This quarter has been one of meaningful progress for Woodland Park School District. While challenges remain, the Board of Education is focused on strengthening our schools, supporting students and staff, responsibly stewarding taxpayer resources, and restoring confidence through transparency and thoughtful leadership.

Our Strategic Plan continues to guide the Board’s work, keeping us focused on improving student outcomes, strengthening district operations and building a sustainable future for Woodland Park School District.

Fiscal responsibility remains one of the Board’s highest priorities. This quarter, we reviewed the FY25 audit, continued development of the FY27 budget and established a Fiscal Advisory Committee to increase transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process. Every taxpayer dollar represents an investment in our students, and we remain committed to managing those resources wisely.

To further promote transparency, we are planning a public work session where an expert will explain the ETRAN program. Merit Academy’s Board has been invited to participate, and we encourage community members to attend as we work together to better understand this important funding program.

Many of the difficult decisions before us stem from financial challenges that existed before this Board took office. Our responsibility is to address those challenges honestly and make thoughtful decisions that protect the district’s long-term financial stability while keeping resources focused on students and classrooms.

This quarter we welcomed new principals at Woodland Park High School and Summit Elementary, continued facility improvements through partnerships like NoFloCo and Community Service Day, recognized outstanding community volunteers through the On Wings of Eagles recognition program, and advanced our curriculum review to ensure students have access to high-quality instructional materials.

We are also excited to launch our new JROTC program in partnership with the United States Air Force. We look forward to working together to hire instructors and bring this outstanding leadership opportunity to life. The program is open to eligible district students, and homeschool families are encouraged to participate. We also continue expanding opportunities through our Home School Enrichment Academy, strengthening connections with families across our community.

As we prepare for the new school year, we are encouraged to anticipate nearly 100 additional students enrolling this August. Every family that chooses Woodland Park School District is placing its trust in our schools, and we remain committed to earning that trust every day.

Our partnership with Merit Academy remains important because Merit students are Woodland Park School District students. We remain committed to working collaboratively to find solutions that support students while ensuring agreements involving public funds and assets are fair, transparent and sustainable. Asking questions and reviewing contracts is not hostility — it is responsible governance. We have a duty to protect the long-term interests of our district.

Transparency remains central to our work. The district website includes dedicated pages highlighting Board actions, priorities and the District-Merit partnership.

Thank you for your continued support of Woodland Park School District. The full Community Letter, with additional information on these initiatives and other district accomplishments, is available on the district website. I encourage you to stay engaged as we continue building a stronger future for our students and our community.