Parents address D60 School Board at meeting Thursday

Many are still looking for answers on what’s next for the school district in Pueblo, after the sudden resignation of Dr. Constance Jones in July.

Jones was superintendent for less than two years.

The District’s School Board held a public meeting Thursday afternoon where it accepted public comments.

Parents packed the room at the district’s office, leaving standing room only at the meeting.

Those who addressed the board were split, some condemned the board’s action and lack of transparency, and demanded the rehiring of Dr. Jones.

Others, defended the board members, giving them the benefit of the doubt they are doing what’s best for the district.

“I have a hard time believing they just said ‘you’re out of here’ but she resigned,” parent Doug McMillian said. “That painted them in a corner and everybody knows it, and they can’t talk about it.”

“Everybody is covering everybody’s back. Nobody has an opinion in there because they’re not allowed to,” parent Kelly Hibler said. “Nobody is allowed to be the dissenting voice, because it will hurt somebody’s feelings. I don’t care about their feelings, because they don’t care about my kids.”

Twelve people were given a maximum of three minutes apiece to address the board. Board members only politely thanked each speaker, but did not respond to any of the comments, citing personnel policies.

Charlotte Macaluso will serve as acting superintendent for up to a month until an interim is hired. She is the district’s executive director of improvement and innovation.

No exact timetable has been released for when the superintendent position will be filled with a permanent replacement for Jones.