[{"_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",6483857,"mediaKeyId","5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c","parentId",5566528,"title","Board reviews major revisions to instructional and library-materials policies and adopts complaint form","audioSeconds",2324,"startMs",2594000,"endMs",4918000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c&start=2594&end=4918","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c/thumbnail_2594000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6483857/Colorado/Board-reviews-major-revisions-to-instructional-and-library-materials-policies-and-adopts-complaint-form","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483857-1d22c0336e9b68021d5f5cb847f01eb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139872&Signature=h86fkBMR3xvZpJW0Ic5P42Po9IE272A~Q3Eihtqtz6f-316u1sMwg0BjeaUjtK1WXt~RkJi5h1CHU5VmCfDiXPyz6qXrExsdhHWrRcR6K~Nbjb2On2PH2TjBQU9cXxM3mnkSRCMbqtOO9SCz981Qq~zOvpnJdzPCZnosFzF1DgkOkTVwDW-jazMuA9R5lyHSCglDVetC8IEgOhb5AIbjK0NNLSxerdsuLcR3KTD3W6~F5iFecnBT-QUix~xMaZKsrZOJo6NvmV1kDnibtLRAMCzGuz1hSoOw9NQVSDZ08OYil7dNPolU78BYW~CYdr5GwTFvUvhvOjbjIiOMcsMd1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","ELIZABETH SCHOOL DISTRICT","date","2025-08-13T01:48:58.943Z","article","The Elizabeth School District Board of Education on Aug. 12 reviewed a package of policy changes governing instructional materials, library resources and a formal process for members of the public to request reconsideration of materials.

Board members said they want clearer, narrower language before final adoption and asked district legal counsel and the chief academic officer to refine definitions, add statutory references and attach library protocols as a formal exhibit to the policy.

The draft policies under review included revisions to IJ (instructional and library materials), a new KEC policy on public concerns about instructional/library resources, and a standard reconsideration request form (KEC‑E) that the board was asked to adopt as the required method for submitting complaints. The board took first readings of the draft policies and the KEC‑E exhibit and asked staff to return with updated language at a subsequent meeting so the revisions can be adopted before the Sept. 1 deadline tied to recent state requirements.

Why it matters: The proposed changes respond to recent state guidance and legal practice requiring districts to adopt a clear reconsideration process and state statutory references for acquisition of materials. The package outlines who reviews challenged materials, how the district documents reviews, and how parents and other constituents can request reconsideration.

Key developments and board direction
- The board asked staff to merge district edits with language suggested by the districts legal counsel and to explicitly reference Colorado Revised Statutes where required (staff noted adding CRS 22-1-148 to the policy draft).
- Board members requested that the policy text make plain that the chief academic officer, as delegated by the board, will oversee selection and that the board retains final approval authority for materials acquisitions.
- Members debated whether to define terms such as \"literary merit,\" \"age appropriateness\" and \"obscenity\" in policy text or to leave those determinations for a curriculum-review process; counsel recommended caution about overbroad definitions but agreed to draft options for board review.
- The board asked staff to attach the districts existing library protocols as an exhibit or regulation (KEC‑R or KEC‑E2) so those implementation steps are formal and enforceable.

Public and legal context
District staff and counsel said the drafts incorporate language recommended by CASB and reflect recent legal developments (attorneys referenced case law and the need to ensure parental access and notice). Board members repeatedly emphasized \"parental rights\" as a principle and asked that policy language explicitly preserve a parent or guardian's ability to request that a child not be required to use particular materials based on sincerely held beliefs.

Process next steps
Board members completed first readings of the draft KEC policy, the KEC‑E reconsideration form and the IJ revisions and instructed staff and counsel to produce revised drafts that (1) add clearer definitions where helpful, (2) link the reconsideration form to the policy text, and (3) produce the exhibit/regulation that sets out procedures for the curriculum review committee. The board indicated it expects a revised packet at a future meeting so a final vote can occur before the statutory deadline.

Ending
The board emphasized that the district already makes library catalogs and materials available for parental review and that these policy changes are intended to make the review and reconsideration path clearer and more consistent with state law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ESD Board Meeting: Business Meeting for Tuesday, August 12th 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Elizabeth School District Board of Education on Aug. 12 reviewed a package of policy changes governing instructional materials, library resources and a formal reconsideration process and asked staff and legal counsel to revise drafts before final adoption.","taxTitle","ELIZABETH SCHOOL DISTRICT, School Districts , Colorado","taxId",55430,"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},6483842,"Teacher and student urge board to allow classroom pets, citing learning and attendance benefits",341,983000,1324000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c&start=983&end=1324","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c/thumbnail_983000.jpg","/articles/6483842/Colorado/Teacher-and-student-urge-board-to-allow-classroom-pets-citing-learning-and-attendance-benefits","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483842-c36a970f055ead6be90d5418a991b381/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139872&Signature=nkYYa5ZBHIhrzKPMJSER9M~RyTVa7hRSOE0d5ZTs~ZABzHN-2M8F6jb6bYkz1pg6vY8CfXKK-6XTuFGcyXqbfDxWzAa7x8Xtio2M3ldTbQKxtuFCbfNUM-fT3sybV9ybTWwp6WrO5JOCNf52u7gcsfTBPGEDQm1O56ueNur3Bh-6sTG09mKr6QLvgiRlhoNauYdvPJjov08RyI5FEQRvTe7yKQCDJ2Ny7pb1N61RD4ZtRImi20pMnbIvYfEIAMKeRrbC2Fuxv3bHQdHme6pf-d6YDnDumXhOx-PfefRT8kxBWQeU3PTP6ejc6S2atEbFCdaukrFSXn~8KO~qy~-SGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Two speakers addressed the board during public comment on Aug. 12 to urge continued allowance of classroom animals in Elizabeth Middle School science classes.

Lindsay Cutter, a middle-school science teacher with more than 20 years' experience in Colorado public schools, told the board that classroom animals are an important instructional tool and that she covers all care costs herself. Cutter said reptiles in class help build rapport, motivate attendance and support hands‑on science learning; she noted safety precautions and that her animals are nonvenomous constrictors.

\"My reptiles... help me create this positive learning environment,\" Cutter said, explaining that the animals reduce allergy risks for students who are sensitive to fur or feathers and that they serve as rewards that encourage students to do class projects and come to school.

Parker Day, a student who said he attended Elizabeth Middle School, described how class pets taught responsibility, teamwork and curiosity and said removing the animals would deprive students of experiential learning opportunities.

Board response and context
Board members thanked the speakers. No policy vote on classroom animals occurred at the meeting; Cutter and Day's remarks were entered under public comment for the board's consideration.

Ending
Speakers asked the board and district staff to consider classroom animals as a legitimate instructional resource and emphasized safety and established classroom-management procedures.","During public comment at the Aug. 12 board meeting, middle school science teacher Lindsay Cutter and former student Parker Day spoke in favor of allowing classroom animals. The teacher described educational benefits and safety measures; a student testified that class pets supported responsibility and engagement.",{"_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},6483847,"Board approves MOU to provide food services to Legacy Academy; one trustee votes no",62,1382000,1444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c&start=1382&end=1444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c/thumbnail_1382000.jpg","/articles/6483847/Colorado/Board-approves-MOU-to-provide-food-services-to-Legacy-Academy-one-trustee-votes-no","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483847-0d7de54c132513ccc40c57286e2beee6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139872&Signature=eh7Cg9nB-8JICYumM5YN317WBqJvi-j4cjTWhB-0oW190RmbDyFf-kMwWwxlxY4MdgZKXUMOOon1ts3v3aG~asIINswJhSiFcMap6ykyTZZA~nSsT4gaVZaY-W30MfLJVbIlPZjL2yslKn9vNxwneM8Sce2sycPN35eMlP8LrPmbqC1LFanudG685g7~vSKAZCNplR31HV13ee5-cGJ71sAFUw0ccLpqNPaqXIdgQv8f9W20fPv4LZRFuWbIP0TA~ySUWeh3j2cEx4GmrqNtX3wLeprUNOok~O3m73gseoxh-sWQzHxshVq0lGQBKk-91bxy3UcljzGGqhQmySFr9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elizabeth School District Board of Education voted Aug. 12 to approve a memorandum of understanding with Legacy Academy for food services that the district will provide to the charter school.

Board discussion and scope
District staff explained the MOU establishes the districts food services department as Legacys provider, collects the program funds, and covers staffing costs the district will incur to run the service. Staff said an earlier draft contained an incorrect date that has been corrected in the final MOU.

Vote
The motion to approve the MOU passed by roll call with four trustees voting yes and one no: Director Callahan — Aye; Director Fletcher — No; Director Hunt — Aye; Director Olsen — Aye; Director Powell — Aye. The board provided no additional public details about contract length or compensation in the meeting record; the MOU as discussed covers routine meal operations and staffing reimbursement.

Ending
Board members said the arrangement supports continuation of the districts food-service program while helping Legacy Academy start operations next year. District staff offered to provide additional contract details to the board if requested.","The board approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the district to provide cafeteria services to Legacy Academy. The agreement assigns the district food service department to operate meals for Legacy; one director voted no.",{"_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},6483852,"Board approves new purchasing policy changes to add transparency for staff sales and limit petty cash",457,1662000,2119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c&start=1662&end=2119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5566528-3b206c4cdb3ca9a4ae57b0b8f9bb430c/thumbnail_1662000.jpg","/articles/6483852/Colorado/Board-approves-new-purchasing-policy-changes-to-add-transparency-for-staff-sales-and-limit-petty-cash","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483852-555362b51df42ea1e0c6c84ce09a3da6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771139872&Signature=ihC2bnl64bw2y6GCzbR3BvcqrR~Nbmtroo2UR1G5r6dGeJAC1SWohWBXUZwWnZgsPpInkwaFqLJcllQ7qlhsW0O2XrNThx-R66N2j2JwGOg8klfQJkuRN4Sxu8HEaGRvtO8-P37ZCqhD7MsiXxHzuH4ls43UgZHgawCNE0iULvoMSbAecIxNMvcBussfQXKYTKSFEQj4EdJjkDoOAdFL7Js8BmhcId2DmAcg~WsLWsMXMLHheSowjKbrNcnH0VOyejrRxwP9x2y3WHqZSdmO5rU7QQwwO6EOwDn9Lp~KWW1eUtAsg7x1aZPcd8zvN3ZBRs~KF4gRa6XWgpNYkx-fBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elizabeth School District Board of Education on Aug. 12 approved, on a first-and-final reading, revisions to policy DJDJA governing purchasing authority. The revisions add explicit procedures for transparency when the district buys items from, or sells surplus items to, staff members, and they define limited conditions under which petty cash may be used.

What the policy changes say
- Staff transactions: Any purchase from or sale to a district staff member (for example, buying surplus equipment from an employee or selling surplus assets to staff) must be routed to the board so trustees can confirm the transaction represents fair market value and is not preferential.
- Petty cash: The policy authorizes petty cash only where justified and by specific approval of the chief financial officer or superintendent. The recommended maximum for a single school or department petty cash fund is $500; the district finance office may hold up to $1,000 for operational needs. Replenishment requires receipts and finance-office review.

Board discussion and accountability
Board members said they favor minimal use of cash and prefer p‑cards and district purchase orders for accountability. The chief financial officer will determine whether a school or department is authorized to have petty cash and the authorized maximum for that location. The board emphasized that misuse could make a principal or department head personally responsible for replenishment if purchases are inappropriate.

Vote
The board approved the first-and-final reading of revised policy DJDJA by roll call; all five sitting directors voted aye.

Ending
Board members directed staff to finalize administrative procedures consistent with the policy and to apply the petty‑cash limits and receipts requirements going forward.","The board voted to approve revised purchasing authority policy DJDJA that adds provisions for purchases or sales involving staff, sets limits and controls on petty cash use and assigns approval authority to the chief financial officer.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board reviews major revisions to instructional and library-materials policies and adopts complaint form

Teacher and student urge board to allow classroom pets, citing learning and attendance benefits

Board approves MOU to provide food services to Legacy Academy; one trustee votes no

Board approves new purchasing policy changes to add transparency for staff sales and limit petty cash