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Board approves aeronautics grant resolution; district pursues federal funds for career-technical equipment
Summary
The Westminster Public Schools Board approved a resolution to accept terms for a Colorado Division of Aeronautics discretionary aviation grant to expand aviation programming and district leaders said they are also seeking $1 million in federal funding to add advanced manufacturing equipment to a career pathway campus.
WESTMINSTER, Colo. — The Board of Education on Sept. 9 approved a resolution accepting the terms for a Colorado Division of Aeronautics discretionary aviation grant intended to expand aviation education equipment and programming at the district’s aviation pathway campus.
Doctor Ryan McCoy, who presented the grant resolution, said the packet before the board "is just that, a resolution that is required for us to approve as a district and board for us to receive the funding, where we have applied for, additional equipment so that we can continue to expand our aviation education programs." The motion to accept the resolution was moved and seconded; roll-call votes were recorded as "Aye" from Miss Martinez, Miss Murphy, Mister Arecchio and Miss Yanos.
Separately in his superintendent report, Doctor Gatto told the board the district is seeking $1,000,000 in federal funding under an appropriations proposal to bring advanced manufacturing equipment to the Iversee Random Campus. "The district is seeking $1,000,000 in federal funding to bring advanced manufacturing equipment to the campus, which would dramatically improve opportunities for students," Gatto said. He said the request is part of an appropriations bill being considered in Washington, D.C.
Why this matters: the aviation grant resolution authorizes the district to accept state discretionary funds and comply with grant terms, enabling purchase or upgrading of equipment used in career-technical education (CTE) pathways. The federal request, if awarded, would provide additional equipment specific to advanced manufacturing at the Iversee Random Campus and expand hands-on student training opportunities.
Action and vote: The aeronautics grant resolution motion was presented and seconded during the meeting. The board recorded roll-call votes of aye from Martinez, Murphy, Arecchio and Yanos; the resolution passed.
Distinguishing discussion vs. decision: The aeronautics item was a formal board resolution with an approval vote. The $1,000,000 federal funding request was reported by the superintendent as an active district application; no board vote on the federal request was taken during this meeting.
Next steps: District staff will follow the Colorado Division of Aeronautics grant terms and any state reporting requirements once funds are received. Superintendent Gatto and staff will continue federal appropriations advocacy for the manufacturing equipment proposal and report back to the board on any award or required matching conditions.
Ending note: Board members expressed support for the career-connected learning emphasis and noted the grants align with the district’s stated goal of increasing career pathways for students.
