STEM School Highlands Ranch

Minutes

Board of Directors Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday September 5, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Location

P-tech Building

8920 Barrons Blvd

Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Directors Present

C. Gustafson, E. Quigley, G. Shick, I. Kalra, K. Reyna, L. Davison, M. Horne, R. Lukez

Directors Absent

R. Theret

Ex Officio Members Present

M. Cartier

Non Voting Members Present

M. Cartier

Guests Present

A. Westfall, L. Kovalesky, N. Bostel

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

K. Reyna called a meeting of the board of directors of STEM School Highlands Ranch to order on Tuesday Sep 5, 2023 at 5:35 PM.

C.

Pledge of Allegiance

D.

Reciting of the Mission Statement

E.

Approve Minutes

R. Lukez made a motion to approve the minutes from Board of Director's Meeting on 08-01-23.
G. Shick seconded the motion.

Linda Abstained

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
I. Kalra
Aye
M. Horne
Aye
R. Theret
Absent
C. Gustafson
Aye
E. Quigley
Aye
R. Lukez
Aye
L. Davison
Abstain
K. Reyna
Aye
G. Shick
Aye

II. Academic Excellence

A.

Student Updates

Kelly Myrick- College Counselor/ Student Government and Senior Class Administrator gave updates on behalf of Student Government's current and upcoming events. 

 

 

Student advisory could not attend this month.

 

 

 

B.

Executive Director Report - STEM

LynAnn Kovalesky- STEM Updates

Early drop-off has been moved to 7:10 AM and Secondary movement has resulted in less tardiness.

Access Classes are underway and have been well received by students. During Access, students will be able to elect to go to other classes for assistance, college visits, assemblies, etc.

Student engagement on campus has increased.

Student support needs are higher, and STEM is well-staffed for support.

Superintendent Kane visited STEM and recorded a video with Jeff Maher describing the benefits to STEM if the Bond passed.

Evolv Security is moving through pretty well. Students are adapting well and the staff and students feel safer. There hasn't been any feedback from parents. There will be key indicators that will be shared with the district. So far, the biggest concern is manpower; the expense and time required to have someone to work it. 

Enrollment is down to 1417. There will be more updates on the reasoning behind this in the future.

Staffing update- STEM is looking to hire a new 1st grade teacher since there are 27 in each class.

 

 

C.

2024-25 School Calendar Discussion

LynAnn Kovelesky presents PD Day adjustments for the 2024-25 calendar.

The current problem is that teachers are not having enough time in the day to complete Professional Development and ES teachers are consistently staying beyond their contracted time.

The proposed solutions to the calendar: Late Starts/Early Release days. 

This was shared with the BOD and Lunch planning, snow days, instructional minutes, etc. were discussed.

 

The calendar was sent to all the committees. There is a parent and staff survey that is ready to be sent out. There will also be meetings with Staff to get their feedback. Information will be shared with the BOD so that we can move forward in the process if selected. 

III. KOSON Schools

A.

CIO Updates

Matt Cartier has completed transition into his role as CIO. 

STEM 5-year renewal is approaching

The open staffing positions are HR manager and COO, 

A neighborhood parking plan will be developed to help increase accountability, structure and improve upon existing systems.

Facility Expansion Finalization- We paid the remainder of what we owed and have $100K for future projects. 

IT Director Mike Pritchard will provide an update on Securly during the October BOD Meeting. 

Committee Meetings

Strategic planning

Yearly goals and operational plan

Future Updates and Reporting 

 

IV. Communications Update

A.

2023-24 School Year

Nicole Bostel- Communications Director

Presented the communication plan updates including data, outreach, and goals.

The goals will be evaluated and represented to the BOD in future meetings. 

As the new head of the Business Clubs, Nicole Bostel will be coaching DECA and FBLA through communications and improve communication to students. 

 

V. Mill Levy Bond Override

A.

Board Resolution 2023 Mill Levy

C. Gustafson made a motion to to approve resolution declaring support for the Mill Levy and Bond.
K. Reyna seconded the motion.

Bond and Mill Levy Override will be on the 11/5 ballot

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Theret
Absent
K. Reyna
Aye
L. Davison
Aye
C. Gustafson
Aye
R. Lukez
Aye
M. Horne
Aye
E. Quigley
Aye
G. Shick
Aye
I. Kalra
Aye

VI. Board of Directors Update

A.

2023-2024 Board Calendar Outline

Board noted that the board calendar outline looks accurate. 

B.

Streaming Board Meetings

Now streaming today - Public Comment will be in person

C.

Committee Expectations

Carla Gustafson

Committees will submit 'one-pager' on structure, goals, etc

D.

Upcoming Agenda Items

VII. Public Comment

A.

Public Comment Sign up link

None

VIII. Executive Session

A.

Convene to Executive Session

Kelly: The Board may enter into executive session pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(h) to discuss a student incident, in which public disclosure would adversely affect the person or persons involved, and pursuant to  CRS 24-6-402(4)(b) to conference with their attorney and ask specific legal questions related to the student incident.

 


 

C. Gustafson made a motion to convene to executive session at 7:12pm.
L. Davison seconded the motion.

Ryan absent

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

BOD met with legal counsel from 7:16pm-7:53pm

 

Moved back to public session at 7:55pm

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

C. Gustafson made a motion to adjourn public session at 7:55pm.
R. Lukez seconded the motion.

Ryan absent

The board VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Horne