Board approves two grant applications: community schoolyard renovation and school health professionals funding

At its March 24 meeting the Elizabeth School District board voted to approve two grant applications intended to improve facilities and health services.

Community Schoolyards grant: Staff described an application to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) covering playground replacement, ADA access to a lower field, reseeding and an outdoor classroom space at Running Creek. The project budget discussed was about $1 million; the DOLA program has roughly $3 million available statewide and allows awards up to $850,000 per project. The grant requires a 25% local match; staff said the district will split the match with EPR and PTCO may fundraise to cover additional local share. The board approved the motion by roll call.

School Health Professionals grant: The board also approved applying for a three-year federal/state school health grant aimed at increasing licensed nursing capacity and supporting professional development across health services. Staff emphasized a priority to fund a full-time licensed nurse at the middle school to support athletics and concussion protocols, and to use grant funds for district-wide professional development on health services and trauma-informed care. The grant can fund up to $500,000 (three-year continuation); the board voted to approve the application.

Both votes passed by roll call with board members voting aye per the transcript. Staff noted that DOLA grant agreements include long-term maintenance requirements and that the community-use agreement would require the space remain available to the public as a schoolyard for the required term of the grant, with maintenance responsibilities negotiated with partners.

Next steps: Staff will complete grant applications and, if awards are received, return to the board for project acceptance and any budget/contract approvals.