The Moffat County Board of Education met for the first time since the start of the 2023-24 school year on Monday, and the meeting included thoughtful and sometimes intense discussions on a range of topics.

One major focus for the school board was the results of last year’s Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) standardized tests, with the low results concerning for a number of board members.

Board member Kacey Lyons said the scores raised “lots of red flags.” Lyons added that she would be interested to see how 2022 test scores compared to previous years’ scores prior to the inclusion of iPads in the classroom.

Superintendent Jill Hafey agreed the schools “have work to do … and room to grow.” However, Hafey also concurred with board member Chris Thome, who suggested that while the state test results provide a valuable metric for growth, they don’t necessarily show the full scope of student achievement. Following discussion, the results were shared via email with board members so that they may review them in more depth prior to the next meeting.

A new recognitions and celebrations segment was introduced at the meeting, and attendees learned of two grants recently awarded to the district.

Food Service Director Laura Mouriquand secured a Healthy Meals Incentive grant. HMI grants are the “largest targeted investment (the) USDA has ever made for school meal programs in small and rural communities,” and the Mouriquand’s MCSD Nutrition Department was awarded $105,019.

With the funds, MCHS will install a walk-in freezer to store local beef for use in the school lunch program. The grant will also allow for chefs from Nourish Colorado to create three recipes using the ground beef and train nutrition staff on-site at the high school.

MCSD Director of Communications and Grants Cuyler Meade shared that the district also received a mentor program grant, which will allow for the expansion of the mentoring program for new teachers.

Packing the gallery, the district’s principals were all in attendance to share status updates for their respective schools.

MCHS Executive Director Ryan Frink spoke highly of recent cleanup efforts at the high school as staff and students have been working together to give the building’s interior a refresh.

CMS Principal Sara Linsacum reiterated her goal of giving students a “true middle school experience.” She also touched on middle school’s staggered first day and the introduction of student goal-setting.

Principal Ashley Johnston said she has been working to create positive changes at Sandrock Elementary. In addition to promoting healthier snack and lunch choices for students, she’s also revamped pick-up and drop-off parking schedules.

Ridgeview-Maybell Principal Crystal Miller promoted an upcoming school fundraiser in September.

Sunset Principal Andi Murphy introduced her school’s theme for the year. The Super Mario-themed “Leveling Up Since 1954” includes a nod to the school’s year of construction and also encourages students and staff alike to bravely meet new challenges. Murphy also spoke about the introduction of math interventions, reading incentives and the Girls on the Run program.

Preschool Director Stephanie Davis shared that over 130 children are attending the preschool this year, including 43 3-year-olds and 91 4-year-olds. She also mentioned that the students will soon experience their first fire drill of the year and compared the event to “herding blind kittens” up a hill.

Newly appointed K-12 Activities Director Dillon Hoselton also made an appearance to share current student-athlete numbers. MCHS has 46 football players, 28 volleyball players, six cheerleaders, 15 cross-country runners, 12 golfers and 29 soccer players.

Craig Middle School has 42 football players, 64 volleyball players, 15 cheerleaders and 28 cross country runners. Hoselton also extended thanks to the community donors, including Vallarta’s, whose generosity provided for the purchase of updated scoreboards.

During public comments, parent Laura Woodworth introduced a program called Watch D.O.G.S. that she is hoping to test with MCSD. The goal of the program is to get more male figures involved in the schools to serve as effective role models for students.

The next MCDS school board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at 600 Texas Ave.