Students urge internship support as public commenters raise praise and governance concerns

Student representatives from Northridge High School presented to the board about school traditions, pathways and career-readiness programs and asked trustees for help expanding internship opportunities.

Principal Aaron Allen introduced juniors Aliyah Medina and Edwin Power, who described traditions such as the school’s rite of passage and highlighted Northridge’s STEM pathways and work-based learning program. Power said the program requires internships before senior year and that finding enough placements has become increasingly challenging; he asked the board for continued support and community connections to expand internship opportunities.

During public participation, David Meek offered general praise for district programs and personal anecdotes; his remarks included references to veteran and FFA experience and religious language. Josh Wayne Scott, introduced himself as an educational specialist and master teacher, and raised governance and financial questions. Scott asked "who is in charge?" and urged trustees to review financials and Colorado Department of Education (CDE) data; he alleged concentrated spending in branding and referenced a large salary increase for a district official without identifying documents. Scott said he had been the target of threats in the past year and noted the upcoming election year.

Board members praised the students’ comments and emphasized the district’s focus on internship and career-readiness opportunities. Trustees did not take formal action on the student requests during the meeting; staff were encouraged to continue outreach to community partners.

Next steps: District staff said they will continue efforts to recruit business partners for internships and encourage community members to contact schools about hosting placements.