During the most recent Pueblo County School District 70 Board of Education meeting, the board heard a request to send Rye Technology Student Association (TSA) students to Florida.
TSA enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Members apply and integrate these concepts through intra-curricular activities, competitions, and related programs.
Rye High School (RHS) teacher David Ressel was present at the meeting to explain that the RHS TSA students placed well in their competitions this year. He said two teams won first and second place in the state contest in structural design categories.
Other RHS students placed in the top ten to fifteen in their events at the state contest.
Ressel said he and fellow RHS teacher Kacie Anglin would like to take seven students to Orlando, FL to compete at the national level. The national contest will be held June 26 through June 30.
The BOE voted for approval for the Florida trip.
In the Action Items of the BOE meeting, the retirement of Colleen Mansfield, Rye High Secretary, was approved. Her retirement will be effective on August 1.
During input from the BOE members, John Christenson praised the Rye High Marching Band for their performance and third place award at the Blossom Day Festival in Canon City.
In a sign of changing times, Dr. Anthony Martinez, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, gave a presentation regarding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and District 70’s position with it. The board voted to accept the AI policy with transparent use being stressed.
Amanda Wittman, District 70 Director of Finance, gave a presentation explaining the quarterly financial report. She explained that board members may see some red ink in the quarterly report due to unexpected collapsed sewer lines and roofs needing to be patched. Wittman explained that, overall, the budget is tracking quite well despite the unexpected expenses.
Ted Ortiviz, Bond Manager, gave an update on the bond project as it is winding down. He shared that projects for the mountain schools are nearly completed as the HVAC is completed at Beulah. The Rye High School shop addition is complete, and all inspections are finalized.
Victoria Padilla, Principal at Vineland Elementary, shared information about gifts being given to Vineland Elementary School. Pueblo Food Project donated $1,400 and $962.64 was donated by several Mustang Families. Funds will be used to establish seven raised garden beds for the students to grow plants.
Sheila Sloan, a PWH teacher told of a $500 Donation to the Pueblo West High School Speech Program from Ami Bajah-Onyejekwe.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, Colorado, beginning at 6:00 p.m.