Sherry Kalbach

The meeting focused on the district's operations and strategies for moving forward during the pandemic. Key discussion topics included academic performance monitoring, the implementation of equality audits to ensure diverse staff representation, and maintaining student growth tracking in the absence of standardized state exams. The participants also addressed safety protocols, including mask policies and health screening procedures in schools, and the district's commitment to prioritizing student well-being.

The board conducted an executive session to address employee compensation negotiations and a superintendent contract renewal. Following the session, the board received a legislative briefing regarding matters affecting PK-14 education. Additionally, the board approved Resolution 2026-28, which grants a five-year charter renewal contract for CIVA Charter School effective July 1, 2026.

The Board meeting included an executive session regarding legal and personnel matters, including student expulsion decisions and a superintendent evaluation. Key items included a superintendent report on district accomplishments and capital projects, a public hearing on Mill Levy Override (MLO) plan amendments, and presentations on end-of-year data and legislative reports. Financial actions included the adoption of several budget resolutions regarding FY25-26 adjustments, the use of fund balances, and the appropriation of the FY26-27 budget. Additionally, the Board approved amendments to MLO program plans, voted to decline renewal of the district's membership in the Colorado Association of School Boards, appointed new leadership for the District Accountability Committee, and affirmed decisions regarding two student discipline matters.

The Board of Education meeting included the approval of a direct-pay contract with One Medical to manage primary care services for staff, aimed at mitigating healthcare premium costs. Additionally, the Board passed a resolution approving mid-year modifications to the 2025-2026 adopted budget, which incorporated changes to program funding, pupil counts, staffing projections, and audit adjustments. The Board also reviewed the revision of Policy JC regarding school attendance areas and school building capacity, agreeing to move it to the consent agenda for the next meeting. Finally, the Board received a presentation on the development process for the 2026-2027 school year calendar.

This Unified Improvement Plan for Colorado Springs School District 11, covering the 2021-2022 period, addresses critical challenges in academic achievement, equity gaps, and family engagement. The plan outlines major improvement strategies focused on ambitious instruction, culturally responsive practices, and involved families. It aims to enhance academic performance, mitigate predictable equity disparities, and foster stronger community partnerships, utilizing data for instructional decision-making and promoting an inclusive learning environment, particularly in the post-pandemic context.