Poudre School District, United Way announce $150,000 to cover childcare for teen parents; Wellington wins state title

Poudre School District R-1 on Tuesday recognized community partners and student athletes, highlighting a new investment to help teen parents and a long-sought football championship.

Melissa Schafer, who runs the district’s teen parenting program, said a family foundation donated $75,000 and community donors matched that gift, bringing the total raised by United Way of Larimer County to $150,000. Shafer told the board the funds will go directly to childcare tuition for teen parents after district support through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program was frozen in February 2024, a disruption that had left some students unable to attend classes. “Within a short period of time, the community rallied,” Schafer said.

Kelsey D’Astra, acting CEO of United Way of Larimer County, said the funding helped many teen parents return to the classroom. “Many teen parents are back in the classroom now,” D’Astra said, and credited partnerships across the district and community for the rapid fundraising.

The board also honored Wellington Middle High’s football team, which captured a two-way state title. Hilary Bartling, the school’s athletic director, and Coach Travis Peoples recounted a multi-year effort to build the program, praising student leadership and staff support. Coach Peoples singled out senior Tanner Gray, noting Gray has a full scholarship to play at the University of Nevada.

The recognitions were presented near the start of the Jan. 13 meeting; board members and honorees gathered afterward for a group photograph.

No board action was required for the recognitions; the district said the childcare donation will be used in coordination with school staff and program administrators to ensure funds cover tuition and access needs.