Superintendent: high school project progressing; state school finance outlook unclear

Superintendent at the Fremont Re-1 School District’s Monday, Sept. 22, meeting said the Canyon City High School construction project is in phase two and praised student tour guides and community interest in the work.

“Where they are right now is wonderful,” the superintendent said of the high school project, which the district described as its most intensive and grant-supported improvement. The superintendent invited members of the public to visit district buildings to view recent improvements.

The superintendent also reported attending the Colorado State Superintendents Conference in Vail and the Colorado School Finance Project briefing with district staff. He said there is “not a lot of clarity on school finance” and called the coming year “tough,” but said he would continue to keep the board informed as forecasts develop.

In addition, the superintendent said he was invited to participate on panels about communications and on workforce-related topics including industry-level certification, concurrent enrollment and work-based learning. The superintendent thanked Pueblo Community College (PCC) for partnership on concurrent enrollment and work-based learning work referenced in the presentation.

The superintendent announced the recent death of former board member Shad Johnson, who served two terms, and said a celebration of life is scheduled for Friday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park. He described Johnson as a frequent volunteer connected to Harrison School and a longtime presence in the district’s community.

No formal action was taken on the high school project during the meeting; the superintendent’s remarks were presented as informational.