A group of kids and their camp leaders hide in the backcountry during a game of “pred-prey” as part of one of their summer camp activities. Within 15 years, the growing sta at Backcountry Wilderness has helped create an area of conservation, recreation and education.
Douglas County Health Department donates $5,000 to Backcountry Wilderness Area
BY HALEY LENA
One goal for the team that oversees Highlands Ranch’s Backcountry Wilderness Area is to o er programs for youth to have the opportunity to learn about the environment and wilderness in the comfort of their own backyard.
ese opportunities can now expand with the help of a $5,000 do-
nation from the Douglas County Health Department sponsorship.
“Each dollar from this generous partnership equals more naturelled opportunities for the young people in our community,” said Lindsey McKissick, principal ocer of the Backcountry Wilderness Fund.
e health department was formed shortly after the county left the Tri-County Health Department in late 2021 to provide a wide range of resources more speci c to Douglas County residents.
e Douglas County Maternal and Child Health program utilizes Title V grant dollars to enhance work around social and emotional wellbeing to families.
“ e programs align very well with
the focus areas of the Maternal and Child Health program,” said Jean Newell, outgoing Maternal Child Health Coordinator. “( ey) enhance the goal of supporting connections to community and partners to ensure that all children, youth and families in Douglas County have the resources and support they need, so they are valued, healthy and thriving.”
e funds were donated to the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund, a nonpro t organization dedicated to improving wildlife habitat while igniting a love and inspiration for the outdoors among the next generation.
roughout the summer, the Back-
asking for a $490M
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Campaign e orts are in full swing to encourage Douglas County voters to support a $490 million bond proposal for the school district to address building maintenance and build new schools.
Dozens of community members attended the Invest in DCSD campaign kicko at Timberline Park in Highlands Ranch, which launched volunteer e orts to inform voters about the bond proposal, ballot issue 5A.
“We want a community for our kids, and the simple fact is that communities are built by schools,” said Lynnea Dotseth, a Sterling Ranch resident and mother of four.
e bond plan covers the construction of elementary schools in Sterling Ranch and Ridgegate, the expansion of Sierra Middle School and a majority of maintenance projects through 2026. It would also invest in building security improvements, transportation needs — like buses — and expanding career and technical education.
e district has a growing backlog of around $300 million in building maintenance and hasn’t built a new school since 2010. Students in growing neighborhoods without schools are currently being bussed to overow schools.
Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane said the bond is crucial
O cials want to put controversial development on unincorporated land under Castle Rock’s control
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
If anyone doubted the weight of the issue of water in Douglas County, the ght over the proposed Pine Canyon development might be enough to put that to rest.
A crowd packed the commissioners’ public hearing room — the meeting stopped at one point just so county workers could put more chairs in the audience area — largely in opposition to a plan that would put up to 800 single-family homes, up to 1,000 multi-family housing units, commercial space, and a hotel and “resort spa” near the middle of Castle Rock, according to a county sta report.
Except the property isn’t in Castle Rock. It’s in what’s essentially a hole in the town boundaries, south of Founders Parkway with Interstate 25 running through the middle. at’s a quirk that has fueled a push from town o cials who want to draw the land into the town’s map and bring it under Castle Rock’s control.
“ e only way you could get to Pine Canyon is by driving on our roads,” Castle Rock Mayor Jason Gray said, adding: “It is impossible to develop the property without impacting the town.”
Town o cials have even threatened to attempt to legally remove the Pine Canyon property from the area that Castle Rock’s re department serves, fearing negative impacts on the town.
Gray’s comments came during the two-day meeting in September where county commissioners were set to decide whether to allow the development to move forward. at gathering came after the county and the town received hundreds of pages of written comments, a re ection of the public’s mostly negative response to the plan.
Ultimately, the proposal is stalled for now — the commissioners postponed their decision in order to allow county o cials to meet with the
to come to an agreement on “annexing” Pine Canyon into the town boundaries, bringing it under Castle Rock’s authority, Commissioner George Teal said.
Commissioners Lora omas and Abe Laydon voted to delay the county’s decision on the development to Oct. 22.
e project has seen signi cant outcry from several water o cials and experts in the region: e Parker, Castle Rock and nearby Dominion water providers, the South Metro Water Supply Authority group, and a couple voices from the Douglas County Water Commission all expressed concerns with Pine Canyon’s plan to pull water from the area’s groundwater supply. e development would, at least initially, rely on underground aquifer sources.
O cials urged the development team not to bank on a water system that won’t last forever. Castle Rock wants the development to connect to the town’s water system instead.
“Allowing this development to proceed solely o of nonrenewable groundwater and not pay for renewable water at the time of development will put a signi cant future nancial burden on the future residents of the development and or the other residents of Douglas County when they have to bail out the development and connect it to renewable water in the future,” wrote Mark Marlowe, director of the Castle Rock Water department, in a letter addressed to the county commissioners.
centered on added tra c and impacts to wildlife, but water dominated the meeting.
“I have a well. Aquifers are depleting. at’s known. ere’s no doubt about it,” said Lisa, a commenter who said she’s from the Castle Rock area, urging the commissioners to vote against the plan.
Teal “recused” himself, deciding not to vote on the development due to a con ict of interest, given that while he was a member of the Castle Rock Town Council he had opposed Pine Canyon’s move to seek approval from the county rather than proceed under town authority.
“My preference would be that they’re annexed into the town and that is a town development,” meaning it would go through Castle Rock sta and town council, Teal told the Douglas County News-Press.
Here’s a look at the ins and outs of the plan, other concerns and what the development team had to say.
ranch’
e Pine Canyon property’s ownership group is composed of descendants of the Scott family, who have been county residents for more than 100 years, according to the development team.
e property “was formed out of the center portion of the historic Scott ranch that is still used for active agricultural operations today,” the development proposal says.
Before pushing for the development under county rules, Pine Canyon’s team was in talks with the town
for years, pursuing annexation and the ability to build in Castle Rock, according to county sta . en, the development e ort “withdrew their application with the Town in 2020 and submitted an application to Douglas County that same year,” Matt Jakubowski, a landuse planner with county sta , wrote in an email.
What Pine Canyon would look like
To make way for the new vision, the development team is asking the county to “rezone” the area — to change the rules for what can be built on the property.
If o cials give the green light, the land would be rezoned from agricultural, general industrial, and rural residential to a special type called “planned development,” allowing for the mix of several kinds of land uses.
at could include, along with the large amount of housing, up to 600,000 square feet of “business/ industrial” space, an elementary school site, and about 176 acres of parks, open space and trails, according to the plan materials. It could also include a hotel and resort with 220 rooms.
e proposed hotel and spa site would be centered within the eastern portion of the development, away from the perimeter, according to county sta . “We are providing the mirror image of the adjacent neighborhood in every scenario,” Marcus Pachner,
Tuesday evening Rita and I returned from completing our world tour. It took us from Los Angeles to Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, France, England, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada. From Montreal, we drove through northern New England at peak foliage, before flying home from Boston on Tuesday. In addition to daily lectures by distinguished diplomats and professors, we went on shore excursions in each port, learning how life differs from country to country.
Crime rates, especially gun violence, is so much lower everywhere we visited, because gun ownership is so rare compared to America, where there are more guns than people.
In Copenhagen, over 50 percent of workers commute by bicycle, helped by winters which are milder than in Denver. Montreal, however, is recognized as the most bicycle-friendly city in the world, with more separated bike lanes than Amsterdam.
Being a Realtor, I naturally was interested in how people were housed, and, being committed as I am to sustainable living and saving the planet from the ravages of climate change, I paid attention to how sustainable their energy grid is, and how water and waste are handled. As a longtime owner of EVs, I also noted whether the places we visited were more or less on board with the shift to EVs than here at home.
Altogether, Rita and I were away for over five months, with a 3½-month break back in Colorado this summer. I posted my observations every day at http://wherearejimandrita.substack.com
We were most impressed with the Scandinavian countries — Sweden, Denmark and Norway. As I reported on my blog, every bus and truck in those countries is equipped with an breathalyzer interlock device. The vehicle will not start without the driver proving through that device that he has zero alcohol in his bloodstream. That’s right, not below a legal limit but zero. Passenger cars don’t have such a device, but the penalties for driving with even a low alcohol level are severe. The result is a huge decline in alcohol-related accidents and deaths over the past decades.
Here in America we have photo radar units which generate speeding and red light tickets for drivers, but the tickets do not result in points against your license. In Sweden the secondary roads have photo radar units every few miles, and if you are captured on camera going more than 15 kilometers per hour over the speed limit, your driver’s license can be suspended. (Fortunately, even the rural highways have bus service.) On my blog you’ll find a video showing one of these roadside radar units. Here’s a screenshot from it:
As far as we could tell, homelessness was not a significant problem anywhere we visited, unlike in America. In Sweden and Norway, most middle-class people live in the city but have a summer cottage, so statistically there is more than one home per family overall.
Single-family homes are much rarer in these other countries. Most people either rent or own an apartment in a multi-family structure. In Montreal we were shown the six-family homes constructed following World War II to house returning soldiers. In America, the post-war pattern was set by Levittown: subdivisions of one-story homes, typically with a garage, made possible, of course, by all the empty land here.
Levittown is also famous for not selling to black soldiers, which brings up another observation. In one of the lectures we attended about why Scandinavians regularly ranked as the happiest people in the world, it was pointed out that those countries have no history of serfdom or indentured servants, as one of the reasons. There’s less ingrained fear among populations.
Regarding EVs, there was a vast disparity in the adoption rate of electric vehicles from country to country. In Norway, effective Jan. 1 of this year, every taxicab had to be an EV, and in Bergen all city buses and most tourist buses are electric. In Montreal, the EV adoption rate is similar to here, but the trucks and buses are all diesel and the street noise level is unpleasantly high.
I encourage you to check out my blog for other insights.
Now is the best time to create a more sustainable home. The benefits are huge, and the savings are tempting. But how do you start? The easy first step is to experience the annual Metro Denver Green Homes Tour, of which Golden Real Estate is a co-sponsor.
Join the self guided tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th for just $15 per adult or $25 per couple. Follow the maps in the guide book to see some fantastic homes, all at your own pace. Explore creative older home retrofits and exciting new homes. See how your neighbors are enjoying beautiful, comfortable and healthy homes that benefit their communities and take on the changing climate, all while saving significant money over time.
Get some great ideas for your home. The tour features post-Marshall-fire homes rebuilt with unique sustainable and energy efficient designs; a Washington Park 1920s Craftsman-style green remodel; a 1950s home with a ground-source heat pump, solar power, and xeriscaping; the latest energyefficient all-electric townhomes; an updated 1979 solar home; and more.
Learn about current government and utility incentives. Learn how to harness free energy with dependable solar power and battery systems that shield you from brownouts and blackouts while dodging expensive utility timeof-use rates. Discover the latest heat pump technology; passive solar strategies; induction cooking; effective insulation; electric lawncare equipment; accessory dwelling units; and state-of-the-art construction materials. After the tour, plan to attend the free Reception & Green Expo: 4:30 to 6:30pm at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC), 14350 W. 32nd Ave., Golden Enjoy free appetizers, local beverages and live music. See renewable energy & sustainable living exhibits, a mobile container home unit, and electric bikes. From 3 to 5pm check out the electric cars in our annual EV roundup Bring your questions. Talk to homeowners and gain from their experiences and advice. Talk to builders and suppliers and learn about the latest techniques, technologies and money saving incentives. You can purchase a ticket at www.NewEnergyColorado.org
BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Political campaign signs are popping up in recently sanctioned places on Douglas County-owned land, now that a new program has hit its rst general election season during a presidential contest.
Large signs supporting incumbent County Commissioner George Teal, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Angela omas stand along Interstate 25 near Castle Pines Parkway.
at location is among a handful of vacant, county-owned properties where Douglas o cials decided to allow temporary signs during campaign seasons.
Teal says he wants to make it an ongoing program that other campaign groups can take advantage of. County o cials call it a “pilot,” or trial, program.
“It was this year’s primary that was kind of the rst test,” Teal said, adding: “No matter how this election goes — this is my last campaign for county commissioner because of term limits — this isn’t a one-time thing.”
Douglas started the program last year and received a handful of sign applications for the November 2023 election season, according to county sta .
But this is the rst year of openly partisan elections under the program, Teal said.
Some signs may have informally popped up from time to time before at the now-approved locations. But prior to the program, no political campaign signs had been allowed on county property in unincorporated areas for roughly a couple decades or more, according to county sta .
(Unincorporated areas are places outside of city and town boundaries.)
Aside from the spot along I-25, county o cials also decided to allow signs on a strip of land along Lincoln Avenue near Meridian Village Parkway in the Lone Tree area; o Moore Road south of Titan Road in the Sterling Ranch area; and along Waterton Road in the Louviers area, according
to a set of county maps. Also on the list is a piece of land outside of Rock Canyon High School o McArthur Ranch Road in Highlands Ranch.
State and county rules on signs
One of Angela omas’ supporters claimed that Teal put up his campaign signs too early, but Teal said that all of his campaign signs are fully compliant.
For “the northeast corner of I-25 and Castle Pines Parkway, that permit was approved yesterday, and as soon as I got that approval, I (had) a volunteer kind of ready to go to get it up,” Teal said on Sept. 20.
Teal’s signs were accepted on Sept. 18, according to county sta .
Douglas County’s website says signs are allowed from Sept. 10 through Nov. 15, and from May 3 through July 9 of each year. ( e website says the program is subject to change.)
e Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce, which oversees election policy, said the state does not specify a time period for when people are allowed to place campaign signs on property with the permission of the property owner.
“Property owners can place campaign signs for candidates or ballot issues on their private property whenever they like — there are no state rules around this with regard to timeline or period of time,” said Kailee Stiles, a spokesperson for the ofce. “No one is allowed to place any material on someone else’s property without their permission. is includes state property. Campaign materials also are not permitted within 100 feet of a drop box or voting center, as this is considered ‘electioneering.’”
Stiles added that “municipalities may make their own rules around how and when campaign materials can be placed on public rights-ofway and are not under the secretary of state’s jurisdiction.”
One commissioner opposed the program
Under the Douglas program, people can also put up signs with content that is not political, Teal said.
But “we created the sign program with the intent of being able to service the elections,” he said, adding that “the intent is not to have commercial signs.”
On a 2-1 vote with Commissioner Lora omas opposed, Commis-
sioners Abe Laydon and Teal directed county sta to develop the pilot program for signs, according to Lora omas’ email newsletter in 2023.
“Again, the county cannot restrict what the sign says, just the manner in which it is located/erected,” the newsletter said.
A copy of the sign policies states: “Temporary signs shall not display obscene or unlawful material.” ose who want to put up signs must le a registration form. See more about the rules at tinyurl.com/ DouglasSignRules or call 303-6607460.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Self-Guided Tour 9am–4pm • $15/adult $25/couple
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Register online at: MetroDenverGreenHomesTour.org or register in person at Jefferson Unitarian Church (JUC) • 14350 W. 32nd Ave • Golden, CO 80401
Electric Vehicle Roundup
3pm–5pm
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Reception & Green Expo
4:30 – 6:30pm at JUC
FREE Appetizers & Local Beverages
Live Music! • Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Exhibits
“Real people telling real stories about their path to electrification.” – Mark N.
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— Angela K.
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a consultant with the Pine Canyon team, said at the meeting.
Part of the plan is to keep some of the land agricultural, a member of the family involved with the proposal said.
“ is plan allows us to reserve and maintain over 10% of our property as a working agricultural ranch,” Kurt Walker, a sixth-generation owner of the property, said at the meeting.
“We will be able to continue what we’ve been doing for over 100 years.”
‘Without legal basis’
Town o cials have presented a generally united front against Pine Canyon’s plan to develop outside Castle Rock’s borders.
“ e town doesn’t believe Castle Rock (residents) should su er the impacts of tra c, water, re and other issues without the Pine Canyon development being annexed and paying its fair share of the impacts under town laws,” Melissa Hoelting, a spokesperson for Castle Rock, said.
Developments in the town pay “impact fees” per residential unit or commercial square foot constructed, and those fees pay for road improvements and other services, Hoelting added.
Town o cials are so vexed that they’ve threatened to attempt to legally remove Pine Canyon from the district that Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department serves.
e town argues Pine Canyon would have an inadequate water system for re protection, which “will endanger the public and town re ghters because adequate water supply is a signi cant life safety issue for re protection with urban-density development,” Hoelting said.
Under the current proposal, Pine Canyon would have its own water system, and Castle Rock argues the system would be limited in what it can supply for re ghting ows.
wrote Bill Kyriagis, with the law rm that represents the Walker family, in a letter to the county.
“ e board of the district, itself, could adopt a resolution to exclude property from the district, but only ‘if the property to be excluded will be provided with the same service by another re protection district or by a county re improvement district and the board or governing body of that district has agreed by resolution to include the property into the district,” Kyriagis wrote.
‘A kick in the gut’ e main issue, though, is the plan’s lack of renewable water supply overall, Marlowe said.
Major water providers in the area “have spent the last two decades” transitioning to renewable surface water supplies, Marlowe said. Surface water comes from sources like rivers, lakes and snow.
Pine Canyon “turning back on a renewable water supply is really kind of a kick in the gut to what Castle Rock has been doing” and to what other public water suppliers have been doing, David Corliss, Castle Rock’s town manager, said at the meeting. It’s important to protect the Denver Basin groundwater supply for times of drought, Marlowe said.
“You want to have that Denver Basin nonrenewable supply as a backup,” Marlowe added.
Pine Canyon’s team argues the development will leave about 35% of the “total groundwater decreed underlying the property in the ground,” a water supply plan report from a consultant for the development says.
“It is my professional opinion that this water supply plan provides the evidence required by Douglas County as proof that an adequate water supply in regard to quantity, quality and dependability is available to meet the demands at Pine Canyon for the next 100 years,” the report says.
“A typical design for a water storage tank is for two hours of re ow. My point is this: You’ve got Castle Rock surrounding you — you don’t need to (settle for that),” Marlowe, the Castle Rock Water director, said. “And not every re is put out in two hours.”
But merely creating a fund “is not a plan to obtain renewable water supFor more information: support@NewEnergyColorado. com
But the town’s assertion that it will seek to have the Castle Rock Fire Protection District exclude the development from its jurisdiction “is completely without legal basis,”
In response to concerns about water sustainability, Pine Canyon notes that its plan “includes a renewable water fund as part of the nancial structure of the (envisioned) Pine Canyon Water and Sanitation District which will allow the district to identify and purchase renewable water resources to supplement the (development’s) water supply,” the development materials say.
plies,” Marlowe wrote in another letter addressed to the county. “In fact, Castle Rock’s experience is that nancial capability alone is not enough to ensure that you secure renewable water supplies. ere are huge infrastructure and permitting challenges once renewable water has been acquired.”
Seeking to di er from water standard
A technical aspect of Pine Canyon’s proposal to the county is that the development team wants to deviate from Douglas’ usual standard for how much water homes are expected to use.
If Pine Canyon’s appeal, or request, for an alternative water demand standard is denied, then the proposed rezoning of the land would not be compliant, as the
available water supply would not be su cient to meet the county’s presumptive water demand standards for the proposed level of development, according to the county sta report.
In part, Pine Canyon wants the county to let it use alternative standards for indoor water, as it proposes to save water by reusing wastewater. No “ rst-use” groundwater is proposed to be used for outdoor uses, the county sta report says.
“Removing the possibility of excessive outdoor irrigation from the potable water system would reduce the overall groundwater demand,” the sta report says. “Pine Canyon’s proposed residential water demand standard is predicated on limiting potable water for outdoor uses, instead capturing, treating, and reusing indoor wastewater e uent for outdoor uses.” (“E uent” means liquid waste or sewage.)
e plan asks o cials to allow a residential indoor demand stan-
dard of 0.20 acre-feet per year per residence, instead of the county’s residential demand standard of 0.75 acre-feet per year per residence, according to the county sta report.
‘A conversation between you and the town’
e county’s comprehensive master plan — a document that came up during the meeting — lays out a broad vision for how and where property development should occur.
e comprehensive master plan says: “ e Denver Basin alone (a non-renewable resource) cannot sustain the population’s water needs long-term.”
“I’m deeply concerned about sole reliance on nonrenewable groundwater … at least initially with no alternative sustainable supply,” Laydon, the county commissioner, said at the Sept. 10 meeting with the large crowd.
“We do not usually see testimony
from other municipalities … we saw a lot of citizens from Castle Rock and we saw the town itself,” Laydon said at the second day of the meeting on Sept. 16. He added: “It makes me think that this really is more of a conversation between you and the Town of Castle Rock.”
e development team expressed some willingness to be brought into town boundaries but felt the county should move the development forward so that the plan’s progress isn’t lost.
“ ere is nothing that would prevent the Walkers from annexing into the town after county approval,” Kyriagis, with the law rm, said.
In delaying the county’s decision, omas, the county commissioner, said: “We are not abandoning this process.”
“Perhaps we could approve this here” and involve the town later if the development team and Castle Rock can’t resolve the situation by Oct. 22, omas said.
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“Our hope,” Bell said, “was that my son, who has special needs and was nonverbal at the time, would have been able to attend our neighborhood school and have his educational and development needs met.”
But she said those hopes were dashed when she discovered that a group of boys at Soaring Hawk Elementary had pulled her son’s hoodie over his head and stomped on his ngers. She didn’t nd out from the school. Another mom had brought it up months after the incident during a casual conversation at soccer practice.
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“I asked my friend, what are you talking about? Are you talking about my son? And she said, ‘Yes, I assumed you knew’,” Bell said.
“But I had no idea what she was talking about.”
Bell learned her son was taken to the nurse, and a teacher’s aide who supervised recess was told about the incident. But she was devastated that no one, including Soaring Hawk’s principal, Stacey Roberson, told her about it.
“As soon as he could, my husband contacted Roberson to ask why they weren’t noti ed. Roberson told him that he had dealt with the situation, and the boys had been addressed by their parents,” Bell said.
“Roberson told my husband that he’d written in his notes that he had reached out.”
But, when Bell investigated further, she learned that none of her son’s teachers, including his speech and occupational therapists, knew anything had happened.
e experience left her feeling betrayed by Roberson and scared to send her child back to the school.
She’s not alone.
In August, Ben Isler, whose daughters attend Soaring Hawk, told the Douglas County school board in a public meeting that his family had watched the school’s culture and quality of education crumble in the years since Roberson took over as the head administrator.
“Sam (Ben’s wife) has spoken with
23 current families and former teachers and sta who paint a picture of harassment, inappropriate comments by leadership, veiled threats, a fear of retaliation for speaking up, and perhaps most importantly, a failure to report troubling incidents,” he said.
Data from the Colorado Department of Education shows Soaring Hawk’s enrollment has dropped 24% from 584 students in 2018 to 440 in 2024. e average enrollment decline in the district for the same period is 8.8%. A nearby elementary school, Clear Sky enrollment, dropped 12%, while total enrollment at Meadow View Elementary, the other neighborhood school in the area, has increased by 3%.
e Islers said they turned to the school board after hitting a brick wall of silence from those in district administration who could respond to their concerns. e school board didn’t respond to the Islers, but they heard from Assistant Superintendent Danny Windsor soon after.
Windsor told the Islers that the district’s human resources team would investigate. ey planned to host oneon-one listening sessions between leadership and school sta at Soaring Hawk to address their concerns. Windsor told the Islers that Roberson was receiving mentoring from the district’s executive director of schools for the Castle Rock region, Erin McDonald.
He also promised that the district would send a community survey to current families attending the school to understand their feelings about the school’s culture.
While the listening sessions have taken place, the parent and community survey has yet to go out, and a records request asking for documentation regarding the mentoring given to Roberson by McDonald turned up empty.
Former and current sta said they’ve led complaints regarding Roberson’s behavior for years, leaving many to question if any action taken now is too little too late.
e district refused to answer a public records request asking how many formal complaints Roberson has received since becoming the school’s principal, stating that such records are exempt from disclosure under state law.
“Any concern brought to our attention is thoroughly investigated,” district spokesperson Paula Hans said. “Upon receiving a concern or complaint, we take swift action, impose responsive measures as appropriate and protect the privacy of those involved.”
Hans added, “We take immediate, responsive measures when a concern or complaint is brought to our attention. As part of DCSD’s culture and climate norms, we address concerns the right way
and presume positive intent. We applaud the work of our teachers, principals and sta , and what they do for our students every day.”
Roberson chose not to comment on the allegations.
Teachers and sta allege toxic work environment
e Douglas County News-Press spoke to seven current and former teachers, many of whom requested to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation by Roberson or the district’s administration.
Each sta member said they’d faced a litany of emotional abuse, including gaslighting, intimidation and angry outbursts while working for Roberson. ey speculated that many of the sta members they came to love and appreciate left the school and sought employment elsewhere.
“Roberson has created a hostile workplace for many teachers who have left and a handful of those still there,” Holly Norlin, who recently retired from Soaring Hawk after 20 years at the school, said. “He is a bully, and thus far, the district has chosen to look the other way or sweep these complaints under the carpet.”
Norlin said Roberson made “inappropriate and rude comments in front of parents and sta about my organizational skills, which he knew I was sensitive about because I have ADHD.”
In 2021, she led a formal complaint with Human Resources describ-
ing how, despite annual pro cient job evaluations, Roberson imposed unnecessary and unwarranted job changes and placements with her position each year, causing physical, mental and emotional stress.
Norlin said she repeatedly heard, “he’s the boss,” in response to her complaints.
e Douglas County News-Press has yet to receive a Sept. 5 public records request seeking the number of sta members who have left in the six years since Roberson became principal.
Research has found that many of the primary reasons for teacher turnover were related to school climate, including inadequate support from administrators, limited faculty input and student discipline problems.
One former Soaring Hawk teacher asked to remain anonymous because she said her experience with Roberson was so traumatizing that she had to seek counseling to put it behind her. She feared he would retaliate against her.
She tried to bring her concerns to Dion Killingsworth, the district’s employee relations director, but Killingsworth said he had 3,300 teachers to oversee and was too busy to go back and forth with her to nd a mutual time to meet.
Another teacher said she left the school after Roberson made her feel she wasn’t valued. She said Roberson would get red-faced and angry in meetings, pounding on the table and yelling. After one meeting, she was so shaken she couldn’t continue teaching.
Norlin said that since speaking openly about her frustrations with
Roberson, he barred her from substitute teaching at the school, and Killingsworth told her that if she continued talking about Roberson with sta or families, she could be asked to leave the district as a substitute.
Cary Biondolillo, a former law enforcement o cer who worked as a teacher in the school’s A ective Needs program from 2022-2023, said he was also exposed to unsafe behavior under Roberson’s watch.
“I was probably assaulted 20 times in that year, as were many other people, and almost every single one of these occurred on camera,” Biondolillo said.
Biondolillo said the most disturbing incident occurred on May 3, 2023, when a student stabbed him in the chest with a pair of plastic tweezers while the class was on the playground.
“ e next thing I know, he stabbed me in the chest with these tweezers,” Biondolillo said. “ ey didn’t break my skin, but it doesn’t matter. I was stabbed. So then he starts slashing at my face, and I’m trying to defend myself, but no one can help because the other sta members hadn’t been trained in crisis prevention yet.”
e district requires all sta in Affective Needs programs, specialized educational programs designed to support students with signi cant emotional, behavioral or social challenges, to complete training through the Crisis Prevention Institute.
According to Biondolillo, other sta in the AN classroom did not
complete training until February of that year. He also said sta had to retain the student in front of the entire second grade to stop the attack.
Colorado law requires school sta to submit a written report to school administration within one school day of any incident where restraint is used.
Information obtained through a public records request shows that Soaring Hawk recorded 27 incidents of restraint and 13 seclusions where the student was blocked from exiting the room in the 2022-2023 school year.
By comparison, the school documented seven restraints and one seclusion from 2017 to 2022.
e district denied a request for a copy of the stabbing incident report involving Biondillo with the student information redacted, citing the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
Yet, when Biondillo made the same request, he received an email from the district stating that no such records existed. Biondillo also said when he told McDonald he thought Roberson never documented the stabbing, McDonald responded that the “incident was reported correctly and fully as per our district requirements.”
A teacher who worked in the AN program that year con rmed the incident happened, as Biondillo described.
Biondolillo also provided the Douglas County News-Press with a copy of an email he sent to Roberson the day after the stabbing incident.
In the email, Biondolillo requested to move to a di erent role and expressed frustration over the lack of training and that the entire AN department was leaving at the end of the year. Biondolillo said Roberson never responded.
Failure to respond to bullying Parents, teachers and sta described a lack of support from the school’s administration and Roberson in addressing student bullying. Beth, a parent who wanted to be identi ed only by her rst name,
said in an August email to the district that her daughter had four different teachers in 5th grade and felt unsafe in her classroom.
“Kids threw chairs, overturned desks and used very vulgar language,” Beth said. “ eir behaviors were overlooked with constant threats, but nothing was actually done. One teacher, who was an assistant they kept using to ll in, had no idea how to manage the classroom and was constantly yelling and slamming books on the desk.”
Beth said she met with Roberson several times that year, but nothing changed. She eventually homeschooled her daughter for the last six weeks of school rather than spend another day in that class-
room.
“We wanted to use the neighborhood school,” Beth said. “It should be an excellent school, especially with the amazing families and teachers that were part of that community when we started. It’s now completely torn apart, and all the families that supported the school are gone.”
Another parent, who works at the school and didn’t wish to be named for fear she’d be red, said she had multiple interactions with Roberson regarding her son and was shocked by his lack of empathy,
“ e fact that he was willing to protect the bully was horrifying. My son went to counseling outside of school, and his therapist told my
husband and I that he thought the principal shouldn’t be working with kids because he doesn’t have their best interests in mind.”
According to a paper by the Colorado Department of Education’s School Climate Transformation Ofce and Colorado State University, “Environments lacking safe and supportive qualities may increase student stress, fear, and trauma, all of which can impair learning. e paper also states, “Most importantly, bullying and school climate strongly impact school violence and shootings. Having a positive school climate where students and sta feel safe and connected ensures a secure educational environment for all.”
country Wilderness Area celebrated its 15th anniversary by looking back at accomplishments and the space it has been able to create for wildlife and environmental education.
As the 8,200 acres of property is managed by three pillars – conservation, recreation and education –the Backcountry Wilderness Area o ers a range of youth and teen programs all while protecting the land for wildlife.
One of the ways the Backcountry Wilderness Area has been able to balance recreation and conservation is through its low-to-no cost educational programs for the community, said McKissick.
“O ering these funded programs helps to eliminate nancial barriers to nature education, ensuring our community’s youth have access to nature and its myriad positive impacts on whole child health,” McK-
From toddlers to teens, the Backcountry Wilderness Area provides educational programs that help teach them about sustainability and wildlife.
issick said in a statement. Programs include free initiatives such as the free Sunshine and Storytime for children up to the age of 6, in which there are weekly themes and activities based on a book. Sta from the Douglas County Health Department visit the class on the rst Wednesday of the month. ere are also programs such as astronomy night and creatures of the night, and low-cost programs for youth like Discovery Day. is immersive program gives children ages 7-13 the chance to explore nature and let their creativity take over.
McKissick added that there has been lots of good news for the next generation of nature stewards in the community, as the Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund was also granted $2,500 from the Cabela’s Outdoor Fund.
“We get the chance to encourage a healthy life spent in the outdoors,” said McKissick. “And promote the importance of nature through engaging and accessible adventures.”
Douglas County Superintendent Erin Kane speaks to the school district’s need for a $490 million bond to build new schools and address maintenance issues. Kane said providing a safe and updated learning environment is crucial for student success.
to the district’s ability to respond to student needs. She noted that without the bond, the district would need to cut its budget by one-third for ve years to fund its capital needs.
“We do not have the revenue to meet those needs without having debt in order to invest in our balance sheet,” Kane said.
According to the district, if the $490 million bond passes, it would not increase property taxes, but if it fails, homeowners will see a decrease in their taxes. e district estimates a decrease of about $73 for the average $780,000 home in Douglas County if the bond fails.
Passing the bond would not increase taxes because of the way the district’s debt is structured — sunsetting debt can be replaced with new investments if voters approve the bond.
A campaign to support the Douglas County School District’s $490 million bond proposal is in full swing. Voters will decide this November on approving the funding to build new schools and address maintenance issues.
e school district has approached voters with similar funding packages three times before and failed. at includes last year, when the district asked voters for a $488 million bond to fund maintenance for three years, build three new elementary schools and expand two middle schools. at measure failed with 52% of voters opposing.
e district hasn’t passed a bond since 2018 and the money from it has since been spent.
A bond plan published by the
district lays out how much funding would go to each school, including charters, and what upgrades are being prioritized. is is the last year the district can ask for a bond without raising taxes. Kane said future bonds, whether one passes this year or not, will require tax increases.
e bond proposal has been endorsed by the Highlands Ranch Metro District and the Lone Tree City Council. It is opposed by the Douglas County GOP.
The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education recently voted unanimously to place a $490 million bond question on the November 2024 ballot. is year the bond, as our only initiative, will appear on the ballot as “5A” (last year the bond was “5B”).
If approved by voters, Douglas County homeowners would not see an increase in current property taxes. e bond amount would allow our school district to restructure its debt in order to keep property taxes from increasing while allowing us to invest in our capital infrastructure (taxpayer assets) in a way that is scally responsible. e bond would help us care for our 112 facilities to ensure our sta and students have safe and comfortable learning environments, build schools in fastgrowing developments in Douglas County, upgrade safety and security in our schools, and o er additional Career and Technical Education programs.
we must ensure that our future students have the same opportunities for success as past students have enjoyed. If approved by voters, here is how the bond would be used:
We are faced with growing challenges in our school district, including capital investment for the future and the need for new schools. And
Safety and security priorities rate above all other items covered by taxpayer funding at DCSD. ey require constant vigilance, improvement and updates as the district adopts the latest recommendations in campus security and replaces older equipment. e 2024 bond plan, if approved by voters, calls for $10 million to be invested in safety and security upgrades at more than 90 DCSD sites. at includes:
• $3.1 million for new and upgraded security equipment,
• $3 million for radio-communication upgrades, and
• $3.9 million to harden building security at every school.
In addition to the upgrades
planned for all schools, several individual schools have speci c line items for additional upgrades, including additional entrance security, replacing burglar alarm panels, upgrading interior door hardware and improving re alarm systems.
Updating aging schools and facilities
Creating optimal environments for learning requires keeping school buildings safe and comfortable for students and sta . DCSD’s 20232024 Master Capital Plan estimated the district’s capital needs will be $800 million to $920 million over ve years. If approved by voters, the DCSD 2024 Bond would allow the district to address $179 million worth of these needs to renew and replace aging equipment such as boilers, air conditioning units, electrical panels, ooring, communication systems, rooftops and more.
Building additional career and technical education pathways e 2024 bond would be an investment in Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities for students, a demand from our community that is continuing to
increase. After the 2023-2024 introduction of Legacy Campus and its learning environments for eight career pathways, DCSD intends to use $25.2 million in 2024 Bond funds to build Phase II of the Legacy Campus project and add six new CTE pathways that would be available to all high school students, if the measure is approved by voters. Four would be related to construction trades: carpentry, electrical, HVAC and plumbing. e other two would focus on advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle/hybrid maintenance and repair.
Bond funds would also allow for the expansion of two existing programs:
• adding an automotive program at Highlands Ranch High School, with $9 million for expansion; and
• adding cosmetology at Douglas County High School, with $4 million for program growth.
Some areas of Douglas County are growing very quickly and many of
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH 10:00AM - 2:00PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Enjoy a Spooktacular day! Dress up in your costume, trick or treat with pilots and see their airplanes.
In a world teeming with the latest gadgets, workout routines, and self-help books, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant search for the next best thing. We’ve all been there: buying a treadmill or other home gym equipment with the best intentions, only to watch it gradually transform from a daily exercise tool into an oversized clothes hanger. e enthusiasm wanes, the routine fades, and soon enough, we nd ourselves considering a new piece of equipment or maybe even joining a gym. e thinking goes that perhaps a new environment, di erent equipment, or the presence of others working out will reignite that initial spark. But the problem isn’t the treadmill, the elliptical, or gym membership. We often overlook the resources we’ve already invested in, believing that a better solution exists. is mindset isn’t limited to tness; it permeates various aspects of our lives. Consider the countless workout routines, apps, and nutritional supplements ooding the internet, all vying for our attention and promising results. It’s no wonder we get caught up in pursuing the next big thing, thinking that the key to success lies in some undiscovered method or equipment.
Yet, in the rush to nd something new, we often ignore what we already have at our disposal. e treadmill gathering dust in the corner of the room isn’t the problem; it’s the belief that something else will magically solve our issues without the need for sustained e ort. is pattern can be seen in other areas as well. Take, for example, the bookshelf lled with unread books. How many of us have a collection of books on personal and professional development, some half-read, others untouched, yet continue to buy more? Each new book is purchased with the hope that it will provide the breakthrough we’ve been searching for, but too often, they end up on the shelf, adding to the growing stack of unread material. is constant search for the new and shiny can distract us from leveraging our already invested resources. We convince ourselves that the next piece of gym equipment, book, or supplement will change everything. But the truth is, we often have
Why Parker is getting tra c lights
Having been a resident in Parker for close to six years now, I am quite familiar with the tra c ow in this town. I try to drive cautiously but I don’t mess around either. I want to get to my destination as quickly as the next guy (within the law). e addition of the new major trafc lights to be installed, although expensive, is probably a good idea. e major problem, however, for accidents in these and other locations, in my opinion, is not the impatience of the drivers as stated in the article. It’s the use of cell phones while driving. e law calls it texting but it doesn’t matter what the actual usage is. Using a cell phone for any reason distracts from what a driver should be focused on — driving. Countless times I have observed people straying out of their lane or have been
everything we need right before us. e solution doesn’t lie in the latest gadget or the next bestseller but in our willingness to fully engage with what we already have.
Consider the person who invested in a home gym, out tting a space with everything needed to stay t. Initially, they might have been consistent, motivated by the novelty of the new equipment. But as time passed, the routine became monotonous, and the equipment started to collect dust. Instead of pushing through the plateau, they look for other options, such as a gym membership, new equipment, or perhaps the latest online workout program. e cycle continues, driven by the belief that something new will break the stagnation. is principle applies beyond personal tness and development. In our professional lives, we often look for the following tool, strategy, or resource to give us an edge, forgetting that we’ve already invested in our skills, networks, and knowledge. Instead of chasing the next trend, what if we doubled down on honing the skills we’ve already acquired, deepening our understanding, and making the most of the resources at our disposal? Ultimately, the answer to achiev-
ing our goals isn’t in the next purchase or the latest trend. It’s in recognizing the value of what we already have and committing to making the most of it. By shifting our focus from acquiring new resources to fully utilizing those we’ve already invested in, we can unlock the potential waiting right before us. e treadmill, bookshelf, and professional tools are all there, ready to be leveraged. e challenge is our willingness to use them consistently and deliberately to create the desired results.
So, the next time you feel the urge to buy that new equipment, book, or supplement, pause for a moment. Ask yourself if you’ve maximized your use of what you already have. Chances are, the key to your success isn’t in something new but in fully committing to what’s already within reach. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. When we tap into what’s right in front of us to pursue success at any level, it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
stuck at a light changed to green behind a driver staring down at his/her phone.
As a side note, running lights that have turned red is another frequent occurrence. My solution is twofold. One, there needs to be more of a police presence around troublesome intersections, and two, put the cameras back in use monitoring at these high ow areas. So my message to Parker is this: Go ahead and install the LIGHTS, get people o their PHONES, and have the police take more ACTION.
Todd Scholes, Parker
Choose Angela Thomas for commissioner
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Angela omas in her candidacy for Douglas County commissioner. Having closely ob-
served omas’ work and her commitment to good governance, I am con dent that she will serve our community with the integrity, transparency, and dedication that we need.
As a social worker and small business owner, Angela learned to lead through service and hard work. She has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of what it means to advocate for and implement good governance. Her approach prioritizes the well-being of all constituents, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed. is dedication to inclusivity and fairness is precisely what our county needs to foster a thriving and equitable community.
One of Angela omas’s core principles is the belief that good governance involves accountability and openness. She has laid out a clear
plan to improve our county’s processes, making them more transparent and accessible to the public. By promoting open dialogue and engaging with community members directly, Angela omas aims to build trust and ensure that decisions re ect the diverse needs of our population. Moreover, Angela omas’ focus on evidence-based policymaking shows a commitment to addressing issues with thoughtful, data-driven solutions. is approach not only enhances the e ectiveness of our local government but also ensures that resources are used e ciently and equitably. Her track record of working collaboratively with various stakeholders further underscores her ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.
In a time when e ective governance is more crucial than ever, Angela omas o ers a vision that is both progressive and pragmatic. Her dedication to serving all people, coupled with her proven leadership skills, makes her an exceptional candidate for county commissioner.
I wholeheartedly endorse Angela omas and urge my fellow community members to support her candidacy. With Angela omas in o ce, I am con dent that our county will experience a new era of e ective, transparent and inclusive governance.
Melissa Calkin, Castle Pines
Time to return to sanity
As we hover on the brink of cultural collapse and world war, I’m done with “niceness”; Bribed Biden and Constipated Congress have led us to the precipice. We ignore looming disaster as we argue whether or not Haitian immigrants eat pets and take o ense over comments about childless cat ladies.
Perhaps we should listen to someone who pithily states that censorship is not for hate speech but for speech that is hated — so he bought a social media platform to stem the squelching of our First Amendment.
Maybe we should listen to someone who talks about environmental and nutritional poisoning of our children — so he left his valiant presidential run to make a di erence in another candidate’s administration.
Perhaps we should listen to someone who believes that our military has been weakened and her movements have been monitored — so she ignored party pressure to ght for patriotism and America’s best interests.
Pay attention when these three former Democrats now join forces with a formerly sworn enemy to try to save our nation.
Believe Bernie when he believes Kamala’s values haven’t changed, but her pragmatic policy-switching drives her desire to be elected. Her vapid values are founded on the philosophy that government’s job is to ensure everyone receives “equity” — a naively noble but historically failed and ignorant idea that will suck us o the cli into the black hole of economic collapse.
Focusing on awed personalities and debate winners elevates style over substance. We are distracted by embellishments and misrepresented “stats” but don’t see the real propaganda when someone sidesteps and gaslights. We miss the irony of J6 being declared — on the eve of 9/11 — “the worst attack on democracy since the Civil War.” Or the emotive picture of women “bleeding out in the parking lot” while ignoring that the barbaric procedure itself might involve hemorrhaging.
As Kamala promises a “joyful future” and calls Trump a scary felon who will drag us back into the past, she doesn’t acknowledge that most people WANT to return to the past — of lower interest rates and cheaper fuel and a ordable food.
We have an unfortunate choice between a changing chameleon who champions collectivism and an annoying ass who allocates altruism. We need to look past the people themselves to those policies that would de ne their administrations. It’s time to look at the bigger picture and return to sanity.
Linda Mazunik, Lone Tree
Reasons to support 5A
I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming bond measure, 5A, for school funding in the Douglas County School District (DCSD). is is a crucial opportunity for our community to invest in the future of our students and ensure the continued excellence of our schools.
is year marks a pivotal moment; it is the last chance for district voters to approve a substantial bond of $490 million without increasing the current 5.2 mill levy. e need for this funding is clear. Our district is facing pressing capital replacement needs, from installing new boilers and HVAC systems to updating roofs and windows. ese are not just upgrades — they are essential repairs that cannot be postponed without incurring greater costs down the road.
As our community grows, particularly in high-demand areas like RidgeGate and Sterling Ranch, we must also expand our infrastructure to accommodate new students. is bond will fund new elementary schools and an expansion of Sierra Middle School, ensuring that all children have access to quality education within their neighborhoods.
BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Jace, a four-year-old terrier mix, could barely contain his excitement inside the shop of the Dumb Friends League shelter as his new family stocked up on supplies for him. Denver residents Eliorah Abramowitz and Azi Hanssen said they came to the shelter looking for an older, but still energetic dog that would be as happy chilling on the couch as playing fetch at the park.
After meeting with a few dogs, Abramowitz and Hanssen said they were drawn to Jace.
“It was just a perfect match,” Abramowitz said.
Similarly for Sandra Brande and her daughter Ashley, who live in Centennial, they quickly fell in love with the wiggly Husky puppy Laika. e Brande family knew they wanted to adopt because they found their Husky Daisy at the shelter two years ago and have loved her presence in the family ever since.
“ ere are so many animals who need loving homes,” Sandra said as Laike squirmed in Ashley’s arms. “It’s so nice to have the liveliness in the house that a pet brings.” at sentiment was echoed by many new pet parents and sta at the Dumb Friends League, an animal shelter with locations in Denver, Castle Rock and Alamosa.
“It’s always hard to say who rescued who,” said volunteer Michelle Schneider, of Highlands Ranch.
Jace and Laika are some of the hundreds of lucky pets to nd families through the Dumb Friends League during its month-long Clear the Shelter
campaign, which wrapped up on Sept. 10.
Alyssa Putzer, communications manager for the Dumb Friends League, said 1,161 animals were adopted during the Clear the Shelter count, surpassing the shelter’s original goal of adopting out 1,000 pets across its three locations.
Mary Sarah Fairweather, vice president of operations at the Dumb Friends League, said participating in the Clear the Shelter campaign helps the shelter not only nd homes for pets but also care for more animals.
“Clear the Shelters is an amazing opportunity to showcase the wonderful pets in our care,” she said. “With ongoing challenges like overcrowding in shelters, this event is an essential opportunity for our community to connect with animals that are ready to bring joy and companionship into their lives.”
Even with all of the adoptions in the last month, the Clear the Shelters campaign only accounts for a fraction of the adoptions that Dumb Friends League facilitates year-round. Last year, the shelters brought in over 20,500 animals and are on pace to serve a similar amount this year, Fairweather said.
Dogs, cats and small animals, like guinea pigs and bunnies, come to the shelter as surrenders or strays and 86% are rehomed.
“ ey come to us from the community, owners who can’t keep their pets, and as strays,” Fairweather said.
Most animals stay at the shelter for an average of 10-15 days, heading to new homes as soon as sta can help pair them with the right family. Fairweather said another bene t of the Clear the Shelters campaign is that it helps animals who have been at the shelter longer or require special care get adopted.
Fairweather said the adoption process is like dating with the goal being to nd the “perfect match.”
“It’s really a conversation-based process, so we want to get to know what the families are looking for and we share what each individual animal needs,” she said.
Richard Myers, of Denver, said he volunteers at the shelter because it’s like working in a “bubble of love.”
“ ere’s so much care for the patrons and for the animals,” Myers said. “One of the greatest joys of working here is having someone come in who looks sad, maybe they lost a pet a few months ago, and 45 minutes later, they’re going out the door with a pep in their step and the dog is looking like a newly caught marlin, jumping around so much.”
In order to encourage as many adoptions as possible, Fairweather said the shelter looks to reduce barriers to pet ownership like cost or lack of resources.
All of the dogs and cats that are adopted out are vaccinated and spayed or neutered. e Dumb Friends League also partners with some local veterinarians to waive the cost for the rst visit, as well as Fetch Pet Insurance to provide health care support for furry friends.
Another resource the shelter o ers is a free behavioral helpline to support pet parents through training or care adjustments.
“Our goal is to help pet owners keep their pets at home and out of the shelter,” Fairweather said. “We’re lucky to have such beautiful facilities with a team of volunteers and sta who take incredible care of (the animals), but it’s not a home.”
With the current overcrowding in shelters, Fairweather said it’s more important than ever to adopt animals instead of turning to a breeder.
“It gives pets in the shelter system a second chance,” she said. “Whether you’re looking for a little guinea pig or a giant couch potato dog, there’s somebody for everybody.”
If you’re not a fan of autumn in Colorado, you just may not be doing it right. With the explosion of colors, cooler weather and range of new avors, it’s di cult not to argue that it’s the best time of year in the Centennial State. And now that we’re properly in fall, we can really immerse ourselves in all the autumnal treats. I’ve picked ve events from around the metro area that highlight the joys of the season.
Early October is a great time to satisfy your artistic appetite, with three shows on display at the Foothills Art Center’s Astor House, 822 12 St. in Golden: Ed Hansen, Joel Swanson: Orderings and Decomposing/Recomposing
Each show allows visitors to explore a di erent medium and thematic subject. e Hansen exhibit features realism in oil with western themes and runs through Sunday, Oct. 13. “Orderings” runs through Sunday, Nov. 3, and allows Swan-
son to use a diverse range of works to challenge the way people order information and how it impacts their perception of reality. And “Decomposing/ Recomposing” opens on Saturday, Oct. 5 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2. It’s an exhibition by Gayle Gerson, Jean Hultkrans, and Kirsty Saalfrank, all of whom use found and original photography to create original compositions exploring the themes of memory, value and time, according to provided information. Find all the details at https://foothillsartcenter.org/.
Denver Bake Fest returns with top-notch treats
Who can say no to freshly baked bread? You won’t have to at the second annual Denver Bake Fest, held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday,
Oct. 5, at Rebel Bread, 675 S. Broadway in Denver.
Open to bakers of all backgrounds and ages, the festival and contest will feature a wide range of categories, including brownies, glutenfree cakes and whole grain savory treats. Competitors are aiming for awards like Best in Show and People’s Choice, but while they’re doing all the work, visitors can sample delicious baked goods of all kinds. ere will also be live music, co ee, baking demonstrations, games and kitchen tours.
Funds from this year’s event will go to Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness. For all the details, visit https://rebelbreadco.com/bakefest.
Learn about the Sand Creek Massacre from a di erent perspective
e Sand Creek Massacre is one of the darkest entries in Colorado’s long history, but one that is important to remember. To that end, the Tesoro Cultural Center is presenting “Mochi’s War: e Tragedy of Sand Creek,” at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Good Recreation Center, 8615 S. University Blvd. in Centennial, and at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6 at the Buck Recreation Center, 2004 W. Powers Ave. in Littleton.
e “Mochi’s War” presentation is a lecture led by author Chris Enss about his book of the same name. e book focuses on the repercussions of the Sand Creek Massacre from the perspective of a Cheyenne woman who survived the 1864 massacre.
Tickets can be purchased at www. tesoroculturalcenter.org/tesorohistoric-lecture-series/.
Go on a Día de Muertos adventure in Northglenn
Día de Muertos is one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the fall calendar, and Northglenn is cel-
ebrating early withMexico Beyond Mariachi’s Sugar Skull! Día de Muertos Adventure
Co-produced by Rhythm of the Arts with Mexico Beyond Mariachi, the bilingual/bicultural, familyfriendly musical uses traditional regional music and dance from Mexico to tell the story of 12-year-old Vita Flores and Sugar Skull, and their adventure to learn the real meaning of Día de Muertos.
Performances are at 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. at the Parsons eatre, 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn. Information and tickets can be found at NorthglennARTS.org.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Michael Kiwanuka & Brittany Howard at Mission Ballroom
Never let anyone tell you that soul and R&B music isn’t as vibrant and alive as it was in its 1960s and 70s golden era. Today there are more musicians than ever taking the genre and exploring its limitless potential, and two of the best are Michael Kiwanuka and Brittany Howard
A British musician, Kiwanuka has made a name for himself over more than a decade of releases, which show a prodigious talent that can’t be con ned to traditional soul sounds. And Howard got her start in the great band Alabama Shakes, before moving on to solo releases that see her stretching her voice and pen.
e two are a truly inspired pairing and they’ll be coming to the Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. ey’ll be joined by the luminous Yasmin Williams.
For a night of masterful modern soul, get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
Thu 10/03
Eric Golden @ 5pm
First Annual Pet Pawrade
@ 2:30pm / $10
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Fri 10/04
Blonde Redhead with Allison Lorenzen @ 5pm
Levitt Pavilion Denver, 1380 W Florida Ave, Denver
Sat 10/05
Breakfast Fly-In
@ 7:30am / $12.95
Exploration Of Flight - Centennial Airport, 13005 Wings Way, Engle‐wood. info@wingsmuseum.org
DROP OUT: Thank You Fest 2024 @ 10am
The Brutal Poodle, 1967 S Broadway, Denver
Mon 10/07
Watercolor
@ 12pm
Oct 7th - Dec 9th
Heather Gardens Clubhouse, 2888 S. Heather Gardens Way, Aurora
Basketball: Youth-Boys-Ages 810-Beginner-Late Fall 2024 @ 3:30pm
Oct 7th - Dec 14th
Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E Plaza Dr, Parker
Thu 10/10
7301 S Santa Fe Dr, 7301 South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. info@as pengrovecenter.com
Kash'd Out at Moe's BBQ @ 6pm
Art: Painting Landscapes in Watercolor (18+yrs) @ 4pm
Oct 7th - Oct 21st
PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker
Tue 10/08
Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood
Sun 10/06
BOBBY MESSANO RETURNS TO CHEROKEE RANCH @ 6pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia
Thunderstruck: America's AC/DC Tribute @ 6pm Wide Open Saloon, 5607 US-85, Sedalia
Shannon and the Clams @ 6pm
SUGAR SKULL! A Dia de Muertos Musical Adventure @ 9am
Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker Makeout @ 6pm
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Engle‐wood
Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, Englewood
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BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
It is o cially fall, and in Colorado, that’s when the state truly shows o its full array of mountain beauty. Hikers, drivers and mountain bikers can enjoy eye-popping fall foliage without trekking too far from the metro area, but others travel deep into the Centennial State for those eeting red and golden leaves.
Many meteorologists feared recent cold and rainy weather would knock o most of the colors, but scores of them survived and are just waiting to be ogled if you know where to go. at’s why we at Colorado Community Media put together a list of some of the most rewarding hiking experiences for autumn sentimentalists.
As weekend adventurers hit the mountains after the work week, tra c is sure to pile up. So if you can, try one of these stunning hikes during the week, or at least get up early to beat the morning weekend crowd.
Here are 12 hikes to show o the state’s best autumn colors. Some may require a bit of a road trip, but most are easy day hikes not far from the metro area. Sometimes, you just have to get out there.
AllTrails.com provides all trail stats listed below. Remember that terms like “easy,” “moderate” and
“hard” are subjective and depend on your judgment, experience, stamina and more.
Raccoon Trail
Golden Gate Canyon State Park near Rollinsville
- Type: Loop
- Length: 2.6 miles
- Elevation: 462 feet
- Time to complete: 1:14
- Drive from Denver: 35 miles
Old Dillon Reservoir Trail
Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area near Silverthorne
- Type: Loop
- Length: 1.7 miles
- Elevation: 213 feet
- Time to complete: 0:40
- Drive from Denver: 72 miles
Kebler Pass/Irwin Lake
Gunnison National Forest near Somerset
- Type: Loop
- Length: 2.2 miles
- Elevation: 98 feet
- Time to complete: 0:44
- Drive from Denver: 196 miles
Lily Pad Lake Trail
Eagles Nest Wilderness near Frisco
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Elevation: 403 feet
- Time to complete: 1:21
- Drive from Denver: 71 miles
Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail
Arapahoe National Forest near Guanella Pass
- Type: Out-and-back
- Elevation: 1,085 feet
- Time to complete: 2:00
- Drive from Denver: 55 miles
Mason Creek Trail
Staunton State Park near Conifer
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 8.4 miles
- Elevation: 1,574 feet
- Time to complete: 4:00
- Drive from Denver: 39 miles
Chief Mountain Trail
Arapahoe National Forest near Idaho Springs
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 2.8 miles
- Elevation: 948 feet
- Time to complete: 1:47
- Drive from Denver: 37 miles
Grizzly Gulch Trail
Arapahoe National Forest near Silver Plume
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 5.2 miles
- Elevation: 1,131 feet
- Time to complete: 2 hours, 45 minutes
- Drive from Denver: 50 miles
Flash of Gold Trail
Medicine Bow-Routt National Park near Steamboat Springs
- Type: Out-and-back
Colorado provides endless beautiful areas for driving for those who don’t want to hike to get their fall colors. Here a road swerves through the Mount Evans Wilderness decorated with popping leaves.
Gunnison National Forest near Crested Butte
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 13 miles
- Elevation: 2,148 feet
- Time to complete: 6:00
- Drive from Denver: 195 miles
Abyss Lake via Abyss Lake Trail #602
Mount Evans Wilderness near Guanella Pass
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 16.7 miles
- Elevation: 3,379 feet
- Time to complete: 8:19
- Drive from Denver: 63 miles
Honorable Mention
Trail Ridge Road (to drive)
Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park
- Type: Peak-to-peak drive
- Length: 39 miles
- Elevation: 3,891 feet
- Time to complete: Depends on tra c and speed
- Drive from Denver: 73 miles
I am a Coloradan with a passion for exploration and over three decades of experience as a travel consultant. I’ve had the privilege of helping countless adventurers turn their dreams into reality. Call me, let’s talk about your travel dreams.
- Length: 10.5 miles
- Elevation: 1,250 feet
- Time to complete: 4:18
- Drive from Denver: 160 miles
Kenosha Pass North
Pike National Forest near Je erson
- Type: Out-and-back
- Length: 11.5 miles
- Elevation: 1,666 feet
- Time to complete: 5:00
- Drive from Denver: 66 miles
Oh-Be-Joyful Trail
Let’s be real; sometimes you don’t want to move. Take your rig out for a pilgrimage to Rocky Mountain National Park for a beautiful and scenic drive from one mountain peak to the next. e drive to Estes Park is breathtaking and if you’re willing to pay to get into the park, sit back and relax while you cruise through beautiful changing colors and snow-capped mountains.
But beware of tra c and make sure to check the weather, park information and more before making the trip.
Regardless of where you chase the changing leaves this fall, be safe and be on top of the latest forecasts. Get out there before it’s gone!
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e changing temperatures and shorter days in the mountains create a once-a-year spectacular show of colors in the high country.
Colorful leaves of the mountain aspens draw thousands of people from around the world and across the country to Colorado to witness nature in its splendor, and Guanella Pass in Georgetown is its epitome, according to visitors.
“Growing up we spent a lot of time in the mountains. My grandparents lived in Evergreen so we were up here a lot, we used to sh the creek with my grandpa all the time and he passed away last year so it’s very special to be able to come up here still and have all of the memories,” Colorado native Dru Ogg said while walking with her 2-year-old son Hudson along the trails at Clear Lake o Guanella Pass.
According to the U.S. Forestry Service trees at altitude, especially the aspens, begin a natural cycle in which chlorophyll production slows and eventually stops. Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives leaves their green color, so when it breaks down, the green color disap-
pears.
e technical de nition and explanation of what takes place every fall is one thing, the technicolor results of the phenomenon are what dazzles visitors every year.
“I love seeing the aspens changing colors like the yellow and the orange. It’s pretty cool mixed in with all the evergreen trees. It’s a pretty cool sight,” Courtney Montgomery of Denver said alongside her husband Alex.
e pair shared a day o from their vocation as youth ministers at the Denver Church of Christ to
visit the 10,000 foot mountains in Georgetown.
“It’s just nice and peaceful out here,” Alex Montgomery said. “Yeah, it’s a gem.”
Visitors to the mountains of Guanella Pass witnessed the steady and constant rush of tra c heading into altitude to see the show “free of charge” provided by nature and available to all.
“No place else I’d want to be,” said Colorado native Maureen Blackford with her sister Carol Black.
“ is is a favorite playground, you can’t ask for better nature, wildlife, blue skies,” Black said. “You got such a beautiful palette of greens and yellows and oranges and reds. Not too many states have this array of colors.”
“You gotta get out and enjoy it while you can, you blink and you’ll miss it,” Blackford added.
According to Georgetown ocials, the economic impact of this yearly phenomenon is di cult to quantify but the tra c alone with license plates from California, Texas, New York, Oklahoma and overwhelming Colorado are evident of the tourist dollars owing into the town.
“I just think they’re just breathtaking every year,” Ogg said.
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More exceedances than in 8 of the past 10 years, regional air quality o cials say. They’re seeking more caps on oil and gas activity
BY MICHAEL BOOTH THE COLORADO SUN
e northern Front Range counties violated EPA ozone standards on 40 days of the 2024 summer air pollution season, Colorado o cials said Monday, and their new action recommendations call for more restrictions on oil and gas activity.
Monitors watching the nine Front Range counties in Colorado’s “nonattainment” area for toxic ozone recorded violations of the EPA’s 2008 cap of 75 parts per billion on 22 summer days, according to the Regional Air Quality Council. e monitors showed exceedances of the tighter 2015 EPA standard of 70 parts per billion on 18 days.
Together, the 40 violation days were higher than totals in eight of the past 10 summer seasons, RAQC said.
Colorado must bring average ozone levels below both the 2008 and 2015 standards in the next few years, or face increasing restrictions from EPA sanctions. e northern Front Range counties have already been forced to use more expensive reformulated gasoline that has lower emissions, and Colorado Air Pollution Control o cials must now write permits for any business projected to exceed 25 tons of emissions a year, down from the previous threshold of 50 tons per year.
Some recent regulations have yet to fully impact high ozone levels and
need a chance to work, said RAQC spokesperson David Sabados. But policymakers cannot rest on past actions, he added — new sets of rules are needed to reverse the rising ozone trend of the past few years. “ ere’s more that needs to get done, and we can’t just rely on what’s already passed getting fully implemented. We need to be looking at other options as well,” Sabados said.
e rst two recommendations from the RAQC’s season wrapup would demand new cuts from the Colorado oil and gas industry, one of the biggest in the nation. Ozone is created from a mix of volatile organic compounds from petroleum and other sources, nitrogen oxides from industrial and vehicle sources, and particulates like wild re smoke, all cooking under 90 degree-plus summer skies.
While the state oil and gas industry is subject to a number of new rules from recent years, more ozone could be taken out by requiring producers to recapture pollutants during so-called “blowdown” events where wellheads are cleared of methane and other residue, the RAQC report said.
e industry should also be required to overhaul “antiquated” pneumatic equipment that vents pollutants to the atmosphere from well sites and pipeline gathering sites. ose emissions can be recaptured, RAQC says.
Another recommendation previously pushed by the EPA and which should be revisited by Colorado ofcials includes cutting “indirect sources” of emissions, such as vehicle tra c centered on growing warehouse operations, distribution centers and large entertainment or sports venues.
Smoke from wild res in Colorado and elsewhere in the West has also made the state problem worse in
recent summers, Sabados said, but the monitors show that on most of the bad smoke days, ozone created by other controllable sources would still have put readings above the 70 or 75 ppb caps.
“Wild re smoke cannot be a scapegoat explanation,” the RAQC summary said.
Legislators are looking at new bills for the 2025 session to help cut ozone, and RAQC and the Air Quality Control Commission also have new potential policies and rules on their fall calendars, Sabados said.
“We thought it was important to send this out now,” he said. e violations are warnings of further crackdowns by the federal government, and of ongoing health problems in disproportionately impacted minority and lower-income communities, said Ean Tafoya, director of Colorado GreenLatinos.
Tafoya is in Washington, D.C., this week, and in a meeting with Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra noted the high copays for asthma- ghting medicine in communities with high illness rates.
“It’s very challenging for our community,” Tafoya said.
A spokesperson for American Petroleum Institute-Colorado said they could not o er new comments about potential regulations, but pointed to past statements that the industry is complying with a host of new emissions control rules imposed by the Air Quality Control Commission and the Energy and Carbon Management Commission. e trade
group has also argued that because of recent regulation, the energy produced from Colorado comes with fewer emissions than that produced in other states.
e RAQC’s “candor” in illustrating a bad 2024 ozone season is “refreshing,” said Jeremy Nichols of the nonpro t Center for Biological Diversity, but also seems like state ocials “throwing up hands and saying they just can’t keep up.”
“From almost day one, Governor (Jared) Polis has urged swift and aggressive action to reduce ozone yet here we are still stuck in the same mess,” Nichols said. While air pollution monitors show oil and gas activity contributing to spiking ozone, the state Air Pollution Control Division keeps permitting more and more drilling sites, he said.
e most high-pro le action in recent months was a ban on summer use of gas-powered lawn equipment by parks departments and other large institutions, including mowers and leaf blowers. e small engines contribute a small but signi cant portion of the daily summer ozone mix.
“Unless and until we see legitimately bold action to reduce ozone, including at least a pause on oil and gas permitting, then I don’t think anyone living in the Denver Metro-North Front Range region can breathe easy,” Nichols said.
e nine-county nonattainment area includes Denver, Arapahoe, Douglas, Boulder, Adams, Broomeld, Je erson and Weld counties, and part of Larimer County.
Winter Park Resort nears completion on its snowmaking upgrade
Winter Park Resort is completing the rst major upgrade of its decades-old snowmaking system. e $37 million new system more than doubles the resort’s snowmaking capacity and creates broader earlyseason snow coverage. Recent upgrades and improvements in snowmaking technology help Winter Park have one of the longest winter seasons in Colorado. In addition to the snowmaking system, Winter Park continues to focus on infrastructure upgrades that improve the guest and employee experience.
Parker to host Bags, Beans & Brews e Downtown Business Alliance, which is the association of downtown Parker businesses, is hosting its Bags, Beans & Brews cornhole tournament and chili cook-o from noon to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at O’Brien Park in downtown Parker. Attendees will enjoy a fall day lled with competitive cornhole games, a sizzling chili cooko and refreshing craft beers.
Proceeds from the event will bene t the Parker Hometown Christmas Parade, which will take place
on Dec. 7.
General admission tickets are available via Eventbrite. Visit https://downtownparker.com/ bags-beans-brews-landing-page/ or email events@downtownparker. com for information.
CheckOnHomes earns national accreditation
Castle Pines-based CheckOnHomes has earned national accreditation from the National Home Watch Association.
CheckOnHomes’ Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, which means it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.
CDOT releases seat belt study
Douglas County ranks in the top ve Colorado counties for seatbelt usage, according to the latest data from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
Produced annually, the State of Colorado Statewide Seat Belt Survey provides a detailed breakdown of seat belt usage across ve vehicle categories — cars, vans, SUVs, passenger trucks and commercial — in the 26 Colorado counties with the most crash-related fatalities.
e most recent survey results indicate usage rates have increased by 7% in the last 10 years. However, in 2024, the overall seat belt use remains at 88%, the same as last year.
National Home Watch Association was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada.
CheckOnHomes serves Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, Littleton, and Cherry Creek. To learn more about the business, visit www. checkonhomes.com.
Additionally, the bond addresses the safety and technological needs of our athletic and extracurricular facilities, enhancing the overall student experience. It also supports Career and Technical Educa-
tion opportunities, which are vital in preparing our students for the workforce with industry certi cations.
e urgency of this bond cannot be overstated. e backlog of $300 million in maintenance needs continues to grow by $35 million each year. If we delay these investments in our local assets, we only make future solutions more costly. It’s
motor vehicle, and the driver and every passenger in an autocycle equipped with a safety belt, to wear a seat belt whenever the vehicle is in operation on a street or highway. To learn more about Colorado’s seat belt law, visit codot.gov/safety/ seat belts.
In the last ve years, there has been a steady increase in the number of counties with a 90% seat belt usage rate or higher. In 2020, only six counties had use rates above 90%. In 2024, 15 counties scored above 90%. e ve counties with the highest usage rates are Eagle County (97.12%), Douglas County (96.9%), Grand County (96.51%), Fremont County (95.75%) and Park County (95.18%).
Colorado law requires the driver and every front seat passenger of a
5 Colorado nonprofits receive funding from Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament e Halliburton Charitable Foundation has successfully raised a record-breaking $4 million through this year’s Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament. More than 100 nonpro ts have been selected to receive funding, including ve nonpro ts in Colorado. ey are the Colorado Youth Outdoors Charitable Trust in Fort Collins, Weld Food Bank in Greeley, Project C.U.R.E. in Centennial, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Of Colorado Inc. in Denver, and Uplift Internationale in Wheat Ridge. e tournament will take place on Oct. 2 in Kingwood, Texas. e application opens in November for charities wanting to apply for next year.
All nonpro ts, regardless of size, are encouraged to apply.
worth noting that DCSD is already the top-scoring school district in the Denver metro area, and this bond will help us maintain and build upon that success.
Let’s also remember the broader impact on our community. Strong schools bolster property values and are often cited as a top priority by homebuyers. By supporting this bond, we are not just invest-
ing in our schools; we are investing in the future prosperity of Douglas County.
I urge my fellow residents to vote in favor of this bond and our school district’s future. Together, we can ensure that our schools continue to thrive, providing a quality education for every student in our district.
Constance Ingram
Highlands Ranch
these newer neighborhoods do not have a school nearby. is is creating challenges related to overcrowding at some of our existing schools, as well as a need for more transportation during a nationwide bus driver shortage.
If approved by voters, the DCSD 2024 Bond would fund:
• a neighborhood elementary school for the Sterling Ranch/Solstice area ($60 million);
• a neighborhood elementary school for the RidgeGate area ($60 million); and
• an expansion for Sierra Middle School ($30 million).
It’s important to understand a couple of things about bonds.
In Colorado, school districts generally have to pass bond initiatives to build and invest in schools (the state provides no funding for capital construction needs whether that be construction of new schools or capital investments in existing schools).
Population growth DOES NOT pay its own way when it comes to schools. In the state of Colorado, developers are required to provide the land for public schools. However, the construction of the schools is the responsibility of local taxpayers.
Our county supported seven bonds from 1984 to 2006 in order to build neighborhood schools, the last of which was built in 2010. Only one bond initiative has been passed by Douglas County voters over the past
ACCESSIBLE: Fourteen Town Halls since elected - Most in the state and more than all of Douglas County’s other legislators combined
EFFECTIVE: Seven of his eight bills last session passed UNAIMOUSLY out of committee (the eighth passed with bipartisan support).
MODERATE: GOP’s own “Liberty Scorecard” ranks Bob as the most moderate Democrat among all 69 Democratic legislators.
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18 years, which has put us behind, not only in building new schools, but also in making the necessary investments in our aging buildings to ensure safe and e ective learning environments for our students and sta .
Investing in athletics and activities rough extracurricular activities, students develop skills and talents while learning teamwork and leadership. Sports and arts programs also help build community as they bolster students. roughout DCSD, athletic facilities and auditoriums require repairs and replacement of infrastructure in order to keep our students safe from injury, ensure they can continue to access these incredible programs, showcasing their talents to the entire community.
e 2024 bond, if approved by voters, would address needs across the district including $10.4 million for athletic facility upgrades (including turf elds, running tracks and tennis courts) and $1.6 million for auditorium upgrades (including theater and stage equipment, auditorium seating, and sound systems).
Providing additional resources for
special education
DCSD will provide additional opportunities, specially tailored learning spaces and upgraded access to students with special needs if the 2024 bond is approved. is includes:
• $5 million for additional centerbased programming
• $4.7 million to replace specialeducation school buses
• $2.5 million in capital improvements to provide specialized Career and Technical Education opportunities
• $2.1 million for Phase III construction at the new Parker Student Support Center
• $1 million for special-education/ADA-related improvements at school- and center-based sites
To learn more about how additional funding would bene t our schools and our sta , including how each school would bene t, visit www.dcsdk12.org/funding. ank you for taking the time to learn more about this bond initiative!
Erin Kane is the superintendent of the Douglas County School District.
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