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Council Notes April 17, 2025

4/17/2025 Council Meeting Minutes
Horizons K-8 School
Meeting Agenda:  Copy of Council Meeting Agenda (Detailed)-April 17, 2025.docx

5:25 PM - Seed Exchange!

Call to Order: 5:39 PM

  • Quorum established

Facilitators: Jasmine GBC, Travis Lockhart
Notetaker: Michelle Bargo
Timekeeper:  Sarah Wise

Present: Travis Lockhart, Marybeth Patrick, Sarah Wise, Teresa Joseph, Michael Joseph, Shoshana Kressler, Allyson Desart, Barb Anderson, Julie Cohen, Jim Freund, Lauren Yedell, Lynn Pence, Elizabeth Parady

Present Online: Jasmine GBC, Suzanne Tadros, Gina Lee De Freitas, Lauren Owen, Sarah Jane

5:40 - Mindfulness Meditation - GBC

5:44 - Introductions & Icebreaker - Travis Lockhart

5:59 - Principal’s Report/ SAC - Jasmine GBC

  • Colorado Budget Cuts and Possible Effects
    • We discussed federal budget cuts to education including withholding of federal funds due to Title IX and Title VI violations.  CDE, ACLU, NAACP, and other states are suing the federal government regarding these executive orders, which do not have legal binding.
    • Education in CO gets $800,000,000 from the federal government.  The biggest concern at this time is students with disabilities and massive delays resolving issues that arise. Another concern is that the Department of Education has so few remaining staff members that federal payments to the states could become exceedingly slow.
  • Budget
    • For 25/26, inflation is at 2.3% and benefit costs will increase 4.6%.  Real numbers from the state of CO and BVSD are delayed due to the current uncertainties.  As a result, the 25/26 Horizons budget cannot yet be prepared.
  • Finance Review Committee (FRC) Recommendations
    • We should fine-tune the budget so that Fund 11 covers all operating costs and the Council budget aligns with all of the extras that Horizons offers.
    • Horizons should plan for a very conservative budget for 25/26 to account for the current situation and also possible increased costs that might come from our contract renewal, especially special education services contracted through BVSD.
  • CMAS participation
    • Unfortunately our CMAS participation was under 95% so we will not get all of the points for our School Performance Score (SPS).  (Our participation was approximately 93/94%.)  DAC has a “Take the Test” initiative to promote all families opting into the testing.  

6:22 - Hawks Happenings - Lynn Pence

  • Lynn’s 5/6 Suitcase Project
    • This project began in January.  It is multidisciplinary across subject areas.  Lynn shared the book Some Places More Than Others and one student’s suitcase.  Each student creates a suitcase that showcases who they are that includes writing samples, artifacts from home, and other samples.

6:34 - Committee Reports

  • Development - Teresa Joseph
    • Please buy your prom tickets!  The silent auction has already opened to ticket holders and $1700 has already been raised.  To date, 130 tickets have been sold.  The paddle raise event will go towards the playground update.  Dig Design will design the project.
    • The Dine and Donate program has raised more than $500 for Horizons! 
    • A small subcommittee is developing an Annual Report to detail how funds are spent for the community.
    • We are looking for people to create a robust social media presence online.
    • On 4/25, from 8:30 - 10:30, we are gathering to make corsages and boutonnieres to sell at the prom.  Please come participate!  Check HelpAtSchools to sign up.
  • HCG - Barb Anderson
    • Spirit Week is next week.
    • Teacher Appreciation Week is also coming up during the first week of May.  You can sign up on HelpAtSchools.
    • The liaisons were really successful this year and had plenty of new ideas.
    • We have successfully recruited mentors to support incoming families who will be new to Horizons for 25/26.
    • Monday 4/28 from 6:30-8 there will be a talk on staying balanced in the age of screens.  This is open to everyone.  Please RSVP.
    • We are planning an End of the Year picnic for the final day of school.  Check HelpAtSchools to sign up.
    • Plant Sale - May 9 from 11:30 - 2:00 - Come and get all your garden starts.
  • EDB - Allyson Desart
    • “How to Grow a Conversation Garden” This event is Monday 4/21 from 6:30-8 PM.  
    • Banned Book Club: The Best At It
    • Be the Change: Let’s Celebrate Diversity!

6:50 - Items for Discussion

  • Hiring Committees - We still need help after school with hiring committees for specials (PE, STEAM, and art).  The retention of specials teachers has been difficult because this is not a full time position.  The faculty has been discussing this issue to determine whether some changes to the positions might be necessary.
  • Parent Board Openings - We need 4 parent board members.  Please apply by submitting a letter of intent and resume to GBC by 4/29.
  • Skylines - Elizabeth Parady asked for feedback about Skylines, and community members felt positive about the format.  Skylines is not currently being posted on the website but hopefully this will happen soon.
  • Vacuum Cleaners Revisited - Elizabeth Parady, Shoshana Kressler
    • BVSD facilities misquoted the price for 12 vacuums that Council had previously approved funds for.  Waxy has quoted $5707 for 12 vacuums.  Broomfield Vacuum Center quoted $399 per RICCAR vacuum cleaner (bulk price), which would be a total of $2513 for 6 vacuums.  
    • Motion: To allocate up to $4200 for the purchase of 10 RICCAR vacuums through Broomfield Vacuum Center.  - Barb Anderson
      • Seconded: Teresa Joseph
      • Concorded
  • Annual Meeting - The May Council meeting is the Annual Meeting and we need 20 in attendance to make quorum.  


Adjourned: 7:35 PM