Greeley-Evans School District 6 recognizes student achievers, hears student representatives and approves consent items and board protocols

GREELEY, Colo. — At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education recognized students from Greeley West High School who scored in the national top 10% on high-school business exams, heard an extended Council of Student Representatives report on advocacy and district challenges, and approved routine agenda and policy items unanimously.

Superintendent Deirdre Pilch invited business instructor Julie Ratcliffe and students Alana Hill and Raymundo (Raymundo) Ocampo Flores to the podium to celebrate achievement in the district’s High School of Business program. Pilch said both students ‘‘scored in the top 10% in the national exam for the high school of business.’’ The superintendent named additional high scorers at Greeley West: Grace Ader (leadership, wealth management), Ian Abdi (leadership), Blake Steinmetz (wealth management) and Jason Vasquez (wealth management).

Student comments: Alana Hill told the board, "I've loved all the teachers that I've had ... it's really helping me stand out, and I'm just, like, really grateful to have these," and Raymundo Ocampo said the program ‘‘really goes more than just business’’ and helped him qualify for DECA state competitions.

The board also heard a report from the Council of Student Representatives. CSR officers and delegates described attendance at the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) leadership conference, where they discussed issues including school funding, four-day school weeks and cellphone policies. Edwin Power said the convention emphasized advocacy: "Through a good plan, hard work, outreach, and execution, we all have the power to make change within our communities." Other student speakers — Aliyah Medina, Sarah Venegas and Timothy Longacre — highlighted collaboration, leadership training and strategies to engage uninvolved students. The CSR officers said they plan outreach visits to middle and elementary schools to boost early engagement.

Board recognition: Timothy Longacre, CSR president, read a student-crafted resolution recognizing January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month in District 6 and thanked board members for volunteer service.

Votes at a glance: The board recorded four unanimous 7–0 votes during the meeting.

- Approve meeting agenda as presented: motion carried 7–0. Vote record: Director Azari — aye; Director Bentley — aye; Director Campos Spitzley — aye; Director Mash — aye; Director Matthews — aye; Director Norwood — aye; Director Sullivan — aye.

- Approve consent agenda and authorize officers to sign contracts: motion carried 7–0. Vote record: same as above.

- Designate the district website as the official posting site for public notice of meetings: motion carried 7–0. Vote record: same as above.

- Adopt Policy Exhibit B C‑E (Board Protocols) as presented: motion carried 7–0. Vote record: same as above.

Context and next steps: Superintendent Pilch said district graduation rates would be unembargoed next week and encouraged families to enroll in universal preschool. She also announced community events: a fundraiser for the Success Foundation on Jan. 17 at Chipper Lanes and a community recognition for the superintendent at Zoey's Event Center on Jan. 14 at 4:30 p.m. The CSR said it will pursue school outreach projects this semester to engage students earlier.

Ending: With routine business completed and no public speakers signed up, the board adjourned after the votes and presentations.