Meeker

Meeker superintendent shares response to state survey

MEEKER | Meeker School District Superintendent Chris Selle shared with the board last week the district’s response to a survey from key legislators and referred the board to a compilation of active legislative issues.
A few weeks ago, a small group of legislators sent school districts across the state a survey asking key questions that could jump start an effort to establish a vision for Colorado’s public education. They asked the districts to discuss the questions with their school boards and their district accountability committees. Meeker’s state representative Bob Rankin (R-Carbondale) and Rep. Millie Hamner (D-Frisco), both members of the powerful Joint Budget Committee, are part of this legislative group.
One of the last questions asked on the survey was whether the district or community members would be interested in getting involved in helping legislators develop a statewide plan to improve public education and would the effort be meaningful.
Meeker responded: “We are not particularly interested in getting involved with this plan and question if it is meaningful. With regard to school funding, multiple studies and multiple plans have been conducted and presented with no tangible improvements in funding. Caution exists regarding what benefit can come from another study or plan……We do not need another plan. We need the resources and freedom to use our professional judgement (sic) to address the needs we see in our local communities.”
Regarding whether the Meeker groups were satisfied with student achievement and outcomes, and five top strategies, the response was that while Meeker academic achievement is generally strong, top strategies to improve are: additional student emotional support so as to further limit classroom interruptions; smaller classes; more technical curriculum and instruction; academic interventions via reading and other federal programs; and greater differentiation for advanced students.
The reply further identified other needs: To have salaries and benefits that are competitive with other industries requiring similar education and training; expanded curricula and electives; broader cultural experience for students; greater service opportunities for students; more up-to-date curriculum materials; and filling some growing gaps in appropriate educational facilities.
Regarding what learning experiences are foreseen for students down the road, the types and levels of learning, and how information and learning will be accomplished, Meeker’s response was: through STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) and technical integration students will become more creators of technology rather than simply being consumers; increased critical thinking and problem solving; increased collaboration in order to be competitive in the worldwide market; and it will become increasingly important for all kids to get a high school education in order to position themselves for post-secondary education in some form or to have a marketable skill set.
Regarding what the Colorado legislature has done to support or detract from the district’s ability to do the best for our students, Meeker’s response was: most legislation has detracted—getting mandate after mandate over the last seven to eight years without the resources to implement them; recent reductions in state standardized testing has been beneficial, but the constantly changing policies have caused much frustration; cutting required uniform improvement plans to once every two years (from every year) for rural districts has been helpful, but there’s not much benefit to improvement plans in general; and the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant program has been a real plus.
Regarding the district’s top challenges: Insufficient funding to meet student needs; dealing with legislation or rules suitable for urban/suburban districts that have no context for rural districts; redundant data reporting; increasing social, emotional needs of students; providing competitive salaries; aging and inadequate facilities (especially the high school); funding curriculum materials; funding instructional coaching; and funding transportation (buying school buses and small vehicles).
In closing remarks, Meeker said legislative efforts to address funding inadequacies for K-12 education are greatly appreciated and that they hope this effort will afford local communities the flexibility needed to determine the best uses for additional dollars when they become a reality.
Selle’s legislative referral was to an analysis of bills important to education done by the Colorado Rural Schools Alliance (CRSA). They identified finance, assessment (testing) and flexibility as the big issues. On the state budgeting process, they report that the current budget (Long Bill) for K-12 education, which was released last week, is $140 million higher than the governor requested, and that it does not rely on any increase in marijuana taxes or a partial repeal of the senior homestead exemption. Total funding for Colorado public schools looks to remain flat for 2017-2018, but there is skepticism that the legislature can actually find the necessary dollars to make that a reality. There is still an expectation of an increase in the negative factor (balancing take-away).
With regard to the TABOR (Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights) Act from 1992, two Republican western slope legislators have introduced a bill to put a proposition before voters on the November ballot which would change the way the excess state revenue cap is calculated. The change would grow the cap annually by the average rate of change in state personal income for the previous five years. Proponents argue that this is a better measure of state prosperity. It would reduce revenues due back to state residents by $133 million for the next fiscal year and $203 million for 2018-19. CRSA supports this bill.
A measure to require the sharing of school district mill levy revenues with charter schools is in progress. This bill would have little to no impact for Meeker, but is an important funding question for alternative charter schools state-wide. CRSA opposes this concept.
Regarding the vision and study of education in Colorado down the road, it’s possible the legislature may form an interim committee to study school finance and create a better funding formula. Rankin and Hamner may also push the creation of a legislative task force to focus on a strong education vision and finding a way to generate the necessary revenue. This is a follow-up effort on the survey discussed above.
Legislation to set a uniform mill levy for every school district, as has been recommended by the Joint Budget Committee, is expected but has not yet been introduced.
On flexibility, Rep. Jim Wilson (R-Salida) has a bill which would allow rural districts to hire unlicensed teachers if they cannot find a qualified, licensed teacher for a given position. The school board, in those cases, would have to enact a “critical teacher shortage” resolution.
On standardized testing, a bipartisan bill is pending which would eliminate current ninth grade PARCC tests, replacing them with a test aligned with the 10th grade tests which are now from SAT. CRSA supports this change.
The current 110/140 day limits on retired (PERA) teachers would be eliminated for those who return to teach, cook or drive a bus for a rural district. PERA itself opposes this legislation citing fiscal issues, but CRSA, the Colorado Association of School Executives and the Colorado Education Association support it.
A bill to allow a diploma endorsement for mastery in STEM subjects is pending. CRSA is neutral on this issue as students in rural schools would be disadvantaged by not having access to advanced classes.
Newly elected state representative Barbara McLachlan (D-Durango) has introduced a bill that would require the Colorado Departments of Higher Education and K-12 Education to do strategic planning regarding teacher shortages. CRSA supports her bill.

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  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

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Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
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  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
29 mins ago
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Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
4 hours ago
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
1 day ago
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Once again, the Rangely High School lady Panthers basketball team battled their way to the state championship in Denver. They ended a wildly successful season the ninth-ranked 2A Division team in the state with a 35-29 loss on March 7 to Wiggins and a March 8 loss to Denver Christian 60-46. Bottom row: Aubrey Keeney, TyLee Fielder, Ashlynn Ducey, Miah Wren, Emmeree Wagner. Top row: Coach Lohry, Rachel Elder, Aubrianna Tapia, Addison Scott, Annika Cantrell, Ryann Mergelman, Kastyn Dembowski, Miley Chism. Coach Nate Terrin (in back) and Head Coach Jimmie Mergelman.
Once again, the Rangely High School lady Panthers basketball team battled their way to the state championship in Denver. They ended a wildly successful season the ninth-ranked 2A Division team in the state with a 35-29 loss on March 7 to Wiggins and a March 8 loss to Denver Christian 60-46. Bottom row: Aubrey Keeney, TyLee Fielder, Ashlynn Ducey, Miah Wren, Emmeree Wagner. Top row: Coach Lohry, Rachel Elder, Aubrianna Tapia, Addison Scott, Annika Cantrell, Ryann Mergelman, Kastyn Dembowski, Miley Chism. Coach Nate Terrin (in back) and Head Coach Jimmie Mergelman.
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View on Instagram |
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