Delta County School District 50-J

The meeting began with the approval to add an action item regarding the appointment of two School Board Representatives to the DCSD Superintendent Search Committee. The Board reviewed and scored four Superintendent Search Proposals, noting scores between 32.8% and 80.4%. A motion to table the vote on the superintendent search firm for further research on Caldwell and McPherson & Jacobson was carried. Subsequently, a secret ballot was held to appoint two board members to the Superintendent Search Committee, resulting in the appointment of Mr. Kier and Mr. Burke.

The meeting began with an agenda review and the removal of an item regarding the District Parent Accountability Council. School principals shared positive updates, including student CMAS test recognition and school banner awards. Public comments addressed concerns about academic focus versus other issues, and the need for a policy regarding boys participating in girls' sports. The 2024-2025 Audit Report indicated no findings, and DMC Auditing and Consulting was approved to file the completed audit. Council updates highlighted feedback on new cafeteria foods, presentations on vaping and opioids, planning for a School Safety Summit, and student leadership initiatives. The Superintendent's Report provided an overview of the Special Services Department, noting compliance levels and potential threats such as increased needs in special education and teacher shortages. Approval was granted for 30 students requesting to graduate early in December 2025. Discussions were held regarding scheduling for future Professional Development days, and changes were approved for the timing of Policy Review meetings and Work Sessions, with future review planned in March 2026. Financial matters included the approval of Resolution #2025-23 certifying the Mill Levy, a review of the healthy Cash Projection Report, and a status update on the Head Start Budget. Routine items included the approval of minutes from previous work sessions and meetings. Finally, the personnel report listing hires, resignations, and substitutes was approved.

The key discussion centered on two action items. First, the board selected Stryker & Company as the general contractor for the Paonia K-8 safe entrance and HVAC upgrade, noting their experience and competitive pricing of $3,186,689.11, with work anticipated to start in the spring of 2026. Second, the board conducted a selection process for the Superintendent Search Firm, comparing proposals from Caldwell and McPherson & Jacobson. After discussion regarding costs, experience, and the use of predictive indexing tools, the motion to select McPherson & Jacobson failed. A subsequent motion to select Caldwell carried, with the board members agreeing to inform Caldwell of their selection and discuss next steps, including community engagement protocols.

The work session focused on the proposal review and scoring process for an open superintendent position, noting that internal applicants are welcomed. Four proposals were received and scored by the Board members. Key discussions included the strengths and weaknesses identified for each firm: Caldwell (strengths included experience, high retention rates, and a good process; weaknesses included unidentified costs and missing hiring dates), Grundmeyer (weakness: no experience with Colorado school districts), McPherson & Jacobson (strengths included Colorado experience; weaknesses included potential conflict of interest and unidentified add-on fees), and Octagon (weakness: no experience with Colorado school districts). Clarification items were established for the top two firms, Caldwell and McPherson & Jacobson, regarding fee structures, predictive indices, and resolving the conflict of interest with McPherson & Jacobson.

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.