The Colorado ISD Board of Trustees convened for its regular May 5, 2025 meeting with a full quorum present. The meeting opened with a verification that it was properly posted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Celebrating Campus Excellence
The evening began with the Board and Administration honoring outstanding staff and teachers from each campus for their contributions during April:
Colorado Elementary School
Staff Member of the Month: Lex Ornelas, praised for her one-on-one instructional support, school spirit contributions, and help with dance programming.
Teacher of the Month: Casey Fox (not present), recognized for a seamless transition to first grade and mentorship of new colleagues.
Colorado Middle School
Teacher of the Month: Lee Ann Roach, noted for dynamic 5th grade RLA instruction, exemplary parent communication, and her role as an instructional model.
Staff Member of the Month: Irma Salazar, new to the custodial team and already a standout for her hard work and dedication.
Colorado High School
Staff Member of the Month: Gloria Rivera, a SPED paraprofessional commended for her daily support of students and her commitment on bus routes.
Teacher of the Month: Marcella Saenz, recognized for her leadership in the Ag department, her mentorship of 8th graders, and her impact on the FFA program.
Campus Updates and Celebrations
Mrs. Toombs provided an energetic update on spring events and academic programming:
The 6th Grade Band received top scores in competition.
KidWind Teams are heading to the World Finals in Arizona, now with nearly 30 students attending.
A Robotics Competition will be held Thursday.
After-school Dance Programs continue to thrive, with strong performances at recent recitals.
A new 3rd–4th Grade Kickball Tournament served as an exciting alternative to field day.
STAAR testing has concluded; NWEA testing will wrap up Friday.
NJHS inductions and Academic Awards are upcoming.
The 3rd grade’s Ladybug Science Project was highlighted for its hands-on learning and upcoming parent presentations.
She also shared a heartfelt reflection on the recent loss in the community, asking for prayers for Visal Kong's family and those supporting them.
Dr. Polk added, “This district doesn’t just function as a team, it stands as a family. And in moments of grief, that unity means everything.”
Academic Goal Progress: Signs of Growth
Progress on student achievement goals was presented:
3rd Grade Math has shown significant improvement, from 6% Meets/Masters at the beginning of the year to 23% by mid-year.
5th Grade Math is closing in on its growth target.
7th and 8th Grade performance has already exceeded year-end goals.
Pre-K saw an increase to 85% numeracy proficiency, exceeding this year’s target and on track for the 2029 goal of 95%.
K–2 Math results remain a work in progress, particularly impacted by staffing disruptions earlier in the year.
Dr. Polk shared, “It’s about focused instruction and people who believe in what we’re doing. The work is showing results.”
Re-Elected Trustees Silva and Alvarez with Certificates and Oath of Office
Certificates of Election were issued to newly elected board members, including Rachel Silva and Jamie Alvarez, who were unopposed candidates and re-elected. Both were officially sworn in during the meeting by Mitchell County Judge Mike Redwine.
Safety and Security: Above and Beyond Compliance
Dr. Polk announced the district’s full compliance with recent random intruder audits: “There were absolutely no findings at any campus, a testament to our commitment to real safety, not just checking boxes.”
Colorado ISD has implemented advanced protocols like internal door pauses and locked classroom doors at all times, going beyond state requirements.
Board Constraint Progress: Student Outcomes at the Center
The board reviewed Constraint #2, which focuses on prioritizing student outcome goals. Dr. Polk noted that the board had increased time spent on academic outcomes to 34% of total meeting time last month.
Board President Emily Strain remarked, “We are very encouraged by that number and we’re going to keep moving that needle.”
Legislative Concerns: Standing for Public Education
In a passionate legislative update, Dr. Polk addressed the recently signed school choice bill:
“This legislation sends public dollars to private institutions, and it doesn’t just shift funding, it threatens to fracture the very system that supports our most vulnerable students.”
He warned of the implications for staffing, funding stability, and equity:
“We don’t have clarity on our funding yet, and salaries are the biggest part of our budget. We are being asked to do more with less, and that’s not sustainable.”
He stressed that Colorado ISD would continue to fight for strong public education:
“We’re going to keep building programs that give families a reason to stay. Because this isn’t just my job, it’s my calling.”
Other Business
Updates on radio repeater systems and classroom communication access were provided by Mr. Oliver, moving the district closer to full “green” status for safety compliance.
“We’re one of the greatest districts around , not because everything’s perfect, but because we work together. We show up for each other. And we keep getting better.” — Dr. Larry Polk, Superintendent