Haxtun BOE accepts three resignations

The Haxtun Board of Education accepted three letters of resignation in a Tuesday evening meeting last week, one of which came from Secondary Principal Dustin Seger. In addition to approving the three resignations, board members approved a Monday school day in April to make up for time lost in snow and late start days as well as approved the 2023-24 school calendar.

Seger’s letter was the first of three approved by the local Board of Education on Tuesday, March 21. The second two came from High School English Teacher Tracy Kennedy and Assistant Director/Lead Preschool Teacher Emma Mackay.

“It is with a heavy heart that I submit this letter of resignation from my position as secondary principal, effective at the end of my contract,” Seger said in the opening sentence of his resignation letter. “This school and community has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember and I am so appreciative for the time to work with the amazing students, staff and community.”

Seger went on to say, “Haxtun School District will always hold a special place in my heart and I love the rich traditions that it provides for our students. I am grateful to the long generations of families, including mine and my wife’s, that make this such an outstanding community. We are so thankful to call Haxtun our home.”

In closing, Seger said he wished Superintendent Marsha Cody the best as she takes on the position of secondary principal. “I will work with her for an easy transition to continue the success of the school and students. I will continue to support our students and families in other was in our community and look forward to working with you all again in a different capacity.”

First year Haxtun teacher Kenney said she, too, will work until the end of the school year and she has fulfilled her current contract days. “I wish Haxtun Schools the best moving forward,” she said.

Mackay, who leads one of two preschool rooms at Haxtun, said she plans to resign effective May 19. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Haxtun Schools, the opportunities that have come my way and the friendships I have made with staff, parents and the community. I will cherish my years working for the Haxtun School District,” she added.

Recently, the board of education approved the cost of a contract with Wold Architects and Engineers to develop a facilities master plan. Objectives of the master plan will be to assist the District in identifying, analyzing and prioritizing facility needs, both short term and long term, while considering architectural, mechanical, electrical review and incorporation of Colorado Department of Education assessments, educational programing, cost estimates for capital planning, demographic data, enrollment projects and facility capacity analysis, community input, district personnel input and funding sources and support.

The plan correlates to the efforts of the Haxtun Education Foundation and Haxtun Lions Club in raising funds for a community auxiliary gym and weight room. A fundraiser for the project earlier this month brought in nearly $43,000 which will be put towards matching funds for possible grant opportunities. First step in doing so, the District would like to compete a facilities master plan.

During Tuesday night’s meeting, board members approved a list of names to invite to the Community Design Team to assist with the facilities master plan project. Those on the list include: John Chapdelaine, Alicia Schram, Jessica Ayala, Mark Gueck, JD Stone, Mike Ensminger, Tim Hahn, Regan Biesemeier, Amy Kilgour, Cody, Becky Heinz, McCall Etl, Lindsey Goddard, Jeff Plumb, Paige Thompson and Rich Starkebaum.

In other business the BOE:

• Added April 24 to the current school calendar as an in-school day for staff and students. The Monday school day will make up time for snow and late start days taken this winter;

• Approved the school calendar for next year. School will begin on Aug. 15 and release on May 23. Graduation 2024 is set for Sunday, May 12.

• Discussed a possible salary increase for staff for the coming year. According to figures from Cody, the increase would amount to 5.9 percent with a step increase, which equals 1.5 percent for certified staff members. Classified staff projected increase includes raising the base rate to $15 per hour. Plans are to take action on salary increases next month.