Board Meeting January 8, 2026
Horizons K-8 School 1/8/26 Board Meeting Minutes
Date: January 8, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:20 PM
Location: The Hub
Facilitators: Travis Lockhart / GBC
Secretary: Jordan Logan
Attendance:
Jessica Slatus, Travis Lockhart, Adam Brink, Michael Joseph, Fran Cohen, Kate Bachtel, Jordan Logan, Kristin Hauger, Caley Gallison, Rob Horansky, Rachel Clionsky, Jim Freund, Joel Gratz
Administrators Present:
GBC and Kristin Hauger
I. Preliminaries & Consent Items
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Travis Lockhart.
Public Comment
Members of the Big Picture Team provided an update regarding next steps following the faculty engagement survey facilitated by Melissa Rossback. The team reported a desire to hire an outside mediator to support discussion of survey results at upcoming faculty meetings. The board discussed the distinction between governance and operational responsibilities and noted that while funding decisions fall under board oversight, the staff may hire a mediator as desired as this decision falls under operational matters.
Approval of Minutes
The board reviewed the minutes from the December 11, 2025, and December 19, 2025 meetings.
- December 11, 2025 minutes were amended to clarify that professional development decisions are a faculty matter, with funding governed by the board.
- December 19, 2025 minutes were amended to clarify that the Kolbe Index was introduced by a contractor.
Vote: Board approved minutes by concordance.
II. Reports, Actions, and Discussion Items
Charter League and HR Updates
Michael Joseph reported ongoing efforts to obtain a proposal from the Colorado League of Charter Schools (CLCS) for anti-bias training. GBC will follow up with the CLCS representative to expedite the receipt of a proposal from CLCS.
The Board discussed the formation of a long-term HR consultant subcommittee to define future HR needs. The plan is to discuss and organize the mission of this subcommittee at the next board meeting in February. Melissa Rossback continues to serve as the interim HR consultant.
Head of School and Financial Update
Fund 11 Budget
A budget amendment was presented with a projected $140,000 revenue shortfall from the previously adopted budget. This is the result of a 16-student deficit in the October count. There have been some changes in how BVSD is funding the school, which include per pupil allotment increased by 3% and district purchase service costs increased by 11%. The board noted limited transparency in the district’s reimbursement methodology. The school will likely receive a $50,000 reimbursement from BVSD this year as BVSD has overcharged the school in a few areas to this point.
Council Fundraising
Council fundraising is ahead of schedule, having reached approximately 87% of the $116,500 fundraising goal prior to the annual Spring Gala auction.
Head of School Evaluation
The Head of School (HOS) presented annual goals for the 2025–26 school year. Rob will develop a faculty input survey in which responses can be anonymous. The board discussed transitioning to a year-round evaluation process rather than the current annual review process. HOS evaluation subcommittee will discuss the development of a year-round HOS evaluation process.
Budget Action
The amended January 8, 2026 budget was approved by the board by concordance.
Enrollment and Charter Review
Enrollment Planning
GBC recommended an enrollment target of 374 students for the 2026–27 school year, with 404 open seats offered to BVSD to optimize funding.
Charter Renewal Update
Adam reported continued progress on waiver reviews. A recent site visit was successful, and positive and supportive feedback was provided by the evaluator. Charter renewal negotiations with BVSD are anticipated in Spring 2026.
Committee Updates
Development Committee
Kristin reported that fundraising remains strong. Planning is underway for a Spring Gala. This year’s event will be at Relish in Louisville. Attendees will be invited to play in a pickleball tournament. A “Dine and Donate” event with Organic Sandwich in Boulder and Louisville is scheduled for January 15.
Finance Review Committee
Joel reported that the school’s financial reports appear strong. The committee continues efforts to better understand and clarify the district’s reimbursement process, which is confusing.
III. Closing
Legal Considerations
The board discussed Sunshine Laws and open meeting requirements, including considerations related to board member’s attendance at staff meetings.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.