Maximum classroom numbers

I am writing with hopes of other parents joining forces to convince District 20 leaders to not continue to allow classrooms to go over the state maximum for students in classrooms. The state sets a max number of kids in elementary classrooms, for example, in fourth grade there is to be no more than 28 students in a classroom. (Let me tell you, as a teacher and parent, that number is already too high.)

Leaders in D20, however, have decided that it’s okay to add two more kids to already packed classrooms. This speaks volumes to me as a stakeholder. It shows the public how far removed these “leaders” are from actual classrooms.

If they could see firsthand the students in today’s classrooms, they would see that this is insane. A petition is circulating and I hope that anyone that sees it will sign it. Once we get this taken care of, we’ll petition the state to reduce that number further. Thank you for helping do what is actually best for our students and teachers.

Kelly Rowan

Monument

A remarkable resource

I would like to take a moment to recognize the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and highlight what a remarkable resource it is for our community.

My connection with PPLD goes back to the early 1990s when I was a college student. At that time, the library provided meeting rooms where I could study with classmates and collaborate on projects. Later, as I started a family, the library became a place where we enjoyed weekly story times, caught up on homework between activities, and always found a welcoming space to learn and grow together.

Over the years, we have used nearly every library in El Paso County, though today we most often visit Library 21C and High Prairie Library.

Today, the library continues to play an important role in my life. As a new business owner, I often rely on PPLD. Coffee shops are not always ideal for meetings, and they can be costly. The library, however, offers quiet, professional spaces where I can work in between appointments, print materials as needed, and focus without interruptions.

It has been invaluable in helping me manage my business.

What stands out most is how PPLD continues to meet the needs of every generation.

My college and high school-age children reserve meeting rooms during finals to have a quiet study space. This simple but powerful resource has become part of their academic success.

PPLD is far more than a place to check out books or movies.

It is a cornerstone of our community, supporting education, small businesses, families, and individuals alike. I am grateful for all that the library provides and proud that we have such a forward-thinking and accessible library district right here in the Pikes Peak region.

Kristine Cordova

Colorado Springs

The quality of city services

The job of the city auditor is to ensure the work being done by all the departments of the city, including Colorado Springs Utilities, meets high industry standards and that the public funds (taxes and fees) are spent responsibly.

The city auditor reports to the City Council and there appears to be a general undermining of the effectiveness of city audit and public trust.

Council has:

• Allowed an unqualified candidate to interview for the city auditor job.

• Hired unqualified candidate, but required them to meet one of the missing job requirements — become a CPA — certified public accountant.

• Voted to change the job requirements to match the candidate while not allowing public comment as part of the process.

On Tuesday, Council will vote a final time to change the job requirements officially and the city will have a lesser qualified city auditor than the majority of cities our size.

This whole thing smells bad.

Maybe because the new city auditor is a former Utilities employee with close ties to Utilities executives. And Council is the Utilities’ Board of Directors. Hmm … Will the new city auditor look the other way and no one will be the wiser?

What is next? Eliminate the audit committee so citizens do not have visibility or input to city audit’s work? Or, drop city audit compliance with their own industry standards — called the Red Book?

I hope I am wrong, but I am not holding my breath.

Send an email to AllCouncil@coloradosprings.gov. Let them know you disapprove of where things are headed. Tell them you want a qualified city auditor, retention of experienced staff, an audit committee with public accountability, and compliance with the Red Book audit standards.

Carl Nehls

Colorado Springs

Situation is so convoluted

First of all it was completely irresponsible for City Council to hire a person that doesn’t meet the qualifications for the position. How do you square that when there are applicants that do meet the qualifications?

Then they allowed the person who doesn’t meet the qualifications to change the rules so she never has to be qualified.

It’s hard to even word this email because the entire situation is so convoluted. There’s obviously some insider political shenanigans with this City Council.

Just stand up, City Council, and do what’s right!

Kathy Logan

Colorado Springs