The Estes Park Board of Education met Monday, June 22, for a meeting that combined detailed financial planning with an emotional leadership transition, as Superintendent Ruby Bode delivered her final report before departing at the end of the month.
Bode, who has spent more than two decades with the Estes Park School District in roles ranging from teacher and coach to principal and superintendent, will step down at the end of June. She has led the district as superintendent since July 2022. Incoming superintendent David Grubbs will assume the role July 1.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and unanimous approval of the agenda, the board moved into a discussion of the district’s preliminary 2026–27 budget.
Budget highlights and funding changes
District officials outlined a proposed general fund budget of approximately $19.8 million, with total spending across all funds projected at $26.2 million. The general fund remains heavily focused on personnel, with about 70 percent allocated to salaries and benefits.
Despite declining enrollment, the district plans to maintain staffing levels, absorbing reductions in several grant-funded positions into the general fund rather than cutting programs.
Board members emphasized that these changes would not reduce classroom support. Funding shifts include reductions in federal Title programs, which will slightly limit professional development funding and some classroom innovation and technology purchases. However, district leaders said those needs will be covered through other funding sources.
Tutoring programs, supported through a mix of general fund dollars and outside grants, will continue unchanged. District data show strong results, with participating students outperforming their peers on growth measures.
Retention incentives and financial planning
Bode announced that staff will receive a $5,000 retention incentive, funded through a combination of mill levy override revenue and year-end budget availability. The total investment of approximately $750,000 represents the largest retention incentive the district has provided.
The district will also maintain all staffing positions going into the next school year, even as enrollment declines by about 50 students.
To manage cash flow, the board approved a resolution allowing the district to borrow up to $6 million during the year. Because the district relies primarily on local property tax revenue received in the spring, it typically borrows funds beginning in November and repays them in March.
Facilities, programs, and student outcomes
In her superintendent’s report, Bode highlighted extensive summer work across district facilities, including installation of a new phone system, field and irrigation improvements, playground resurfacing, and ongoing renovations at school buildings.
The district is also nearing completion of a long-term facilities master plan, expected to be presented in August, which will guide future capital investments.
Bode shared progress on the district’s strategic plan. Attendance has increased for four consecutive years, while chronic absenteeism has declined. Academic performance trends show gains across reading, math, and science, with particularly strong growth in elementary and middle school math.
Tutoring efforts have contributed to those gains. According to district data, 72 percent of elementary students and 57 percent of secondary students in math tutoring met or exceeded growth targets.
Survey data showed generally positive feedback from students and families, while staff surveys highlighted areas for improvement, including the quality of professional development, consistency in behavior management, and workplace relationships.
Board actions and policy updates
The board approved several items as part of the consent agenda, including the preliminary budget, employee contracts, and federal funding applications.
Additional action items included approval of the 2026–27 board meeting schedule and updates to district policies. Many of those changes were procedural, reflecting the leadership transition by updating the district’s designated compliance officer to incoming Superintendent David Grubbs.
The board also approved a change to move regular board meetings from Mondays to Wednesdays.
A farewell and recognition
At the conclusion of the meeting, board members formally recognized Bode’s service to the district and community.
Members praised her leadership, commitment to students, and role in guiding the district’s academic progress and organizational culture.
“You’ve left your mark on our community and our schools,” Board Member Jennifer Roberts said.
Bode, who began her career in education tutoring students and later spent 10 years teaching science before moving into administration, reflected on her time in Estes Park.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the students, the staff, the families, and the community here,” she said.
The board presented Bode with gifts, including flowers, messages from staff and community members, and a framed photograph of Estes Park.
The meeting adjourned with a sense of appreciation and transition, as the district prepares for new leadership while continuing its focus on financial stability and student success.