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Garfield County School District No. 16 board approves routine policy updates, facilities and transportation purchases
Summary
At its Sept. 9 meeting the Garfield County School District No. 16 Board approved CASB policy updates, authorized repairs at the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning, approved grant applications for school libraries and supported a propane-bus grant application; all motions passed unanimously.
PARACHUTE, Colo. — The Garfield County School District No. 16 Board of Directors met Sept. 9 and approved a series of routine policy, facilities and transportation measures, as well as grant applications and a resolution canceling a scheduled school board election.
President Vincent T. Tomasulo called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. and the board unanimously approved the agenda. Garfield County Sheriff Lou Valerio addressed the board to raise concerns that potential county budget cuts could affect the school resource officer position; the board took the comment as information with no formal action recorded.
The board voted unanimously to adopt the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) recommended policies, regulations and exhibits on first reading. It also approved the consent agenda covering minutes, personnel and financial matters.
Votes at a glance - Approval of meeting agenda: motion by Brent Baker, second Keith Gronewoller; roll-call vote 5–0. - Consent agenda (minutes, personnel, financial matters): motion by Samuel W. Stewart, second Kimberly S. Whelan; roll-call vote 5–0. - CASB recommended policies (1st reading/1st vote): motion by Keith Gronewoller, second Brent Baker; roll-call vote 5–0. - Resolution canceling school board election: motion by Keith Gronewoller, second Samuel W. Stewart; roll-call vote 5–0. - Cooling-system repairs for the Grand Valley Center for Family Learning: motion by Brent Baker, second Keith Gronewoller; roll-call vote 5–0. - Purchase of vacuums for Maintenance/Custodial Department: motion by Keith Gronewoller, second Samuel W. Stewart; roll-call vote 5–0. - State Grants to Libraries application (Bea Underwood Elementary and Grand Valley High School): motion by Samuel W. Stewart, second Kimberly S. Whelan; roll-call vote 5–0. - Resolution supporting grant application (Garfield County Federal Mineral Lease District) for completion of a propane bus project: motion by Brent Baker, second Keith Gronewoller; roll-call vote 5–0. - Purchase of a White Fleet bus for the Transportation Department: motion by Samuel W. Stewart, second Kimberly S. Whelan; roll-call vote 5–0. - Revision to the school district calendar for an early dismissal on Sept. 26, 2025 (homecoming): motion by Keith Gronewoller, second Brent Baker; roll-call vote 5–0.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer A. Baugh updated the board on facility projects and district initiatives. The Butler building remains in the design phase with an anticipated completion date of January 2026 and an expected capacity of about 60 children; once design is complete the district will commence bidding. Baugh said an insurance task force is being established to review current and future insurance benefits. She also noted that the Colorado River BOCES is participating in a retreat and that there may be an opportunity to provide a satellite program for younger special-education students.
Nathan A. Humphrey, chief of operations and innovation, reported that the district's new telephone system, RingCentral, is now fully in use and staff received brief training. Chelsey Gerard, chief financial officer, was recorded as absent for the meeting.
No audience members spoke during the public-comment period. The board adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Documents supporting the meeting items are available at the District Administration Office, 0460 Stone Quarry Road, Parachute.
