[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6536350,"mediaKeyId","3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90","parentId",3798878,"title","Colorado Springs District 11 adopts flag display and sports policies after contentious public comment; board agrees to join lawsuit","audioSeconds",5087,"startMs",1723000,"endMs",6810000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90&start=1723&end=6810","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90/thumbnail_1723000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6536350/Colorado/Colorado-Springs-District-11-adopts-flag-display-and-sports-policies-after-contentious-public-comment-board-agrees-to-join-lawsuit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536350-1dbb6c1551239669900d64ce43aa967d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135244&Signature=dc~HFI7yc0fRMjmJRXMx8o8UM8wgyo5UroOnLPKnx70BRXqPE~p3mWdxbsFr0ei-UV~irnw93rsUGPEislyAtzHE4S3RrxL8lCdyJeS31vPXcX7R0Ll0s3m0~8RZjPXRkXyN-Px8lswnkISNytACqwmiMiSpO~nc9saW-ghczz-rTLpBvZ35C3g7zbSMb-8oJyzGqWGiH-iatDPdSXA024U2HGm4oKdZid3Tqy4YPGLsKASJJ~9I6ux4XMx8HB0ozNTa5Gmmh5tMPARdyqx2L~BvggTq3Hd4WYEL2UFRm1gjYt7LpRg0qQaiM2Jk3JJwaJ7E~SjBvJX3vUMxsZIxzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado Springs School District No. 11","date","2025-06-12T05:06:46Z","article","The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education on Wednesday adopted two contested policies — IMD, limiting displayed flags on district property, and JBA, restricting participation in girls' sports to students the board described as \"biologically female\" — after more than two hours of public comment and debate.

More than three dozen public commentators filled the dais for a special meeting scheduled after the board's executive session. Speakers from parents to advocacy organizations urged the board either to withdraw or amend the measures. Inside Out Youth Services and other speakers said the policies would stigmatize transgender and gender-expansive students and increase safety risks for those students; others, including teachers and parents, supported the policies as preserving neutral learning environments and protecting female athletes.

The board adopted IMD (observances, school ceremonies and display of flags) on a 6-1 roll call: Directors Mancas, Carey, Haefeli, Jorgensen, Melpakam and Nelson voted aye; Director Ott voted no. Minutes show Director Nelson moved adoption. The board then adopted JBA (protecting fairness and safety in sports) by the same count. After adopting JBA, board members conducted an informal show-of-hands vote directing district staff to explore joining a federal lawsuit initiated by a neighboring district challenging state-level rules; the motion drew broadly the same split among board members with six in favor and one opposed.

Public comment was heavily weighted against the policies. Ally Klein, identified as a Palmer parent, PTA vice president and substitute teacher, told the board she had previously supported district efforts but urged rejection of the items on the agenda as harmful to students: \"If safety is the concern of this board as it claims, know that statistically speaking, trans kids are one of the most targeted demographics in our country,\" Klein said. Ali Heronsaft, program manager at Inside Out Youth Services and a former coach, told the board the policies would \"embolden harm against gender-expansive students\" and said banning pride flags or restricting transgender athletes could encourage bullying.

Speakers who supported the policies included some teachers and parents who said classroom displays should be limited and who argued that athletic fairness and safety for female athletes should be explicitly written into district rules. \"We have to be fair to all athletes,\" a teacher at the meeting said in support of JBA.

Board debate ranged from appeals to the district's parental partnership policy to concerns about legal exposure. Director Haefeli and other members said the board must align local policy with federal protections for female athletes and Title IX, and raised the possibility that state-level guidance could put the district at odds with federal law. Director Ott and others criticized the policies as \"not helping anyone,\" saying the rules would intentionally exclude and harm students and staff. After discussion, the board adopted both policies and asked the superintendent to pursue further legal briefing about joining the ongoing federal litigation brought by an adjacent district; board members said additional financial details on litigation participation would be provided later.

The board also modified the meeting agenda so public comment would precede the superintendent's report; that change came after the extended executive session in which the board completed the superintendent's evaluation.

What happens now: The policies take effect as written; the board also signaled support for joining a federal lawsuit that seeks judicial clarity on how state and federal rules apply to transgender student participation in school athletics. The board directed staff to return with details on litigation costs, the obligations of participation and any potential impacts on district staff time and budget before taking a final financial commitment.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Special Meeting / Work Session 6-11-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education on June 11 adopted two controversial policies — IMD on flags and JBA on participation in girls' sports — after hours of public comment, and signaled support for joining a federal lawsuit challenging conflicting state guidance.","taxTitle","Colorado Springs School District No. 11 in the cou, School Districts , Colorado","taxId",12901,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6536336,"District 11 to further study energy-performance contract after audit shows potential multi-million-dollar savings",627,7514000,8141000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90&start=7514&end=8141","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90/thumbnail_7514000.jpg","/articles/6536336/Colorado/District-11-to-further-study-energy-performance-contract-after-audit-shows-potential-multi-million-dollar-savings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536336-07b9d6104f92e189c806ccb919b4a59a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135244&Signature=TA8jnKF3bcQ-ZUWE3t~w~vTMOJbnPClJznjbMghoM-2nPsrIWYbK9IGwZSXfbC7RjoWbhMpps9E4z2T0KCBk3S-LkxwxyZbH6mQ05B2q-RyecVTos0MDk2mh2LaTajV8dq42MuiXgI1qYO-R--nVpaq0jPxa11CJcgPYkfgXaw57EY~mI3a8vikbTnMEs7xVfYfSC8Rhs2xzsLuZszRMRm7JzJelhPT-7tMT6~cOr3ErTxmzcbliZYm1wVn0K2BOaWS7zWhtM9PCGeEZ~FO7PYJ1Xt0hToTRQ4SQIujygCi73bi7DP0VNHjmmqFYDZK-wVQZyV7bXT83XuH8OHVXag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District 11 staff and Schneider Electric presented an investment-grade energy assessment and a draft energy performance contract (EPC) at the June 11 board meeting. Schneider's team said the package would allow the district to install roughly $25 million in energy-efficiency and building upgrades within about 12 months and to fund those improvements from the guaranteed energy savings.

Key items Schneider highlighted included LED lighting upgrades, building automation systems, HVAC improvements at targeted campuses, and service to maintain performance. Schneider estimated first-year utility savings at roughly $1.5 million and projected total savings in the $46\u0000million to $51\u0000million range over a 20-year term; financing the $25\u0000million scope over 20 years would result in approximately $41\u0000million in payments against which the vendor guarantees energy savings. The firm said the project would be structured so guaranteed savings cover finance payments and that Schneider would write a check for any shortfall relative to the guarantee.

District staff presented alternatives: (1) pursue the full EPC with an external partner (faster delivery, larger scale, guaranteed savings but multi-year contractual obligations and potential long-term commitments for affected buildings), or (2) stage internal projects over time (slower, smaller scope, fewer long-term contractual obligations). Staff and the vendor noted potential complications when district buildings are rebuilt or taken out of service: large capital investment in a building that is later replaced could complicate the EPC baseline, so staff said they would identify buildings where near-term investment makes sense.

After discussion the board indicated it wanted more detail before making a formal commitment. Directors asked for: (a) a financing plan and cost estimates for participation, (b) clarity on staff time obligations and any operational limits that would accompany an EPC agreement, (c) a comparison of the vendor-run EPC to an internal, staged approach. The superintendent and finance staff will gather lender proposals and return at an early August meeting with formal financing options and a recommendation. The board did not approve financing or contract execution at the June 11 meeting.

Schneider and district leaders also noted classroom benefits from improved lighting and HVAC that increase learning conditions and indoor air quality. Schneider said it has delivered similar projects for other Colorado K-12 districts through the Colorado Energy Office program and that the EPC model is designed to be budget-neutral by design.","Schneider Electric presented an investment-grade audit showing an estimated $1.5 million annual energy savings and a 20-year projected savings of about $46\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000million guaranteed; the board asked staff to return in August with financing and implementation options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6536340,"District 11 outlines middle school accountability plan and a proposed \"middle school academy\" to boost grades and growth",93,2954000,3047000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90&start=2954&end=3047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6536340/Colorado/District-11-outlines-middle-school-accountability-plan-and-a-proposed-middle-school-academy-to-boost-grades-and-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536340-f286e6eeb73662280c6bbdc57cd81e09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135244&Signature=WfhVn7JXJl3tftOPx42cEuUYqopuGkBNaR3bvPlJrsz6HYw5CYrrZG5SNfphxPeDrq~Y5mzsXTtDwz451SQo08pGJzcCmw33aFhoqHEmvwsJtVrBL7ukGY71VrsxglVnrlYT74EJC7QxyCHMvibSs0WdvDrgl-QpNzlusTxCFvTkUSkqmnU816xwTMLD3nerAi9Q2YTiTlX-PzP2CEjHHHB2USl-1Nhv3Rjr~RGCEz~w7aIh-ab4KP8d7u~CJ3MwEhznccfrOjA6rphiShNz1NWkC8T1WWg4KmjQT7q~BhsAbnWxw54SA1LwC9nYyse2apB~ZqTaPRUJB6MXWi82CA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Colorado Springs School District 11 staff described a new middle school accountability system Wednesday aimed at reducing failures in core courses and improving academic growth.

Area Superintendent Darren Joyner and the district's instructional leaders told the board that roughly 34 percent of middle school students have student growth percentiles (SGP) of 35 or below in English language arts and about 38 percent are at that level in math. The district's minimum target growth is an SGP of 50, staff said.

District staff said the plan will use Education Insights reporting to trigger earlier interventions at mid-quarter and end-of-quarter checkpoints, prompting actions such as family contact, goal planning, weekly staff check-ins and more frequent progress monitoring. Area superintendents and principals will have oversight responsibility to ensure consistent implementation across schools.

One of the central ideas is a proposed \"middle school academy\" for students who remain in the accountability system an entire school year. That academy would offer an intensive learning environment with tight structures, mental health supports and executive functioning instruction designed to return students to their home schools once they are on track. Staff said the academy would be built out during the 2026-27 school year and would be informed by ongoing principal and teacher input.

Board members asked for clarity on metrics (how grades correlate to learning), program overlap with AVID and other supports, transportation and location options (region-based vs. one site), and staffing models. Staff said they will provide data updates and a fall progress report; the district will implement the accountability components at the start of the next school year with mid-quarter monitoring built into the schedule.

Director Carey emphasized that lowering the number of failing grades must reflect real learning gains, not grade inflation or administrative fixes: \"There are some very easy ways to do that that do not accomplish the mission,\" he said.

Staff said they will return with additional details and an update by the October break and that the district will focus on aligning grading practices with learning standards to make SGP and grade-based measures more meaningful.","District 11 presented a plan to reduce the number of middle school students earning failing grades and to raise student growth percentiles, including an early-response system, mid-quarter checks, and a proposed \"middle school academy\" for intensive support.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6536345,"Votes at a glance: board approves charter contract, insurance renewal, workers' comp pool and two contested policies",256,5898000,6154000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90&start=5898&end=6154","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3798878-19a80bb48cb964c2d046ff85727b0e90/thumbnail_5898000.jpg","/articles/6536345/Colorado/Votes-at-a-glance-board-approves-charter-contract-insurance-renewal-workers-comp-pool-and-two-contested-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536345-ff16a344f552aff40f28ea812af5a58f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135244&Signature=cgzteaKSig~OY4cMSdOEw~PFY3mqC159pRO-MR11T9ip~d8bGQw71ihJnqHkIEIlaiQdp6JuCkXidGzHxmbO4Tz~eIHdHDeqnafl4W0EO5xI8nMd1nj-QcPQyrBKCBF4IfssWpsspdu-zxfy-TOFbYHvAkK92d2QzbnC1GCLe~ONSsCg-5r2TrCCPxn4eix7gWieNXk7X8ysS6uWYQ~Ue5LrkJSKgh61sKqxJm9k4L8j55irUatbSvS3blH0CrkVqBv0zemrwbR-XYW7yW1Z0FN7DrMFbEytnn-HEhAa~9alRL8sFSeBuiD6HGLsiiBNJijacHj60YnChWZPMVHGrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Colorado Springs School District 11 Board of Education took several formal actions during its June 11 special meeting. Below are the motions, outcomes and key details as recorded in the public minutes.

- Colorado Military Academy (Charter contract) — Motion: \"I move that the Board of Education approves resolution 2025-48 approving contract C-2026-0010 to approve the Colorado Military Academy as a district-authorized charter school.\" Moved by Director Carey. The board had previously approved the transfer application May 7; the contract performance will commence 07/01/2025 for a five-year term through 06/30/2030, with annual performance reviews and potential earned extensions under policy LBD. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded; \"the ayes have it\").

- Joint school district workers' compensation pool (JSD pool) — Motion: \"I move that the board of education approves the agreement between Colorado Springs School District 11 and the joint school district workers compensation self-insurance pool, to join the pool effective 07/01/2025.\" Outcome: approved (roll call recorded).

- District property insurance renewal — Motion: \"I move that the Board of Education approves the renewal of the district's property insurance policy with Federal Insurance Company (Chubb) for the period 07/01/2025 through 06/30/2026.\" Outcome: approved (roll call recorded).

- Policy IMD (observances / display of flags) — Motion: \"I move that the Board of Education adopts the revised policy IMD observances, school ceremonies, and display of flags.\" Outcome: approved by roll call, 6-1 (Director Ott opposed).

- Policy JBA (protecting fairness and safety in sports) — Motion: \"I move that the Board of Education adopts policy JBA protecting fairness and safety in sports.\" Outcome: approved by roll call, 6-1 (Director Ott opposed). Following adoption the board voted by show of hands to direct the superintendent to pursue details for joining existing federal litigation; the board requested legal and cost estimates before making any formal financial commitment.

Each action was introduced as an agenda item and the meeting transcript records movers, seconding, and roll-call tallies where available. Superintendent and staff supplied routine background information for contract and insurance items; public comment and board discussion were especially substantial for the two policy items.","At its June 11 special meeting the Colorado Springs School District 11 Board approved a five-year charter contract for Colorado Military Academy, joined a joint school district workers' compensation pool, renewed property insurance and adopted two controversial policies (IMD and JBA). Roll-call votes and key details are listed below.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Colorado Springs District 11 adopts flag display and sports policies after contentious public comment; board agrees to join lawsuit

District 11 to further study energy-performance contract after audit shows potential multi-million-dollar savings

District 11 outlines middle school accountability plan and a proposed "middle school academy" to boost grades and growth

Votes at a glance: board approves charter contract, insurance renewal, workers' comp pool and two contested policies