Craig Cerise

The Delta County Board of Education held a Special Meeting and Executive Session primarily to discuss the contract and sale of the School District's interest in the former PIC Place Building in Montrose, currently known as PrimeHealth+. The session included a conference with the School District's attorney regarding receiving legal advice concerning the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer, or sale of any real, personal, or other School District property interest.

The agenda for this special meeting included several critical items. Key discussions involved receiving legal advice from the district attorney regarding the creation of a policy for preserving fairness and safety in sports, and developing negotiation strategy for the superintendent salary range. Other topics included a discussion on the Preserving Fairness & Safety in Sport Policy, the superintendent search salary range action item, onboarding new school board members, a report from the North Fork Task Force Committee, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Town of Cedaredge concerning Deer Creek Trail Drive and Avenue, and a review of financial information including the Capital Project List, Paonia K-8 Bond/HVAC Update, Revised Budget Updates, and Bond Arbitrage reports.

The key discussion items for this Special Meeting included an agenda review, a public comment period, the selection of the Paonia K-8 General Contractor, and the selection of the Superintendent Search Firm. The meeting concluded with Board Member Comments and adjournment.

The meeting included recognition of students who excelled on the CMAS test and PSAT/SAT, as well as presentations of performance banners to North Fork schools. Public comments addressed concerns about middle school consolidation and communication, gender issues in sports, and discrimination. The board reviewed and adopted or edited several policies related to state and federal agencies, immigration officials, library resources, and curriculum development. Council updates were provided on the District Student Advisory Committee, Classified Council, and Coordinating Council. The District Parent Accountability committee's members and charge were approved. The superintendent's report included discussion and approval of an unfunded mandates letter and the Nature Connection MOU, as well as approval of a Happy Hearts Daycare rental agreement. The board also discussed and approved the purchase of an activity bus and two gas buses, and authorized the purchase of an SUV. The superintendent announced her retirement. Financial reports, including cash projection and Head Start financials, were reviewed, and routine items such as minutes and personnel reports were approved. Correspondence was shared, and board members provided comments, including a motion to withdraw from CLAS.

The work session included discussions on student athletic programs, focusing on gender participation policies, legal considerations, and potential impacts. Updates were provided on bond projects, including the Delta High School Auxiliary Gym, North Fork High School entry, Cedaredge High School entry, and Paonia K-8 School. Financial updates covered capital projects, the Governor's preliminary budget proposal for 2026-27, and recommendations for purchasing a new activity bus, used gas buses, and a suburban. Student enrollment data was reviewed, including reasons for student withdrawals and enrollment trends.