Superintendent presents state of the district, outlines Uplands Discovery Campus and Fit FI school reconfigurations
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Gatto delivered the 2026 State of the District, previewing the Uplands Discovery Campus (groundbreaking this year, opening 2028), multiple Fit FI facility reconfigurations, new partnerships for CTE and adult learning, and technology policy changes including a district-wide ChatGPT network restriction.
Dr. Gatto, superintendent of Westminster Public Schools, delivered the district's State of the District on Jan. 27, thanking the board for School Board Appreciation Month and outlining major capital, academic and technology priorities for 2026.
The superintendent said voters approved the Uplands Discovery Campus to bring together John E. Flynn/Marzano Academy and Shaw Heights Middle School; the district plans to break ground this year and open the campus in 2028. "This year, we will break ground and the campus will open in the 2028," Dr. Gatto said, presenting the campus as "what's possible when a community invests in its students." He said Shaw Heights will serve as a temporary home for Uplands students during construction and that more than 100 families attended a recent open house.
Dr. Gatto described a range of career and technical education expansions, saying students at Westminster High School, Hidden Lake Secondary Campus and the Random/Innovation Campus earned more than 400 industry-recognized credentials last spring, the district's highest total to date. He highlighted new and continuing partnerships, including an agreement with Front Range Community College for adult learning and a research partnership with the University of Colorado and the Anschutz Campus that involved students in lab work.
On districtwide operations, Dr. Gatto reviewed the Destination 2030 goals and school reliability levels, noting seven level-5 certified schools and recent level-4 status for Hidden Lake Secondary School. He said the district placed a paraeducator in every kindergarten classroom this year to support early literacy and that midyear indicators are promising.
Addressing student wellness and equity, the superintendent noted a collaboration with Kids First Healthcare and the opening of the Alto Health Clinic near 71st and Federal to provide on-campus health services. He also introduced a video on the inclusive Turkey Bowl event at Westminster High School that pairs life-skills students with peers.
On facilities and enrollment, Dr. Gatto summarized the Forward Together Facilities Initiative (Fit FI) as a set of recommendations informed by enrollment, budget and community input. He emphasized that recommendations are not final decisions and outlined a phased timeline: consolidations and program moves in 2026—6 through 2029—30, including transitions of several PK-8 and secondary programs and a proposed closure and repurposing of specific sites.
Dr. Gatto also addressed technology policy changes: noting that Colorado law now requires a formal district cell phone policy, he said the district will bring a policy to the board before the end of the school year. He said the district closed student access to ChatGPT on its network and is directing users to Google Gemini, which the district has "legally vetted" and integrated into its secure environment.
In closing, Dr. Gatto framed public education as "a cornerstone of our democracy" and urged community support for educators and students.
What comes next: Fit FI recommendations will be subject to additional public engagement and future board decisions; the district will return to the board with a formal cell-phone policy for consideration.