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Board approves consent agenda, advances Monroe Elementary sale; hears Project SEARCH pilot and budget update
Summary
The Thompson School District board approved its consent agenda (personnel, expenditures, gifts, policy and a resolution), authorized steps to close the sale of Monroe Elementary and received updates on Project SEARCH — a pilot employment program for students with disabilities — and on the district’s financial status.
The Thompson School District Board of Education approved multiple operational items during its March 26 meeting, including personnel recommendations, expenditures over $50,000, a notable equipment donation and a board resolution reaffirming support for all students. The board also approved a resolution authorizing staff to proceed with the sale of Monroe Elementary and received updates on Project SEARCH and the district budget.
Key votes and administrative items: The board approved the action consent items (6.1–6.8) by roll call. Item highlights included personnel extra‑duty and coaching recommendations, a Joint Insurance Committee renewal recommendation, the renewal of Vision Charter School, a revised board meeting schedule (moved to accommodate the Colorado Association of School Boards conference), and a gift of 66 Axiom football helmets valued at $49,500 from the Denver Bronco Foundation (item 6.3). The consent agenda also included a district resolution reaffirming support for students and families and updates to policy BEC (executive session) and the board meeting schedule.
Monroe Elementary sale: The board approved a separate resolution authorizing district staff to proceed with closing documents for the sale of Monroe Elementary, a property the board deemed surplus on Oct. 21, 2021. District staff said the price had been finalized since the study session and that the closing timeline is currently targeted for late June to midsummer 2025; staff were authorized to complete inspections, due diligence and closing paperwork.
Project SEARCH pilot: The board heard a presentation about Project SEARCH, a one‑year school‑to‑work pilot hosted at Banner McKee. Presenters said this is the district’s first Project SEARCH site; the pilot currently serves six interns from the district who complete three 10‑week rotations at hospital departments that include cafeteria, EVS, facilities, PACU/sterile processing, supply chain and rehab. The interns attend daily employability‑skills classes, lead periodic internship planning meetings, and are working toward resumes and community job placement. The district and partners (including DVR and Banner McKee) said interns will graduate in a May 15 ceremony; a May 19 onboarding is planned for the next cohort and the program follows the district calendar with an August start for the school year.
Budget update: District finance staff presented a revised reporting format and a March financial snapshot tied to the board’s amended budget from January. The finance presentation showed general fund activity, personnel budgeting notes (including pay schedules and accruals), and cash‑balance information. Staff said bond reconciliation work is underway and a Plant Moran reconciliation will be presented at an April working session.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (items 6.1–6.8): mover Alexandra Lesum; second Denise Chapman; roll call: Stu Boyd Aye; Denise Chapman Aye; Amy Doran Aye; Dawn Kirk Aye; Barbara Cruz Aye; Alexandra Lesum Aye; Nancy Rumpelt Aye. Outcome: approved. - Monroe Elementary sale resolution: mover Nancy Rumpelt; second Don; roll call: unanimous approval recorded. Outcome: approved. - Minutes and agenda votes: Minutes for 02/19/2025 and 02/26/2025 approved (unanimous ayes). Minutes for 03/05/2025 approved; roll call recorded one No vote (Director Nancy Rumpelt).
Why this matters: The consent agenda advances routine district operations — personnel, contracts, school renewals and donations — but two items carry broader operational impact: (1) the Monroe sale, which will move district real property and generate proceeds for capital or operations, and (2) Project SEARCH, which represents an in‑district pathway for students with disabilities into paid employment or community jobs. The updated budget reporting format aims to make monthly financials more transparent for future board and public review.
Ending: District staff said more detailed bond reconciliation data and budget work will return to the board at the April working session. Project SEARCH staff invited the board to the first‑year graduation on May 15 and indicated recruitment for the next cohort is underway.
