The Wolves are back — and so is the buzz in the Colorado ISD boardroom.
On August 11, 2025, the Board of Trustees gathered for a meeting that was equal parts planning, celebrating, and looking ahead to another big year. From fresh coats of paint in the new CTE building to record-breaking student readiness numbers, the night proved that CISD is heading into this school year with energy and purpose.
Ready to Howl on Day One
Elementary Principal Mrs. Toombs had one word for the start of the year: ready.
“We’ve got a cohesiveness this year that I haven’t felt since my first year as an administrator,” she said with a smile. New teachers have meshed seamlessly with veterans, afterschool favorites like dance, art, cooking, and piano are set to roll again, and parents are already organizing to bring back the PTO.
CHS Principal Mr. Komppa reported that his team is equally ready to roll. Staff turnover was minimal, enrollment is slightly higher than last year, and targeted accountability measures are in place to help raise the campus rating. Fall sports are already underway, and senior parking lot painting has reached an all-time high in participation. “They’re using watercolor, right?” joked one board member.
Bond Projects & Parking Lot Plans
Construction updates from Claire Saiz of Gallagher Construction put the spotlight on parking lot improvements, lighting, asphalt, and even a matching retaining wall to tie in with the softball and baseball fields.
Plans include using existing stadium light poles for the main lots and adding new poles for two additional lots. The proposed lighting cost is $128,537.57, with asphalt work ranging from $550,000 to $750,000 depending on the lot. Trustees also discussed reaching out to nearby residents before adding lights near homes.
Superintendent Dr. Larry Polk praised Techline Sports Lighting for past work and noted that competitive bids could bring the price down.
CTE Building Near the Finish Line
The Career and Technical Education building is nearly complete, with only a handful of minor paint touch-ups left. The board is also considering large fans for the south area and additional ventilation in the shop spaces. Dr. Polk encouraged trustees to stop by for a tour, saying the facility “looks great” and is ready to serve students.
Budget Greenlighted for 2025–2026
CFO Jerri Kimball walked the board through the proposed budget, which passed unanimously. While revenue will be about $1 million higher than last year, nearly all of it will go toward state-mandated raises and school safety measures, including the district’s School Resource Officer. The good news? The increase comes from state funding, not local tax hikes.
Big Wins in Lone Star Governance
Zooming in, consultant Dave Plymal shared some brag-worthy numbers. Colorado High School’s College, Career & Military Readiness rate hit 100% in 2024–25, smashing the long-term goal of 92% set for 2029. Teacher turnover has also dropped to just 12.5%, well ahead of target.
Plans are in place to post Goal Progress Measures in the boardroom, on campuses, and online to keep the community informed and engaged.
Safety, Policies, and Phones
Safety audits? 100% compliant. New state mandate for ballistic shields? Already in place on every campus. Plus, the district has rolled out Sentinel software to document safety measures and track maintenance.
Trustees also approved the 2025–2026 Student Code of Conduct and handbooks, as well as a new cell phone policy in line with HB 1481. High schoolers will keep phones in magnetic-lock pouches, middle schoolers will use lockable cases, and exceptions will be made for medical needs. Progressive discipline will keep the policy consistent and fair.
Looking Ahead
The board set a public hearing for the budget and tax rate on August 25, 2025, and reminded members about the TASA Conference in September.
School starts Wednesday, Wolf Nation. Let’s make it a great year.