Roaring Fork School District

This message from Superintendent Anna Cole addresses the annual budgeting and planning process for the 2026-2027 school year, guided by the district's 5-year strategic plan. It reaffirms commitment to five core priorities: Students First, Rigorous Learning for All, Student-Centered Partnerships, Operational Excellence, and a Thriving Team. The document outlines challenges such as declining enrollment and unstable funding, detailing strategies including proactive planning, strategic staffing adjustments through attrition, and transparent community communication to maintain high-quality learning environments and support student success.

This document, a message from the Board of Education President, clarifies the intricate financial landscape and funding challenges faced by the Roaring Fork School District. It outlines critical issues such as state per-pupil funding limitations, the impact of property taxes on state contributions, and federal funding uncertainties. The message advocates for strategic local financial solutions, including mill levy overrides and bonds, as essential mechanisms for community investment in education, aiming to secure the future of the district's children and build a robust community.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. The Superintendent provided opening celebrations and updates for the 2526 school year, noting that schools have been open for about a week and are highly active. The Superintendent expressed gratitude for summer efforts, including the Summit 54 Summer Advantage program, special education extended school year services, high school credit recovery, and support from facilities, grounds, nutritional services, transportation, and the family resource center teams. Capital projects completed over the summer, such as HVAC upgrades and gym floor refinishing saving over $150,000, were highlighted. The Superintendent then outlined the three key focus areas for the 2526 school year: continuing faithful implementation of the strategic plan, prioritizing instructional effectiveness and rigorous learning for all students, and navigating financial challenges with open communication. The approach for the year emphasizes a data culture, working with a sense of urgency regarding student progress, and operating with a sense of efficacy regarding ambitious goals. Board members provided feedback, expressing appreciation for the focus on the perpetual calendar, transparency, urgency, and the strong staff feedback metrics. Discussions also covered concerns about family stability amidst external factors and monitoring student enrollment and attrition. Future agenda items for the board in the fall and winter were noted, including student growth data, strategic plan updates, unifying improvement planning, onboarding new members, and the 2425 audit.

The meeting included discussions and updates on strategic priorities, student-centered partnerships, and operational excellence. Celebrations included parent-teacher conference week and the Riverview School early childhood education program. Roaring Fork High School senior Zenobia Todd's capstone project, Renewing Connection, was promoted. The board discussed strengthening communication with families through videos and resources, focusing on topics like social-emotional learning, reading skills, school safety, and healthy screen time habits. The equity advisory council will address policies related to cell phones, tobacco, nicotine, and secret societies.

The meeting began with thoughts and prayers for the Jefferson School District community following an earlier event. The agenda was approved, followed by opening celebrations and updates from the superintendent, Dr. Anle, including welcoming the school community to week three of the 2526 school year. Celebrations included acknowledging families completing the educational benefits application and thanking the teams involved. The superintendent's report featured family and enrollment updates, student growth achievement data, and school and district performance frameworks. The board was reminded of a demographic study indicating declining enrollment for the next 10 years, leading to conservative budget planning and monitoring. Concerns were raised about families' well-being due to decreased enrollment. Kelly Medina presented on partnering with families, emphasizing wraparound services and access to resources. Dr. Park provided an overview of data and school/district performance frameworks, highlighting improvements in district accreditation and school ratings.