The D49 Board of Education meeting held on September 24, 2025, focused on updates from various departments within the El Paso County Colorado School District 49, particularly highlighting advancements in early childhood education.

Deputy Superintendent Nancy Lamond opened the session, introducing reports from three departments. Stacy Powell, the Director of Early Childhood Education, provided an overview of recent developments. She shared that Falcon Elementary has received a new playground, enhancing the outdoor experience for preschool students. Powell noted that Evans Elementary is the only school without an updated playground, but efforts are underway to improve this.

Powell reported the successful opening of a full-day preschool classroom at Evans, aimed at increasing enrollment and providing a supportive environment for staff members' children. She highlighted that the Universal Preschool (UPK) program is currently at full capacity, although some spots may fluctuate. The district is actively converting remaining tuition spots into UPK seats to accommodate more children.

Additionally, Powell mentioned the hiring of two new staff members, including an itinerant early childhood special education teacher, to bolster support in classrooms lacking a lead special education teacher. She also discussed the upcoming implementation of quality standards from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which has been postponed to the next school year.

The meeting continued with discussions on community engagement and outreach efforts to identify children in need of services. Powell emphasized the importance of licensed teachers in classrooms, surpassing state training expectations, and the district's commitment to family engagement through various events.

Looking ahead, Powell noted the high demand for preschool programs in specific areas, particularly in the Falcon Zone, and mentioned plans for additional full-time programming to meet community needs, despite potential limitations on classroom capacity.

The meeting concluded with a transition to updates from other departments, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the district's initiatives and future plans.