“It’s a tight timeline, but we are taking the time to set up extra public meetings,” said Kristin Smith, Durango School District 9-R Board president. “We know that it’s important for community members to know what’s happening and have an opportunity to provide feedback. As a board, we agree that it’s integral for the public to have a voice.”
The Board decided on the following next steps and meetings:
- May 24, 5:30 p.m. – Board of Education Regular Meeting at the Durango School District 9-R District Office. This meeting is open to the public. It has reached full capacity of speakers, who reserved limited time slots for the public participation portion of this meeting. Click here to view the agenda.
- May 24 to June 6 – The public is invited to leave comments on the Ascent application, which is posted on the District website until 4 p.m., June 6. Anyone may leave comments, you are not required to live within District 9-R boundaries. Click here to read the application. Click here to leave feedback on the community comment form.
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May 31, 4 p.m. – The Board of Education will hold a public forum in the Durango High School auditorium beginning at 4:00 pm to hear comments regarding the charter school application from Ascent Classical Academy. View Application Here. View Application Appendices here. Anyone who lives within the Durango School District 9-R boundaries and any employee of the Durango School District 9-R is invited to speak for two minutes. If you would like to speak please submit your name, e-mail and address at this link. The submission site will open at 4:00 pm on Monday, May 23 and will close at 4:00 pm on Friday, May 27.
- June 3, 8 a.m. – Interview with Ascent applicants at the Durango School District 9-R District Office Board Room. This meeting is open to the public, but there will be no public comment.
- June 13, 6 p.m. – Board of Education Special Meeting. District staff and members of the District Accountability Advisory Committee's Charter Review Committee will make a recommendation and the Board will ask questions. This meeting is open to the public, but there will be no public comment.
“We understand that Ascent supporters would like to have a decision as soon as possible,” said Durango School District 9-R Superintendent Karen Cheser. “We will take the time to conduct a thorough review to support our school community and the mission of our district. These decisions can be challenging for everyone involved, but we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through the process.”