Great Things Going On
On Tuesday evening at a special board of education meeting Misty Palacios and G. Lyn Bogle were sworn in as our newest board members. Both won their seats in the recent recall election, Misty by unseating James Sanchez and Lyn by unseating Phil Varoz. Misty’s term will last through November 2017, while Lyn will need to run once again this November if he would like to remain on the board.
On Tuesday I had the pleasure, along with Center High School principal Kevin Jones, to participate in an advisory panel to support current Boettcher Rural Teacher Program candidates in preparing to apply for jobs and participate in interviews. The Boettcher Teacher Program is cooperatively operated by the Boettcher Foundation, the Public Education Business Coalition, and Adams State University in an effort to attract highly motivated young men and women into the teaching field and to effectively prepare them for such work.
I want to thank Center Schools contracted counselor Katrina Ruggles and Americorps worker Lawrence Trujillo for arranging an activity last Friday where many of our students were able to celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez by travelling to Alamosa to watch a movie about his life. This is just one example of many activities we are offering our students this spring on Friday’s when school is not in session.
Finally, congratulations are due once again to Skoglund Middle School 6th grader Natalia Cendejas for a great finish at this year’s state level Optimist Youth Basketball Skills competition. Natalia once again finished near the top of the heap, coming in third place overall in her age group. Congratulations Natalia!
On Tuesday I had the pleasure, along with Center High School principal Kevin Jones, to participate in an advisory panel to support current Boettcher Rural Teacher Program candidates in preparing to apply for jobs and participate in interviews. The Boettcher Teacher Program is cooperatively operated by the Boettcher Foundation, the Public Education Business Coalition, and Adams State University in an effort to attract highly motivated young men and women into the teaching field and to effectively prepare them for such work.
I want to thank Center Schools contracted counselor Katrina Ruggles and Americorps worker Lawrence Trujillo for arranging an activity last Friday where many of our students were able to celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez by travelling to Alamosa to watch a movie about his life. This is just one example of many activities we are offering our students this spring on Friday’s when school is not in session.
Finally, congratulations are due once again to Skoglund Middle School 6th grader Natalia Cendejas for a great finish at this year’s state level Optimist Youth Basketball Skills competition. Natalia once again finished near the top of the heap, coming in third place overall in her age group. Congratulations Natalia!
Big Things We Are Working On
At last Tuesday’s special board of education meeting the Center School District officially accepted as a gift the old Masonic lodge building at the Northeast corner of 4th Street and Broadway. Center Schools will be investing around $50,000 in the structure to prepare it to be used as a Boys and Girls Club for the children of Center. We are able to afford these improvements because of unexpected monies we are receiving from the Building Excellent Schools Today program as a result of our PK-12 building project coming in well under budget. these dollars must be spent on capitol improvements. We look forward to this building serving the needs of children and being a safe place for them to be for many years to come.
At Tuesday’s special board of education meeting, right after accepting my resignation as superintendent of schools, the Center School Board announced that current Center Virtual Academy Director Chris Vance will be the lone finalist to replace me. I am excited for Chris and for the staff and children of Center, as I know him to be a talented educator and an outstanding leader. I also look forward to getting to work closely with him during the next three months to transition him into my current position.
At Tuesday’s special board of education meeting, right after accepting my resignation as superintendent of schools, the Center School Board announced that current Center Virtual Academy Director Chris Vance will be the lone finalist to replace me. I am excited for Chris and for the staff and children of Center, as I know him to be a talented educator and an outstanding leader. I also look forward to getting to work closely with him during the next three months to transition him into my current position.
The Past Week
On Monday I worked on various facilities, finance, and personnel matters. On Tuesday I participated in a Boettcher Teacher Program expert panel in Alamosa and attended a special board of education meeting and work session. On Wednesday I had time to meet with board of education president Michael Lobato about district leadership transition issues and issues surrounding our new superintendent, and on Thursday I attended a surprise baby shower for Jaton and Ascencion Najera, while also working on items related to preparing for this week’s regional teacher PLC. Jaton teaches kindergarteners and Ascencion works in our technology department. They are expecting their baby to be born within the next month!
The Week Ahead
On Tuesday I will travel to Denver and back to chair the Colorado School Safety Resource Center advisory board meeting. On Wednesday I look forward to meeting with Saguache County director of social services Linda Warsh as to how Center Schools can take advantage of TANF funding in the future. On Thursday many of our seniors will attend the annual Trinidad State Community College Red Carpet Scholarship Day. On Friday we don’t have children once again, but our staff will be hosting a regional teacher PLC in our building.
I will also be working this week on finalizing evaluations of building administrators and working with Chris Vance to communicate those results with our principals.
Thanks for listening once again.
George
I will also be working this week on finalizing evaluations of building administrators and working with Chris Vance to communicate those results with our principals.
Thanks for listening once again.
George