Board approves calendar change, auditor, and several policy updates; moves to non‑appropriate PowerSchool funds

ELIZABETH, Colo. — The Elizabeth School District Board of Education approved multiple administrative actions Monday, including a modification to the 2024‑25 instructional calendar, selection of a new district auditor, and several policy readings. The board also moved to non‑appropriate funds for a PowerSchool contract element the district no longer needs.

Calendar change: The board unanimously approved changing May 22 to a half day for students, with the remainder of the day kept as a staff work day. Board members said the change preserves instructional minutes and gives the district flexibility to avoid converting future weather‑related late starts into full remote days. Vote: Director Callahan, Director Fletcher, Director Olsen, Director Powell and Director Waller — all Aye.

PowerSchool non‑appropriation: District staff explained Colorado law requires a non‑appropriation clause in multiyear contracts so a future board cannot obligate funds for another board. The district said it uses two of three PowerSchool products and is seeking to cease the unused element; the company declined to allow partial cancellation. The board moved to non‑appropriate funds for the PowerSchool contract element so the district can notify the vendor under the contract’s cancellation timelines. (Motion moved and seconded; roll call not specified in transcript.)

New auditor: After a competitive process the board approved hiring Wall Smith Bateman, Inc. as the district’s auditor beginning with the 2024‑25 audit. The superintendent cited the firm’s experience with the district’s new Skyward business software and year‑round engagement model; the district said the award will reduce audit costs compared with the prior year’s expense. Vote: Director Callahan, Director Fletcher, Director Olsen, Director Powell and Director Waller — all Aye.

Policy approvals: The board approved second and final readings of revised policies and regulations including the school board officers policy (recorded as revised BBB/DDB in the packet), executive sessions policy (BEC), and school closing and cancellation policy (EBCE) and its accompanying regulation. The board also approved a first reading of a combined sick‑leave bank replacement policy (GBGH) and voted to send the proposed student cell‑phone policy (JICJ) for first reading and districtwide parent feedback.

Consent and minutes: The board approved routine consent items, the meeting agenda and minutes for the Feb. 24, 2025 meeting by roll call.

What officials said: Administrators said the calendar tweak gives the high school the four days needed for its final exam schedule and preserves two additional late starts for weather contingencies. Officials told the board Wall Smith Bateman’s familiarity with the district’s Skyward system made the firm preferable.

Next steps: Several items approved on first reading will return for final consideration at a future meeting. The district will notify the PowerSchool vendor as required if the non‑appropriation motion proceeds to formal termination steps.