RBC | Earlier this month, the Meeker School District RE-1 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting at the district office. Board President Bill Devergie, Vice President Tom Allen, and board members Joe Nieslanik, Ann Franklin, Heather Sauls and Tony Theos were present. Board Secretary Hanna Borchard was absent but excused.
During the meeting, the board reviewed financial updates, approved action items and recognized student and staff achievements.
Superintendent Chris Selle opened the meeting by proposing a minor agenda adjustment to allow the district’s auditor to join later and explain the audit process if available. The board approved the agenda with the adjustment and later approved the November financials as part of the consent agenda. Selle noted that county tax revenue data often arrives late, which can complicate December financial reporting.
During district celebrations, Selle highlighted recent student performances by the Meeker High School drama program and the band and choir Christmas concert, calling the events “phenomenal” and praising staff for their commitment to developing student talent. He also recognized Meeker High School science teacher Sarah Powell for completing her alternative licensure while teaching full time, noting it requires “a lot of additional coursework on top of teaching full time.” The board also acknowledged district early literacy efforts.
Committee reports followed, with several groups—including the District Accountability Committee, District Leadership Team and Employee Council—reporting no meetings scheduled until January or February. BOCES/SAC board representative Ann Franklin reported that the group recently met and elected officers, naming Hanna Borchard as president, Sarah Nielsen of Rangely as vice president and Franklin as secretary. Franklin also said the group discussed shifting to quarterly meetings to reduce travel demands and will be sending out an evaluation for the executive director.
Later in the meeting, Selle reviewed mill levy trends and the district’s overall tax burden. He said Meeker’s total program mill levy is capped at 5.767 mils under state law and has remained flat even as assessed valuation in Rio Blanco County has increased. He noted some districts in Colorado carry total tax burdens of up to 50 mills, while Meeker remains at about 17 mils for its two bonds.
“Our taxpayers are getting a sweet deal because, you know, we are accredited with distinction. We do have new buildings, and our literacy scores are the best in the state for a fraction of the cost,” Selle said.
The board later approved Action Item No. 1, the district’s 2026 mill levy certification, before moving into discussion of the FY25 financial audit. With the auditor unavailable due to a family emergency, Selle provided an overview of the management letter and audit report. He explained auditors review samples of financial documents to ensure proper controls and compliance.
The audit again cited two recurring items common in small districts: limited segregation of duties due to staffing size and the district’s reliance on auditors to prepare year-end financial statements. Selle said both findings are expected and understood by auditors and emphasized there were no significant concerns.
He reported the auditor was complimentary of district staff for their cooperation and documentation and confirmed they “have nothing that they’re concerned [about] from an auditor standpoint.”
Selle also noted certain liabilities, including PERA obligations, may appear larger due to changes in state reporting requirements rather than new financial issues. He said district leadership plans to meet with the auditor early next year to review accounting adjustments in more detail.
Near the end of the meeting, the board discussed concurrent enrollment with Colorado Northwestern Community College, noting tuition costs for dual-enrollment courses are reimbursed, resulting in no net cost to the district. Selle said the arrangement allows many students to earn significant college credit at no charge, a benefit not commonly available statewide.
The meeting adjourned with the board’s next work session scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m., followed by the regular meeting on Jan. 26, 2026, at 7 p.m., both to be held at the district office.