The Estes Park School Board spent more than 2.5 hours Monday night, Jan. 26, interviewing professional search firms, reviewing district finances, and receiving updates on student achievement, facilities, and safety.
The lengthy meeting came amid a significant leadership transition, as Superintendent Ruby Bode announced earlier this month that she will leave the Estes Park School District at the end of the school year after 21 years of service, citing personal reasons.
The board ultimately approved a contract with Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to lead the search for the district’s next superintendent, with the hiring process expected to conclude by mid to late April.
Superintendent search: Board interviews firms, selects HYA
The primary focus of the meeting was the board’s evaluation of two professional consulting firms, McPherson & Jacobson and HYA, to guide the superintendent search following Bode’s announced departure.
Both firms outlined multi-phase search processes emphasizing community engagement, confidentiality, and customized recruitment strategies. Presenters stressed compliance with Colorado law, which requires confidentiality until finalists are publicly named, and highlighted the role of stakeholder input in shaping the candidate profile.
McPherson & Jacobson emphasized their national reach, noting more than 1,100 superintendent searches conducted across 45 states, including extensive work in Colorado. Their proposed process included an online stakeholder survey, optional focus groups, active recruitment through a national consultant network, and a five-phase approach beginning with a board design meeting to establish priorities and a legally compliant salary range.
HYA presented a similarly comprehensive approach, highlighting its role as a preferred partner of the Colorado Association of School Boards. The firm reported conducting 48 superintendent searches in Colorado and more than 130 nationwide, with a 94 percent one-year retention rate for placed superintendents. HYA representatives emphasized intentional community engagement, including individual interviews with board members and district leadership, focus groups with staff, families, and students, and the use of a confidential online board portal for applicant review.
Following the discussion, the board unanimously approved a contract with HYA to conduct the superintendent search. The proposed timeline includes an initial planning meeting, launch of a community survey, candidate recruitment and vetting, and finalist interviews, with a goal of hiring a new superintendent by mid to late April.
Transition planning and superintendent evaluation
In addition to recruitment, presenters outlined transition and evaluation support for the incoming superintendent. This included a structured 100-day plan, establishment of year-one performance objectives, and an evaluation framework aligned with eight national leadership standards and incorporating 360-degree feedback.
Board members noted the value of incorporating student voices into the process and emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership transition following Bode’s long tenure with the district.
Financial update: Mid-year budget revisions and capital projects
The board also reviewed the district’s quarterly financial report and mid-year budget revision, which reflected adjustments tied to property tax assessments, federal grant allocations, and the timing of state equalization payments.
Key financial highlights included:
- A revised total revenue of approximately $20.3 million.
- Continued maintenance of a healthy contingency fund.
- Completion of capital projects such as foundation repairs at the high school gym and lighting upgrades at the elementary school gym.
- The purchase of two new buses through a cooperative purchasing agreement, resulting in cost savings.
Budget adjustments were also made to support food service operations, special education costs, and grant-funded programming.
Superintendent report: Safety, academics, and partnerships
Superintendent Bode provided updates on district operations, safety initiatives, and academic performance. Safety response teams have been reviewing emergency drill procedures, with staff completing training in first aid, CPR, and “Stop the Bleed.” The elementary school recently completed a full-building evacuation drill in just over six minutes, a district record.
Academic updates included a reported 62 percent reading proficiency rate and a mid-year attendance rate of 92.2 percent. The district continues to partner with the CSU Prevention Research Center on a parent education program and is expanding secondary course offerings.
Student achievements and program highlights
The board recognized a range of student accomplishments and program developments, including:
- Work-based learning projects showcased through culinary and career pathway programs.
- Four high school students were selected to serve on the CEIS AI Student Advisory Council.
- The Integrated Learning Center’s student-run business, Bone at the Treat, focused on entrepreneurship and life skills.
- Winter athletics successes, with multiple students qualifying for state-level competition.
- New course offerings planned for next year, including basic automotive and home repair.
Staff wellness initiatives were also highlighted, including free yoga classes offered to district employees.
Looking ahead
Upcoming district events include a “Coffee & Conversations” gathering with Superintendent Bode on Feb. 12 at Inkwell and Brew. The next board meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 at the district administration building.
The meeting adjourned following final votes, concluding the district’s longest session of the school year, marked by a pivotal leadership transition, significant decisions about the superintendent search, and a continued focus on fiscal oversight and student achievement.
Hallelujah for this opportunity to bring in a new administration. The Community now has a chance to end decades of K-12 pedagogical mediocrity and seize the opportunity to achieve educational excellence. Developing employability skills among young Americans has never been more important. It is time to break the long chain of popularist curricula in the classroom and move wisely into the age of A.I.-driven skill development.