Board debates distribution of $266,000 in Forest Service payments; direction due next month

The Archuleta County School District board discussed how to allocate roughly $266,000 in Forest Service (in‑lieu) payments that must be used for public education.

Superintendent and staff explained the funds historically passed through the county and sometimes were distributed to private preschools; they said state rules tie the payments to public‑education uses. Staff suggested distributing a portion to public preschool programs by headcount (pro‑rata) and retaining the district share for general public‑education needs. "This would be targeting those specific students," a district official said when describing options to support three‑year‑old students on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Board members noted the change from past practice may disappoint some private preschool partners who received discretionary funds in prior years. Several members voiced interest in finding a way to continue supporting local preschools that serve district special‑education students, but emphasized the need to follow the statutory requirement that in‑lieu payments be used for public education. The superintendent said the district could set aside locally available, appropriately tagged funds to help partner preschools offset the cost of certain specialized professionals if state funding patterns change.

Board members asked for additional details and a formal recommendation; the superintendent said a decision would be brought back at the next meeting.

No vote on distribution occurred at tonight's meeting.