District 49 school board keeps connection with organization behind Riverstone Academy
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The District 49 School Board met on Thursday to discuss ending its relationship with Education Revisited Board of Cooperative Education Services (ERBOCES). The board tabled that discussion Thursday night, and no immediate changes were made to their relationship.
ERBOCES previously supported Riverstone Academy, which was introduced as Colorado's first public Christian school but is now closed. The decision to re-evaluate the D49's partnership with ERBOCES stemmed from new information regarding how money is being spent, specifically with homeschool enrichment programs.
D49 Treasurer Mike Heil questioned whether money was being spent wisely, citing examples of programs he deemed non-essential. “Things like ski lessons and jujitsu classes,” Heil said. “These are things that, you know, when we're facing, funding shortfalls throughout the state. You know, we need to be looking at are are we spending our money wisely or are we providing, you know, frills.”
Heil also highlighted the community's demand for accountability, saying, “When the voters talk to me about that and they tell me, that that there's already waste, fraud and abuse and we need to address that.”
Heil said he understands the concerns about homeschool enrichment programs, having had a daughter who was homeschooled, but said some uses of the funds aren't in line with the district plan. “It would have been great if somebody had picked up the tab for [my daughter's] gymnastics classes or private flute lessons. But is that appropriate for public education dollars?” Heil asked.
During the board meeting, people had the opportunity to speak directly to the board. Some speakers supported the ERBOCES system, with one stating, “The ERBOCES system is a great system. Not only for Colorado, but across the nation.”
Other speakers highlighted the quality of the programs. “These are quite different programs, providing exceptional academic opportunities,” another speaker said.
D49 Treasurer Heil made it clear that homeschool enrichment programs will continue to exist independently of any changes to the district's relationship with ERBOCES.
The board tabled the topic tonight, deferring any changes to its relationship with ERBOCES until at least August, but mentioned they could keep the partnership through the next school year.
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