Board approves elimination of one preschool autism class; parents, residents press for leadership stability

At its May 11 meeting the Woodland Park Board of Education approved resolution 226-354 to eliminate an existing Pre‑School Autism class at Charles Olbon for the coming school year.

The vote was recorded as 9 YES and was presented as a superintendent recommendation. During the public-comment period several residents raised concerns about leadership turnover and the effect of administrative changes on students and staff. Karen Criscione asked why the district had removed the Supervisor of Math position while retaining the Supervisor of ELA, and she urged the board to consider stability in leadership at Memorial School, which she said has seen frequent administrative change. Giuseppe Ricci criticized what he described as a close relationship between the board and administration and said, “The turnover in staff needs to stop,” urging the board to focus operations on residents’ needs.

Superintendent Michele Pillari responded that the budget called for the elimination of one administrative position and that, based on the data available to district leadership, the Supervisor of Math position was selected for elimination. She acknowledged concerns about leadership consistency and said she would check with principals about reports that doors had not been opened early during inclement weather.

What’s next: The Elimination of the preschool autism class is effective for the 2026–27 school year as approved; the superintendent and principals are expected to follow up on leadership stability and operational concerns raised by the public.