and county planning staff continued wrangling over the question of whether to enact a short-term moratorium on development requests requiring rezoning.
While the majority opinion from planning commissioners and the recommendation from planning staff supported a temporary moratorium with a clear timetable and precise objectives, the opinions of county commissioners Bob Moomaw, Robin Schiro and Ronnie Zaday were mixed and direction inconclusive.
During the discussion, Moomaw acknowledged that even a short-term moratorium could have a negative economic impact on developers, builders and Realtors, yet added that it would allow staff time to revise the land use code and to better reconcile problems in the land use code with the tenets of the Archuleta County Community Plan.
The board of county commissioners adopted the revised Archuleta County Land Use in May 2006, while the board of county commissioners endorsed the community plan in May 2001. Planning staff and planning commissioners use both documents when making planning and land use decisions, but Moomaw said planning staff and planning commissioners are often challenged by conflicts between the two planning tools.
A briefing from Archuleta County Associate Planner Cindy Schultz concurred with Moomaw’s assessment. Schultz wrote, “While the Code (land use code) update sought to incorporate as much of the Plan (community plan) as feasible, there are regulations that are vague on how to achieve the intent of the Plan or may even conflict with the Plan. Planning staff is sometimes challenged on how to carry out the Plan under the Code and planning commissioners are tasked with making decisions that affect the future of the County using the same guiding documents.”
Under Schultz’s and planning staff’s recommendation, a six-month moratorium would be enacted, temporary halting applications for projects requiring a rezone. During the moratorium, one staff member would work solely on updating and revising the code, such that it rectifies inconsistencies within itself and meshes better with the community plan and statutes. The other two staff members would work on projects already in the planning pipeline.
Under staff’s recommendation, projects and planned unit developments (PUDs) already in the works — TreeTops, Square Top and Blue Sky Village — would continue, while the processing of new applications would be postponed until the moratorium’s expiration.
In addition, planning commissioners and the board of county commissioners could explore amending parts of the community plan to address the most common controversies, such as density areas identified on the plan’s future land use map. However, Schultz cautions, “an amendment to the Plan is a serious undertaking and should be given the same level of stakeholder consideration as writing the document itself.”
Updating and overhauling the entire community plan could take 12 to 18 months and scores of public meetings — completing the original plan took 12 months and 22 public meetings.
Archuleta County Administrator Bob Campbell said a complete community plan update would require hiring a consult and dollars beyond what is currently available in the 2007 budget. Nevertheless, planning commissioners, county commissioners and staff have identified the update as a top priority, and Campbell said grant funding may be available to help fund the project.
During Tuesday’s regular board of county commissioners meeting, the board approved submittal of a grant application to the Department of Local Affairs Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance grant program for funding the community plan update. If received, grant funding would total $80,000 with a total project cost of $150,000 and a $70,000 county contribution which includes $28,000 of in-kind, county services.
During the moratorium discussion, planning commissioner Ron Chacey said he supported an “extremely short” moratorium, but didn’t see it as absolutely necessary. He added that so-called funding shortfalls posed a weak argument for the county’s difficulty in tackling some of the most pressing planning issues.
“I have trouble saying there’s no money,” Chacey said. “We have money, what we need are priorities.”
Planning commissioner Lesli Allison said inconsistencies between the two planning documents had created a planning crisis; and planning commissioner Cary Brown said those inconsistencies could lead to “shortsighted decisions that may be inconsistent with long-range planning.”
Allison said she supported a longer moratorium, 18 months if necessary, to ensure the necessary revisions were sound and complete.
Planning commissioners Dan Aupperle and Bob Huff did not support a moratorium.
Huff said a moratorium will only postpone the inevitable and said the county should marshal its efforts to provide adequate staffing and strong leadership in the planning department.
“We need somebody who’s dedicated to cutting through and getting things done. We need to identify the concrete choices we need to make and then make them,” Huff said.
Campbell is conducting a search for a new county planning director, and one candidate attended the discussion.
While the planning commission provides a recommendation to the board of county commissioners, Moomaw, Schiro and Zaday will be the final arbiters in the decision.
Although Moomaw supports a short-term moratorium, Zaday does not. She said tools such as the rezoning approval process and the move to put sketch plan approval before the planning commission and the public would keep the work flow manageable.
When Zaday attempted to explain her position Schiro said, “You have a conflict of interest and shouldn’t be involved in this discussion.”
Zaday responded, “I’m being bought out of the project.”
And Schiro continued, “If you want to tank this process, then go right ahead.”
Zaday was a 2-percent investor in TreeTops, a planned unit development including 176 dwelling units and 140,000 square feet of commercial space slated for a 52.3 acre tract 3.75 miles north of U.S. 160 on Piedra Road.
Zaday said she became involved in TreeTops after being elected county commissioner.
“Most of my contribution to TreeTops was in the construction of Stage Under the Stars,” Zaday said.
According to Zaday, “I have been asked to be bought out of TreeTops, and it’s because my name isn’t helping them at all,” Zaday said.
Zaday said TreeTops will return her investment.
Will Neder, vice president of operations for TreeTops, confirmed Zaday’s statement.
“TreeTops has bought out her interest effective March 12. Certain parts of the project are stronger for her consulting efforts, but her involvement became more and more difficult with what the public was asking for from her, and from us,” Neder said.
Zaday said she sees no conflict with her entering into a discussion on the moratorium question.
During the meeting, Schiro did not state whether she supported, or was opposed to imposing a moratorium, instead she offered her comment time to take public input.
The March 14, meeting was billed as a work session, thus no formal decisions were made.
Campbell said meetings with staff and the planning commission will continue, and it will be up to board of county commissioners to bring the moratorium question forward for a vote.
james@pagosasun.com
Countdown to ‘Once Upon A Time’ dinner and auction
By Joanne Irons
Special to The SUN
The tables are ready to be decorated. Let the auction begin!
Seeds of Learning decorators will have their tables ready for viewing at the community center from 3:30 to 5:30 Saturday, March 24, before the doors open for ticket holders at 6. You can leave a bid on your favorite table, even if you are not attending the dinner. Six of the tables will be auctioned off by Bill Nobles after dinner. The tables are beautifully decorated by some of Pagosa’s most creative and talented citizens.
The live auction will include additional items: a king-size bed, complete with a beautiful coffee service; tickets to the folk fest and a banjo; local lodging and a $500 gift certificate from Choke Cherry Tree; an elk hunt with a beautiful picnic table, outdoor furniture and a full pewter service.
Table decorators participating in this event are Terry Lynn Lewis, the Ladies of Alpine Lakes Ranch, Sue Leischiedt, Stacy Kirby, Cynthia Mitchell, Lynn Moffett, Lisa Aupperle, Jann Pitcher, Ann Guetline, Ellen Jackson, Michael and Gena DeWinter, Susie Long, Janis Moomaw, Robin Schiro, Deb Kerns, Val Goodman, Lori Unger, Amy Dunmyre, Joanne Irons, Ronnie Doctor, Crista Munro, Tamsin Roerich, Tamara Evans, Karen Gray, Donna Johnson, Lisa Scott, Shari Gustafson, Kim Moore, Mary Kurt-Mason, Lvonne Wilson, Rita Villanueva, Robyn Carpenter-Hubbard, Anita Sherman, Margie Richter, Sue Johnson and Stephanie Graveson.
United Way campaign exceeds goal
By Stacia Kemp
Special to The PREVIEW
United Way’s campaign in Archuleta County finished nearly 110 percent over goal by raising $73,666 in its 2006 fund-raising drive. The 2006 goal was $67,500.
Fifteen programs that care for people in need in Archuleta County will be supported with the donations.
Tom and Ming Steen, volunteer campaign chairs for Archuleta County, said “Archuleta County is blessed to have such great support for people in need. We’re glad United Way is able to help these organizations that are so passionate about keeping our community a great place to live.”
Cherlyn Gwin, chair of the Archuleta County United Way Advisory Council, commented “Whether someone pledged at their workplace, attended a United Way special event, sponsored the United Way golf tournament or wrote a onetime check, their gift in combination with many others can solve problems that exist in our community through the work of our Community Partner Agencies.”
United Way’s Archuleta County Community Investment Committee determined in advance of the annual fund-raising drive where donations would be invested. Archuleta County’s community investment committee consists of members of the Advisory Council as well as additional community-at-large representatives. The committee conducted a review of its local needs, interviewed local nonprofit organizations that are addressing those needs, and then submitted funding recommendations to United Way’s board of directors that ultimately formed the campaign goal.
Local programs provided by the following organizations will be funded by the campaign in Archuleta County:
• American Red Cross.
• Archuleta County Education Center.
• Archuleta County Victim Assistance Program.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Boy Scouts.
• Community Connections.
• Girl Scouts.
• Habitat for Humanity of Archuleta County.
• Housing Solutions for the Southwest.
• Pagosa Outreach Connection.
• San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging.
• Seeds of Learning Family Center.
• Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center.
• Southwest Conservation Corps.
• Southwest Safehouse.
“The success of the fund-raising drive allows United Way to fully fund each of the funding recommendations that our Community Investment Committee made last summer,” said Stacia Kemp, United Way’s Archuleta County Coordinator. “I’m so proud that we achieved our goal, but what is more important is how we invest those generous donations. We owe it to our donors to put them to their best use, and we’ll do that through our relationships with these excellent local programs. And since we went over goal, we’ll be able to make a few additional investments in our partner agencies.”
Archuleta County’s campaign total helped United Way of Southwest Colorado raise the highest amount ever in its 34-year history. United Way reported raising $665,000 in its 2006 fund-raising drive across five counties in southwest Colorado.
Webelo Den ‘crosses over’ to Boy Scout Troop
By Lisa Scott
Special to The SUN
Eight members of the Webelo Den, Pack 807, made their official transition into the Boy Scout Troop Saturday, March 17, by participating in the official crossover ceremony, which has a wooden path bridge as its focal point.
Parents and family members attended the ceremony in which the scouts were officially inducted into the current Boy Scout Troop of seven members. As they crossed over the wooden bridge, with the boy scouts on the opposite side, they were each welcomed with the scout handshake.
Webelos is an 18-month program, during fourth and fifth grades, which focuses on the youngsters earning their Webelo Badge and the Arrow of Light Award, which is Cub Scout’s highest award. The scouts continually work on a variety of requirements to earn a minimum of eight merit badges while increasing their knowledge of scouting.
The Readyman Badge, based on first aid, was the most interesting for Luke Hanson, who said, “It was cool to learn the Heimlich maneuver.” Dean Scott was most interested in earning his Outdoorsman Badge and learning the many techniques to build a fire. He said, “It’s important not to build a fire under a tree with snow in the branches because the heat from the fire will cause the snow to melt and it will drip and put out your fire.”
Participating in popcorn sales was “fun and it’s important because the money we make helps the pack,” said Aiden McGinn, who also liked earning the Handyman Badge and learning how to repair and maintain his bike. Many of the tasks a Webelo is required to participate in are not always easy as Dylan Lindberg described when talking about the camping trip they took in the late fall. “It was very cold. We did a lot of activities and kept warm mostly. It was hard to sleep.”
Tyler Greenly liked working on the Artist Badge the best and said, “It was cool because Betty Slade, a local painter, taught us many new ways of painting.” Hiking to Four Mile Falls was a highlight for all the boys. Jacob Manzanaras described the variety of things they learned about hiking, like, “You should never hike alone, always stay in eye contact with your group and always tell someone who’s not going on the hike your plans so they know where to look for you in case you don’t come back.”
Chris Hogrefe said he worked hard on earning his badges and obtained several others on his own time. “I like the Aquanaut Badge the most because I learned a lot of different swim strokes that I didn’t know before.” Creede Wylie liked the camping and hiking the best out of all the activities and said, “Having fun is the best part of scouting.” To qualify, he said, they have fun most all of the time.
The Boy Scout Troop of Pack 807, now boasts 15 scout members, and is currently led by Al Wylie with assistance from Bob Hogrefe, Buck Pierce and Wayne Orechwa. The troop meets weekly at Community United Methodist Church, which has been the sponsor of Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the community for 35 years.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Humane Society experiences flood of felines
By Chuck McGuire
Staff Writer
Humane Society of Pagosa Springs, Inc. seldom suffers a shortage of adoptable furry felines, but this week — through no fault of its own — it is unquestionably overrun.
Of course, as common as this predicament can be, it is easily avoidable.
The Society’s animal shelter on Stevens Lake Road ostensibly has kennels enough to accommodate two dozen cats and approximately the same number of dogs. And, in fact, that’s about where it is today. The shelter proper currently has 23 adult cats and two kittens sharing 18 feline kennels. Meanwhile, 20 dogs and seven puppies also reside there.
But, as a result of recent law enforcement activity, there are now 16 additional kitties temporarily housed in the basement of the Humane Society Thrift Store. All were confiscated from the same location and none were spayed or neutered at the time of their impoundment. Among them, 10 are considered feral, while the rest are accustomed to human contact and easily adoptable to loving homes.
Even as the new arrivals appeared relatively healthy and strong, the Society subjected each to a wellness examination by an area veterinarian. The animals were also tested for feline leukemia, then vaccinated against it and other diseases, spayed or neutered, and finally implanted with a microchip for positive identification. All now anxiously await adoption by caring families, or ranchers and others in need of rodent control.
Anyone in need of a cuddly companion can visit the thrift store (or shelter) and pick from a variety of homeless kitties. For just $30, each adoption includes a healthy, sterilized animal, microchip implantation, food and litter. The thrift store at 269 Pagosa St. is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Feral felines are also available for adoption and include the same features and benefits. However, because they’ve had little or no real human contact, they are best suited to ranchers and others in need of resident kitties for the purpose of controlling rodent populations in barns or other outbuildings. The adoption fee for feral cats is just $10 per animal.
As mentioned, the shelter also has a variety of personable pooches in dire need of abiding homes. The adoption fee for dogs is $65, and also includes the same features and benefits.
For those providing loving homes for one or more animals not already sterilized, the Society offers various spay/neuter programs, depending on individual needs and income, and some procedures are actually free of charge.
Call the shelter at 731-4771 for more details, or visit between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday. To find the facility, travel approximately two miles north on Piedra Road, turn right on Stevens Lake Road and follow the signs.
If all pet owners spayed or neutered their animals, Humane Society of Pagosa Springs, Inc. might avoid overcrowding at the shelter — certainly at the thrift store — and all deserving kitties and canines would have a place to call home. It’s something to think about.
chuck@pagosasun.com
Thursday, March 15, 2007
United Way funding meeting set for March 23
By Stacia Kemp
Special to The SUN
United Way of Southwest Colorado Community Partner Agencies and other 501(c)(3) organizations that care for the people of Archuleta County are invited to attend a short meeting to learn about important changes in the funding process and new funding priorities for United Way in Archuleta County.
The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 23, in the conference room of Bank of the San Juans on Hot Springs Boulevard in Pagosa Springs.
Organizations seeking funding to provide services in Archuleta County will be asked to submit a Colorado Common Grant application and to specifically describe in the application how proposed services address newly identified impact areas. These impact areas will now guide United Way funding priorities in Archuleta County and are defined as:
• Helping children and youth succeed.
• Fostering health and welfare.
• Developing self-sufficiency and independence.
• Supporting vulnerable and aging populations.
• Responding to those in crisis.
The impact areas were developed following an assessment of local needs that sought to better understand public attitudes about issues related to the well-being of people who live in Archuleta County. Each impact area has several goals underneath it that applicants for funding will address in their application.
The process gave citizens a voice in determining goals and priorities of the local United Way organization and gauged public support for existing and future initiatives. More than 200 community leaders and residents were involved in the process. The ultimate goal was to prioritize community needs to be funded by United Way and to develop strategies that will have a positive impact on those needs.
In addition to defining new impact areas, United Way’s Archuleta County Advisory Council volunteers responded to a series of specific questions that related to the funding process. As a result of this work, the Board of Directors of United Way of Southwest Colorado has asked Archuleta County to pilot the new and improved funding process.
Members of United Way’s Archuleta County Advisory Council are: Mary Jo Coulehan, Gene Crabtree, Cherlyn Gwin, Terri House. Carmen Hubbs, David Musser, Lisa Scott, Tom Steen, Ming Steen and Codie Wilson. Dick Babillis is the Archuleta County representative and liaison to United Way’s board of directors.
To make a reservation to attend, or for more information, contact Stacia Kemp at 264-3230, or e-mail staciak@unitedway-swco.org.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Archuleta County Education Center annual luncheon
By Janae Ash
Special to The PREVIEW
Everyday in our world people overcome amazing feats and triumph over personal obstacles.
However, none might be more amazing than a man on crutches with Cerebral Palsy running across America from California to New York. It is hard to imagine the anguish and stress this would put the body through, much less the long lonely hours on a desolate road, and the desire to just give in.
However, Jerry Traylor, the man who completed this miraculous achievement in seven months, did not give in and ran across America in order to raise money for various causes.
Jerry had always been someone who cared for others and used his own unique physical disability to help raise awareness for others. In 1985, he took on the biggest challenge of his life in order to help others. Along with the help of Rotarians from many different communities, Jerry was able to raise money for a collection of large print books for the visually impaired in Pueblo, Colo., recreational equipment for senior citizens in Bloomington, Ill., and in Marietta, Ohio, a nature trail was widened to accommodate wheelchairs, to name just a few of his contributions.
Additionally, Jerry helped many more thousands of people by inspiring them. Some of Jerry’s most motivating stories during this time are of the thousands of people who would come out and run parts of the road with Jerry as he passed through their towns and cities. Many people, without hesitation, offered Jerry a warm meal or something to drink along the way and shared with him how his determination had given them the strength to overcome something of their own.
There were times when Jerry was aching with pain and completely exhausted and wanted to give up, but then a small child or a man in a wheel chair would arrive by his side and share some of the burden as they ran with him or met him with cheers at their city borders. Jerry fed off of their caring spirits and this propelled him to continue on his journey of caring. When Jerry finally reached New York, he was tired and overwhelmed, but proud of his accomplishment and the awareness he had brought to his many causes. He realized just how important the power of caring could be.
If you would like to hear more about this man’s journey, his astounding life and the power of caring, please join the Archuleta County Education Center at the annual luncheon on April 3. Jerry Traylor will be this year’s keynote speaker at the event and will bring a motivational message of caring and overcoming obstacles.
The luncheon will start promptly at 11:45 at the Center Point Church on U.S. 160. Tickets are available for a donation of $45.
For more information, contact the Education Center at 264-2835.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
School board deals with variety of program items
By Louis Sherman
Staff Writer
After an eventful February, marked by the appointment of Mark DeVoti as the new superintendent, the Archuleta School District 50 Joint Board of Education settled down Tuesday for its regular monthly meeting, discussing issues including the district’s gifted and talented student program, math textbooks and school nutrition.
Denise Rue-Pastin, chair of the gifted/talented parent advisory council, presented a letter to board members, thanking them for extending gifted/talented programming to the seventh grade this year and their plans to extend the program in the future. Last school year, the program covered kindergarten through sixth grade. Next year, it will extend to eighth grade and high school in 2008-2009.
With the growth of the program, all students who have been in gifted/talented will continue to be served by the program when they enter high school, said Assistant Superintendent Bill Esterbrook on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Pastin suggested that the district hire additional staff to see to the needs of the program, but Esterbrook said the district would likely be able to address the needs of the program with current staff. Educators in the district will be trained to differentiate instruction, in order to see to the needs of accelerated students. And school counselors or special education teachers, given a compensatory stipend, could oversee the advanced learning plans of students placed in the program.
Pastin said the group of parents that make up the gifted/talented advisory group “would have a real issue with that [plan].” But Esterbrook said that he had conferred with Betsy Krill, the gifted/talented program director for the Board of Cooperative Services (which represents several school districts in the area), and she approved of the district’s plan, since it already has programs in place in the high school that would make a gifted/talented program possible.
Following Pastin, the board heard a presentation from a committee of math teachers in the district, along with Esterbrook, proposing text books to be used in the district. (The proposal will be acted upon in a future meeting.)
The committee, which has met over the course of the last two school years, proposed a curriculum published by Houghton Mifflin for the elementary school and fifth grade, which blends conceptual math with direct (more traditional) instruction. The sixth grade would utilize two math curricula, from Houghton Mifflin and Connected Math (which is more conceptual). Use of the two texts would provide a transition from elementary to seventh and eighth grade, where Connected Math would be used under the proposal. High school students would use the Key curriculum, which would provide a blend of conceptual math and direct instruction. High school math teacher Kyle Canty said the greater computational experience (provided by the program) would help students succeed on college placement exams (like the ACT).
The proposed math curricula will be available for the public to view at the district offices before the next school board meeting.
During the superintendent’s report, DeVoti discussed meetings with representatives of the local school nutrition group. Based on the suggestion of Charlotte Lee, the school meals manager, the district decided to put a salad cart in the elementary school for fourth-graders in the beginning of April. The cart was funded by the district and donations obtained by the nutrition group. The cart will be available to students Tuesday through Thursday, with trained parent volunteers to oversee serving.
DeVoti also discussed the review of the district’s meal plans completed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Districts in the state are reviewed at five-year intervals, with one school selected from the district as a sample. The intermediate/junior high school campus was selected for the review.
DeVoti said CDE representatives commended Lee’s knowledge and work meeting state requirements, as well as progressive additions she has made to the meals program, including fresh fruit and salad bar offerings. The CDE was also impressed with the involvement of Ronnie Doctor and Crista Munro, representatives of the school nutrition group, in the district’s work with the meals program.
The school board voted to approve new contracts for administrators in the district, including Kate Lister, Butch Madrid, Chris Hinger, Jason Plantiko, Sean O’Donnell, David Hamilton, Jim Shaffer and Bill Esterbrook. Principals and other academic administrators are reviewed on a yearly basis, with contracts renewed in March. Since Lisa Hudson recently replaced DeVoti as principal at the intermediate school, she will be up for a new contract in May.
The board also passed a resolution to standardize the district’s method of record retention, in order to be in compliance with Colorado requirements.
The next board of education meeting was scheduled for April 17, in the junior high library, a week later than usual, due to spring break.
louis@pagosasun.com
Tri-County Head Start announces scholarship
Tri-County Head Start/Early Childhood Programs announces the availability of the Herb Jones Memorial Scholarship.
This scholarship is open to all graduates of Tri-County Head Start programs who are planning to attend a post-secondary education program in the 2007-2008 school year. Applications must be received by May 1, 2007. Recipient(s) and the amount of awards will be announced in May.
For more information and to request application forms, contact local high school counselors or call (970) 247-5960, Ext. 13.
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