Durango district committee finds inconsistent data at Juniper Charter; board hears public support and a two‑year probation motion

Durango School District No. 9‑R heard a district advisory committee (DAC) review of Juniper School that rated four of five categories as "partially meets" and one category as "needs," prompting public comment in support of the charter and a board motion to grant a two‑year probationary renewal.

The DAC presentation described inconsistent and incomplete evidence across multiple performance categories, particularly in academic reporting and financial transparency. "There was data, there wasn't data. It was up, it was down," the DAC presenter said, summarizing why category ratings leaned toward "partially meets." The committee recommended Juniper prioritize clearer student‑level data and consistent reporting.

The findings prompted extended public comment from Juniper staff, parents and supporters. "Juniper is my forever home. I don't plan on going anywhere," said Erica Hallispojo, identifying herself as a fourth‑grade teacher at Juniper School. Several other Juniper teachers and staff described the school's instructional approach and new programming, including outdoor education and Orton‑Gillingham literacy work. "Juniper is an exceptional charter school," said Rush Cosgrove, a first‑year middle school teacher at Juniper who described prior research partnerships and classroom supports.

Board discussion acknowledged procedural errors during the review cycle and uneven documentation in the district's handling of the renewal timeline. A board member moved to approve a two‑year probationary renewal "as drafted," and another board member seconded the motion; the transcript does not include a recorded vote or final outcome.

The board and staff discussed specific concerns cited by the DAC: inconsistent assessment samples (some grades or years lacked enough tested students to report state ratings), unclear or incomplete financial documentation and inconsistent implementation evidence for planned data cycles. District staff said the drop previously reported as 775 students was incorrect: after accounting for the district no longer contracting with the Colorado Connections Online Academy, the district reported a net decrease of about 35 students, not 775.

The DAC recommended Juniper increase transparency in its reporting, strengthen routine data cycles, and document instructional implementation in a way that enables consistent year‑to‑year evaluation. District staff said they will use the probationary period to monitor completion of those items, finalize any required corrective plans and report back to the board.

Public commenters asked the board to renew Juniper's charter for the full five years. District presenters and Juniper staff urged focused supports rather than punitive steps; the DAC and district staff emphasized a need for better documentation more than an indictment of classroom practice.

Because the transcript records a motion and a second but does not show a roll call or tally, the article reports the motion as recorded in the meeting but does not assert whether the motion passed. The district will need to publish the official minutes or vote record to confirm final action and any conditions attached to the renewal.