The Thompson School District Board of Education meeting was held at the usual 6 p.m. time Wednesday Nov. 2. It included representation of multiple school accomplishments, action consent items, updates on the Mental Health Summit, special education and an overview of state accountability assignments.

The meeting began with a proposed motion by Board Member Nancy Rumfelt to add a topic to the Board’s agenda. Rumfelt proposed that the Board address the topic of privacy rights for parents and students regarding gender identity and potential effects on other students, specifically in a locker room-type situation. This motion was met with no seconds, so the motion to continue with the proposed agenda passed in a 6-1 vote with Rumfelt being the only member to oppose the motion.

Superintendent Dr. Marc Schaffer began his report with a remembrance of former Colorado House Minority Leader Hugh McKean who recently passed away. Schaffer then showcased Berthoud High School’s marching band for earning second place in the state competition and the Loveland Crimson Regiment for winning the 4A state championship. Principal of Centennial Elementary School Carmen Polka took to the podium to introduce the school’s student council to showcase the projects and work they have done for their school.

Action consent items 6.1 – the approval of personnel, extra duty and coaching recommendations, 6.2 – approval of emergency access easement, 6.3 – approval of a new scoreboard at Max Marr Stadium and 6.4 – approval of the 2022-2023 Family Partnerships and Education Month proclamation were all passed as a single motion in a unanimous 7-0 vote by the Board.

The singular discussion action item was the naming recommendation for Conrad Ball Middle School. Students, staff, parents and community members came together to select three names, and the one presented to the Board was Peakview Academy at Conrad Ball which was unanimously accepted in a 7-0 vote. The recommended name was presented by Theo Robison, director of secondary education for the school district.

Dr. Jennifer Guthals, director of student success provided an update on the first inaugural Mental Health Summit. The summit is being held to provide mental health care and awareness to the Thompson School District student body. The event will be held on November 16 from 8 am to 4 pm at The Ranch in Loveland.

Director of Special Education Lazlo Hunt addressed the issue of staffing for special education in the school district. Hunt identified that the social worker and psychology roles are currently the biggest need with speech assistants being the next in line. Hunt hopes to reach out to parents and other community members to apply.

The meeting ended with the mention of strategies for school improvement, including the tracking of different areas so that the school can focus on them individually for future improvement. An analysis of the district’s budget was presented as well.