FROM OUTSIDE ONLINE: Kellogg will spend five to six weeks preparing, learning the route, and establishing camps. For the journey, he plans to start going up through the Khumbu Icefall to get to Advanced Base Camp, climb up the Lhotse face, reach Camp 3, go up to South Col, then cross into the Death Zone. The goal is to make the entire trip in 30-something hours. The possibility of an accident occurring is three times more likely without oxygen, and Kellogg is aware that he has to go smoothly and slowly for safety, especially the closer he gets to the summit.

Salida Mountain Sports has helped outfit Sam, as the trip came together rather quickly. Sam met Michael in Santa Fe during a clinic with Outside Magazine last fall. Michael, and his company Serac Films, were apparently impressed enough to ask Sam to cover Chad’s preparation and acclimitization process. While loading copious amounts of gear at the Salida Outside/C3 studio, last week, he looked tired but had those wide excited eyes you get before a big adventure. At one point stopped, he sat down and simply said “what an honor.”

Sam will be shooting his Canon 7D, among other high-end HD digital cameras. Dealing with frozen batteries and mandatory repetitive back up strategies will be part of a fast learning curve, in a very hostile environment while working with the best in the business.

I documented some packing and preparation over the last week which will be a part of a larger documentary on the expedition upon his return in mid May. You can follow his Facebook posts here. A few recent posts below. Sam’s local RSN affiliate is about to launch a brand overhaul as it becomes OUTSIDE TELEVISION.

Breathe, and get back safe brother. -bd

I sat in on a couple meetings with these nice folks, and they appear to have some good momentum on this project. One thing they have going is their outreach and inclusivity. They are speaking with other, successful tourist lines and operators, and seeking advice in dealing with the powers that be at all junctions. There has been much talk in the past about this line and some false starts.

After speaking with this group, it appears they have looked at the engine in the picture above, which is currently in need of a home. It’s currently sitting in a warehouse. Built in 1906, it was the last steam engine to run over Tennessee Pass. It has been rebuilt to run on oil, possibly recycled grease. A green train?

What they are lacking are interested people to be involved. If you have any questions, give Michael a call 281-686-8625, or attend a meeting.

Let us know your thoughts, and please consider that these folks are in the exploratory stage. If your comment alludes to the difficulty of dealing with the railroads, they’ve probably already heard it, which is why an early effort has been to find inroads through private, and public groups, that have already done the dance in other places.

The overview below was submitted by the small group interested in getting this project off the ground. -bd

MEETING: April 22nd, 6:30 p.m. Salida Library.

NEXT MEETING: May 20, 6:30 p.m. SteamPlant

This meeting is being held to discuss forming a 501 C nonprofit organization that will make it possible for a concessioner to operate a tourist train from Salida to Buena Vista.

Arkansas River Valley Tourist Train

America needs to create more jobs, reduce its dependence on foreign oil, and become more carbon-efficient. Reviving railroad lines can make a significant contribution to these goals—quickly and cost-effectively. In addition, reviving passenger rail travel in the United States would bring back crucial jobs and help keep American dollars in America.

However, we face substantial challenges that require strong leadership and vision at the local, state, and national levels.

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to leverage private, state, and federal funding to re-establish rail service in the Arkansas River Valley via the creation of a public-private partnership. In addition to providing a safe, productive, energy-efficient and environmentally-sensitive mode of travel, it would create new jobs and business opportunities.

The railroad line along the north / east side of the Arkansas River was established in the late 1870’s by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, and operated steadily through the 1970’s as a freight hauler, with some passenger service. The line, which connects Pueblo on the east and Grand Junction on the west, is known as the Tennessee Pass line, and is one of a few rail routes over the continental divide.

In 1988 D&RG merged with Southern Pacific Railroad, and in 1996, Union Pacific purchased Southern Pacific. With closure of many mining operations, and mergers and consolidations of railroad operators, Union Pacific ceased regular operations on the Tennessee Pass line in 1997. The line has not been abandoned, leaving potential for future use.

Railroad Property North of the Arkansas River

Downtown Salida was created as a commercial hub directly across the river from the rail yard that established the community. The rail yard was the employment center for the community for many years, and it was a major service and transportation hub for the D&RG.

However, railroad activity diminished over a number of years, and now there is no rail activity across the river at all. The defunct rail yard and underutilized property behind tall chain link fences have become blight on the downtown, even though it is a logical extension of the downtown and should be improved and utilized.

Work with Union Pacific to Develop the Property

We envision making the railroad property an active extension of the downtown by developing a train station and retail establishments on the old rail yard property.

We would encourage the Union Pacific to work with the Salida city government and the Chaffee County government to redevelop the property for such recreational, commercial, mixed-use activities and Tourist Train Opportunities

Master Plan Development

The former rail yard should be recognized as the gateway to public lands, Tourist and commuter train opportunities, transit-oriented development, existing and future trail connections, and recreational activities.

The following elements should be included in the master plan:

• As the population ages and fuel prices rise, accessible mass transportation becomes more important.

• A vision for the property, and appropriate zoning or overlay zoning for the area.

• Legal at-grade crossings to access County Road 177 and public lands north of the railroad tracks.

• Civic uses that complement but do not compete with downtown, across the F Street Bridge.

• Addition of space for public parking for downtown visitors.

• Transportation connections to Buena Vista, downtown, trails, public lands, and US 50 and Hwy 291.

• Consideration of utility connections associated with any transportation or development plans for the property.

• A utility corridor to connect the wastewater plant with downtown and Highway 291, to support future redevelopment within the city and beyond current municipal boundaries.

• Extension of the Riverfront Park and trails.

• Recognition of the important role the property played in the history of Salida, e.g., an interpretive kiosk.

Planning for Improvements – Capital Planning

Local governments have to consider a wide range of public facilities and equipment when prioritizing capital expenditures. A systematic approach to capital planning provides a number of advantages to local citizens.

Capital planning and prioritization for projects should consider:

Community needs, goals and vision

Assessment of the need for repair, replacement or expansion of facilities

Coordination with other projects

Land acquisition

Project financing

Economic activity and development

Future operating / maintenance costs of the facility

For now, please consider that 30% more Salidians responded to this committees survey than the city comprehensive planning survey (the survey that The Mountain Mail has trumpeted which shows that over 90% of Salidians get their news from them). This response rate would seem to be a testament to the calendar committees distribution methods as well as the communities interest in our schools. If you’d like to be involved in further school planning, please drop us a note, there are many ways to be involved. salidacitizen@gmail.com

You can grab the PDF version of this calendar here. district calendar 2010-2011

As a person who drives to Denver all too often, my friend Steve, aka Dr. Stewart “that wonderfully level headed City Councilman,” suggested I try out the new service. Though it’s been years, I’ve ridden the Greyhound, and felt the footy stench of travelers on a significantly lower budget, some with a traveling axe to grind, others with a criminal record. For this reason, my journey down 285 last week was like floating on feathers of efficiency, safety and comfort.

It cost me twenty-three clams for a one way ride. I was picked up just before eight in the morning behind Patio Pancake, where, I might have conveniently purchased a fast and delicious cafe breakfast. But, that’s another review.

The bus was of the new coach variety, and it was clean with racey red letters on the side (suggesting speed, or possibly turbo engines), and enough chrome and stern headlighting to give me a heady sense of traveling prestige. I was able to read and relax, arriving three hours later at the classic Union Station in the mile high city. I could have gone on to DIA if I’d wanted to make it an international experience, but where else but busy Denver would I want to be? Since I was going to a conference at the downtown Hyatt, I walked a few blocks, checked my backpack into a locker under the Blue Bear and breezed in fully caffeinated, pressed and clean for a noon meeting. Later that night I hopped on a free, electric, and decidedly cuter 16th Street Mall bus up to Broadway, then grabbed a $2 city bus to a friend’s house for the evening. Bingo! I’m urban.

The service returns from Denver at 1:40 pm for another $23. The bus, ..er Coach runs seven days a week. Additional bags are $10, but the vehicle is about fifty yards long and virtually empty, so unless you are packing your anvil collection, I think this is a pre-emptive fee for a crowded bus. I saw a guy packing on a couple duffel bags with no hassle from the friendly driver. I booked the ride the night before online and printed out my ticket. When the bus …dang, I mean Coach, arrived, it was an effortless interaction as the receipt acted as my ticket.

Having a few quiet hours to be whisked through the Rockies may well be worth taking the ride just for the eight-wheeled pleasure of it all. This is a great service for Salida and surrounding mountain towns. Support it, or it may go away. Have you taken the trip? What are your thoughts Salida?

Two words: baseball anyone?

Arrow/Black Hills Stage Lines.

Thank you to the staff at Arrow for their help with this review.

I was going to make a comment on Fred’s recent article, but realized it was worth posting my thoughts in their own space, in part to bring attention to tonight’s meet and greet, but also to address a larger topic. When I asked about teaching math, Fred once told me that it really didn’t matter what he was teaching because he’d just have to find a way of connecting with his students, and making the learning experience inspiring.

I can count the teachers I’ve had with this attitude, and energy level, yet I’ve now met several in our small town. Maybe it’s the water.

I keep hearing about “the great Salida High School staff” from school board members. To be clear, I have recently, and specifically asked about the high school staff, as I my oldest will go there in the fall. This article came out of my inquiry (We have had nothing but positive experiences from Longfellow and the middle school as I’ve written before). One thing that came out of the discussion about this piece was Fred’s enthusiastic, and ceaseless support of his fellow teachers and staff. How do you teach someone the value of this attitude in a small school system? —or a small community? Because it would seem to be inherently reciprocal, which benefits everybody.

Tonight (Tuesday April 7th) is the meet and greet with prospective Superintendents. If you never interact with the Super’ again, this is a great opportunity to learn about who he or she is in a broad sense as well as learn about education issues in our country from the people on the front line. Only one person will be hired, but when that person comes aboard, I hope he or she is supported by our community, but especially by the district’s teachers and staff.

For those of you that will intuitively search for his or her weaknesses, I hope you will also take a look at their strengths, because as humans, we are all endowed with both. Searching for connections with this person, no matter how challenging it may seem to you, is the essence of a great teacher.

Giving the community a voice is vital. If we choose to see our community defined by only a few for-profit media sources, two of which are decidedly right of center, we risk misunderstanding the more holistic fabric of what makes our community hum and roll.  We all have parents, children, neighbors and siblings with varied political leanings. But, we trust that the shared values that allow us to appreciate this beautiful valley, and small town lifestyle, are greater than our differences.

Our vision for the Citizen demands that we not simply straddle a centerline view of politics, or pursue the intoxicating allure of newsy objectivity. We are interested in fostering discussions about reasonable approaches to life in the twenty-first century by reaching out to hear what you have to say, in your own voice.

In Salida, we represent a unique cross section of America, one in which we have access to a world of knowledge and culture, but keep it at arm’s length. We choose to live in a place where we know each other by name. But, this lack of anonymoty comes with a price. We are accountable. When we vote, we have had every opportunity to sit down with the officials who will have an impact on our community and our children. When we pass each other in the canyon, we will recognize the logos on each other’s trucks. But, we embrace this, and we accept that people just may call us out. However, I believe, thanks to this intimacy, that it is less likely that we will be called out because of our differences, but rather because we’re being unreasonable.

We cannot hide. Nor, can those who do less than stellar work run very far. But, as we grow, we must nurture  what works in a small community; communication baby…communication. Do you hear all that madness in the streets of the cities? Those folks aren’t listening to each other. They’ve forgotten that they are neighbors.

Fred’s piece is a sample of what you will see more of on the Citizen in the months ahead as we regroup, and process the somewhat unforeseen success of this web site. Since we don’t have a big budget, it makes sense to us to simply go to the source and hear, unedited, from Salida citizens. So, speak with passion, but be reasonable.

Toss a cold one across the porch to your neighbor and see what happens.

Let us know what you think. -bd

write to us: salidacitizen@gmail.com or Support the Citizen by advertising.

You may be wondering why this big news is buried in the community section under the title Photo of the week? Let’s call this the very soft launch of real news, located in a place that you, our faithful readers will appreciate. It’s called community.

It’s time to figure out where we’re headed Salida. Everyone needs to come to the table. We don’t need media that draws divisions.

This is the twenty-first century, and we feel it’s time to turn up the volume. Steve’s commitment to the Citizen team is the first of many big things to come in 2010. If you want to support this new media, video news (in HD?), our partnership with  OUTSIDE TELEVISION, and see longer investigative articles by veteran journalists, support us here.

It’s good to love where you live, in all it shades and seasons. I do love it here. Thank you Steve…Glad to have you aboard. You are just another reason Salida is a great place to be in this mad, mad world. -bd

I shot these very early this morning. I also shot some hi def vid for the archives (we love what you’re doing Mr. Harvey). Below I posted today’s weather forecast, so when I’m sitting around with all my friends having a cold beer at FIBArk, I may look back at this winter and laugh.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”

Anne Bradstreet

614 AM MDT WED MAR 24 2010

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL...EAST
CENTRAL...SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST COLORADO.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT

WIDESPREAD MODERATE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL CONTINUE ACROSS SOUTH CENTRAL
AND SOUTHEAST COLORADO TODAY BEFORE WINDING DOWN FROM WEST TO EAST
LATE THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THIS EVENING.  THE SNOW WILL BE
ACCOMPANIED BY STRONG GUSTY NORTH WINDS OF 15 TO 30 MPH ACROSS THE
SOUTHEAST PLAINS WHICH WILL CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING AND DRIFTING
SNOW.  DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED
ACROSS MUCH OF THE AREA...BEFORE WEATHER CONDITIONS IMPROVE THROUGH
THE AFTERNOON.

THE HEAVIEST SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO FALL ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST
MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS THROUGH TODAY.  ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 5 TO 10 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS THE WET MOUNTAINS...WET
MOUNTAIN VALLEY...THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS...THE SOUTHERN
INTERSTATE 25 CORRIDOR SOUTH OF COLORADO CITY...AND THE NORTHERN
SLOPES OF THE RATON RIDGE OF EASTERN LAS ANIMAS COUNTY.  ADDITIONAL
SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES CAN BE EXPECTED ACROSS
CROWLEY...OTERO...BENT...PROWERS AND BACA COUNTIES...WITH THE
HEAVIEST FALLING SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 50.  ACROSS THE PIKES PEAK REGION
ADDITIONAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES CAN BE
EXPECTED...WITH LIGHTER AMOUNTS OF 1 TO 3 INCHES ACROSS SOUTHERN EL
PASO...NORTHERN PUEBLO COUNTIES AND EASTERN FREMONT COUNTY. THE
SOUTHWEST AND CENTRAL MOUNTAINS AS WELL AS THE UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER
VALLEY AND SAN LUIS VALLEY WILL SEE ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO
4 INCHES.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...THURSDAY THROUGH TUESDAY

GENERALLY LIGHT ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE
SOUTHWEST AND CENTRAL MOUNTAINS FRIDAY AFTERNOON...AND ACROSS ALL
OF SOUTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST COLORADO FRIDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY...AS ANOTHER WEATHER SYSTEM MOVES THROUGH THE AREA.

Edible forest landscapes are life filled places that not only provide food for humans, they are habitats for wildlife, carbon sequestering, biodiversity, natural soil building gardens of fruit and nuts, perennial and annual veggies and flowers.  These many-layered gardens are beautiful, resilient and self-renewing. With the emphasis on the whole system as an interrelated organism, interconnectedness is the key to a healthy, dynamic garden. Let nature be the model we use to design landscape.

The edible food forest vision is to maintain the benefits of a natural ecosystem while increasing the amount of food produced aiming towards sustainability, productivity and low maintenance. To contribute to the stability, self-fertilizing and self-renewing nature of food forests, biodiversity is essential to the strength, resilience and longevity of the system. The careful inclusion of plants that increase fertility such as nitrogen fixers and the use of dynamic accumulators (deep rooting plants which tap mineral sources deep in the sub soil and raise them up to the topsoil where they can become available to the other plants) contribute to this sustainability. Using plants specifically chosen to attract predators of common pests and to provide bee forage increases the stability of the food forest. Chose pest and disease resistant plant varieties. Tree canopy cover and leaf litter improve drought resistance and add to the nutrient cycling. Creating habitat nooks adds more dimensions to the food forest maintenance crew. The greater the diversity, the healthier the foundation and the less competition for resources.

The architectural structure of a food forest uses the primary aspects of different niches, the life strategies of plants and how they partition resources above and below ground. Aiming for the most beneficial stacking of plants, use of canopy trees, small trees and large shrubs, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ground covers, climbers and vines and the root zone facilitates the best use of space.  Each of these layers contributes to the multiple species interaction, forming the food web that regulate and distributes energy and nutrients.  Each species express inherent characteristics and form the basis of all interaction between itself and surrounding species. Resource sharing and mutual support stabilizes and binds community together.

The big trick is habitat mimicry. No one takes care of your favorite place in nature!

Perennials are the place to start. Chose a central element (fruit tree) and build a network of mutual support plants around it. Within this layering network of plants choose those which fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, accumulate minerals, attract insects and birds, attract predatory insects, mulch plants, repel pests, plus those that act as fortress plants and habitat plants.

Mimicking nature on the home level can transform landscape to sustain and feed humans for a long-term biologically sustainable system that once established needs little work to maintain. Plants acting in mutual support can withstand extremes and the onslaughts better that isolated species.

The major drawback is the planting and establishment requires large numbers of plants and alot of work. (Plant the trees and shrubs, and then start the understory from seed.) But over time maintenance becomes way less and you will have a perennial source of food, beauty and habitat.

- – - – - – - -

We are planning a Edible Landscape Tour (via bike) with a potluck at the last garden. (Pot luck dishes will be left at Denise’s and shuttled to the last garden.)

Who of you great gardeners wants to showcase your Edible Landscapes?  We are looking for 5 or 6 gardens. Are you willing to show off and tell us your story?

If you want to be on the route, please contact Denise or Merry by this Friday at the latest. We need to get planning!

Please make plans to join us on the 1st of July.

Merry    merrycox@msn.com

Denise    deniseackert@yahoo.com

From Oil dependency to local resilience

In January we said that our goal for 2010 would be to make openness and transparency something that government had to answer to us for at every level — in our cities, in our states and in Washington.

It’s time to start making good on that pledge, friends.

Government information should be as accessible to us as information about the weather, sports scores or knowing what’s going on in the stock market — all online and in real-time.

We need it to be this way so we can both hold government accountable and create new business with what is made available to us. 

In order to create this open, transparent government we seek, we have been building a national, nonpartisan campaign for the last two months, and you can see all our progress on the campaign page of our website.

Next Thursday, March 18, we will officially launch our campaign for open government along with all of you. 

Ultimately our goal will be to build a movement of 250,000 citizens across the country that demand transparency in government. 

We’ll be asking that citizens sign a pledge stating that transparency is of highest priority in determining who they vote for, and also ask citizens to commit to staying engaged in holding government accountable. In this way, we’ll build political muscle big enough that we can’t possibly be ignored.

It’s going to take all of us to get there, though. One of the first things you can do right now is volunteer to be a campaign leader, and serve next week as one of the people who will help us spread the word:

Campaign

Throughout next week, we will announce ways we can make government more open, and share ideas for how to make it work better for all of us. Next Thursday, we’ll also unveil our new website, which will serve as the hub of our campaign.

 Each day, we’ll let you know about something new. It’s especially appropriate that next week is our launch because it’s also the nationally recognized “Sunshine Week,” in which the media focuses specifically on how to shine more light on government.

Transparency leaders nationwide will connect online and off-line, hosting “Open Government Happy Hours” to bring people together in their cities, and organizing blog swarms to raise awareness of what we’re doing.

I’m sending this email this afternoon primarily as a heads up. We simply want you to know what’s coming up, get excited about it, and help us spread the word as we near the launch date.

This is going to be fun. We don’t want anyone to miss out!

Jake Brewer

PS One way to think about what we’ll be trying to do across the country with our campaign is find ways to complete a “Cycle of Transparency” – combining policy, technology, journalism, and engagement – in communities everywhere. This is a graphic we just put out to help make sense of it. Let us know what you think!

We have tried to answer these questions as best we can and hope that the responses are clear.

(We request that your comments be limited to a request for clarification of issues. If you wish to pontificate, please let us know and we will post your op-ed. Also, for a more comprehensive discussion of a particular issue, please contact a school representative or attend a school board meeting. Thanks for your understanding -ed)

Communication and Community Involvement:

For several years the board has had on-going communications with staff and community.

We do not have public discussion only during difficult times.  Good communication, good planning, and good decision making must take place when there is not urgency and high emotion.  We have done that.  And, those conversations have guided us to this point and through this point and allow us to fulfill our mission.

The conversations have been about priorities, expectations, 21st Century skills, etc.  The information gathered went into the development of our district goals.

Those goals, listed below, along with the mission statement is what guides our decisions.

Academic Focus

The district’s resources of time, money, and human capital are focused on creating and supporting a teaching/learning environment in which each student (pre-school through grade 12) is held to high expectations and challenged to demonstrate achievement gains.

Fostering Relationships

The students, staff, parents, board members and community members know that the superintendent values all people, seeks input, effectively informs and builds partnerships.

Leadership Effectiveness

The Salida School District leadership team that includes the superintendent, directors, managers, supervisors, coordinators, principals, and deans function effectively as a team when addressing issues that impact the teaching and learning environment.

Financial

The superintendent effectively manages the district’s current resources (time, money, and human capital) as well as implements a plan for securing future resources.

Planning

The superintendent uses planning processes as a means to focus the district’s current resources on the identified areas of need and to develop strategies to secure future resources to direct the district’s continuing needs. Planning will encompass all areas necessary to provide quality learning experiences that support the development of the “whole” student which includes arts, languages, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.

The mission of the Salida School District, in active partnership with family and community, is to ensure that each and every student is prepared to succeed in life, by providing quality instruction and progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment which will empower students with the skills necessary to achieve their greatest potential.

Has the Board considered combining the BV and Salida Districts in whole or in part?

The Salida School Board is open to the discussion. We approached the BV school board four years ago.  The idea was not openly received with the stated reason being that the districts were too different to be merged successfully.  Since BV is now facing the same budget cuts as Salida and all Colorado districts, we hope to reopen this topic for more discussion. Options might be sharing a superintendent, sharing other positions and services, and shared purchasing. Currently, Salida R-32-J and Buena Vista School Districts share a special education director who is an employee of the Mountain BOCES. There are discussions about continuing this partnership without the person being a BOCES employee.

The reality is that both sides need to be open to the possibilities. The Salida School Board contacted BV again in December to set up a meeting about this topic. We will keep this on the table and keep all options open.

Representative Tom Massey is proposing legislation this year to give district’s incentives in consolidating their services and programs.  We have had some discussions with him about this and will continue to monitor and express our opinions about such legislation.

Is the four day week under consideration?

The school board is considering this option.  We are doing it carefully and thoughtfully.

It is the board’s intention to make a thorough and well-researched decision. John Rouse has created a Calendar Committee (made up of staff and community members). The Board has requested that the Calendar Committee conduct a survey of all affected households to gauge their needs and concerns.  The School Board may not have all the information necessary to consider a four-day school week for the 2010-11 year.

A questionnaire was given to parents and students last fall via their student registration packet. Results gave the committee and the board an idea of preferences and we are focusing our efforts on more research and communication based on the list below:

-What is the educational impact on students at each level?

-What is the financial impact for the school district?

-What costs will be assumed by families if their children need care during the fifth day.

-Does our community have the resources to provide adequate supervision for younger children if they are not in school on a traditional weekday?

-Does the majority of our community want a 4-day week?

In summary, like several other Colorado school districts, the board is looking at a 4-day week purely as an option for financial savings.  We are interested in understanding the affect on education and impact on the community.  It is important to the board to consider the educational impact of every financial decision.

How much do we have in PILT, Honeywell, TABOR money listed under reserves?  Are we required to use this money in a certain way?

PILT - $144,547.34 (projected to receive $704,000 from 2009/10 through 2011/12) There are no requirements on this money. $138,027.20 has been devoted each year for three years (ending with 2012) to pay for the district’s wireless internet and for Computers on Wheels. There is also $30,000 a year that currently goes to Boys and Girls Club.

Honeywell - $80,550 is remaining to date.  This money was donated to the school district and specified to go to the high school. Based on staff recommendation, the money is to be used for projectors, smart boards, document cameras, office furniture, classroom books, a building marquee, and a scholarship grant.

TABOR - $330,000 – The state requires that we have 3% of budgeted expenditures of all funds with the exception of grants and bonded debt service to be used for declared emergencies only. Emergency excludes economic conditions.

Are you taking feedback from faculty and staff seriously?

Absolutely. The School Board has solicited input from the faculty and staff on numerous occasions over the past several years.  Recently, the School Board met with the faculty to solicit input on the current budget.   We take all of your ideas, thoughts and concerns very seriously. The job of the Board is to consider all ideas and make decisions that best support our mission

The mission of the Salida School District, in active partnership with family and community, is to ensure that each and every student is prepared to succeed in life, by providing quality instruction and progressive curriculum in a secure and challenging environment which will empower students with the skills necessary to achieve their greatest potential.

Some people may think because their idea was not included, it was not valued.  Ultimately, our decisions are based on multiple opinions and is always guided by our educational mission.

Additionally, we hope that staff is helping us look for solutions. We are a volunteer board, and depend, in large part, on input from faculty and staff. We have compiled a list of all of the suggestions made at the February 3 staff meeting and the February 8 Community – Accountability meetings. The board reviewed this information along with other options at our meeting on February 23.

Keep in mind, not everyone agrees.  Know that the board is listening to many opposing viewpoints.  Our job is to consider it all and make a decision that best balances varied opinions.  The ultimate deciding factor is the benefit or impact our decisions have on students.

Is the district in crisis?

No. Crisis is difficult to define.  We will not all agree.  Perhaps one way to explain it is a time of great urgency when decisions have to be made in the moment and there are few options or resources.  Currently, we have options and although our time frame is short, we are not making quick decisions in the heat of the moment.  Difficult yes, crisis no.

It may be several years until state funding is stable.  The School Board must make decisions under the assumption that things may not improve for several years.  Cuts in staffing and programs we make today may persist for years, so they must be made with the utmost care. In the end we have to base our decisions on what will be the least disruptive to our educational environment.

There is no question we are facing difficult times.  The board does not face easy decisions, each one comes with a change, and change is not always easy.  However, the board has created goals, based on community and staff input.

These goals guide our decisions and are continually reviewed and realigned.

We are facing these decisions with facts and a logical/thorough approach. We understand that a lack of knowing may cause anxiety and tension, but these feelings are not crisis. As best we can lets (re)direct our energies to finding the best ways forward and treating people with potential job loss with respect and dignity.

Will there be raises next year?

It is not likely. Our district is not alone. There will still be the 3% increase from the mill levy override money.

Why aren’t we cutting into our reserves?

Reserves are for one-time use such as the cost of a much needed bus, the replacement of boiler for heat in the winter, etc.  This district is in a good position with reserves and does not want to cycle back to the situation twelve – fifteen years ago when reserves were used to fund the budget and therefore became depleted.  We must approach the use of reserves carefully and cautiously.  The board did discuss this option at our February 23 meeting. District policy requires a balance of 15% of budgeted expenditures be reserved.

$2.1 million in reserves – Does it earn interest and where does that go?

It does gain some interest, which varies, as do all interest rates. Any interest gained goes back into the reserve fund.

What are the boards plans and timeline? When will the board’s plan be made public. Due to the anxiety about job cuts, when can you let folks know?

We developed a timeline with Salida Education Association. The board scheduled a meeting on Tuesday, February 23 to discuss financial options for 2010-11.  We anticipate making a few more financial decisions at our regularly scheduled board meeting on Tuesday, March 9.  Our contract with our teachers states the following Reduction in Force notification timelines:

02/26/10 – Notify Association of Board’s “official” action regarding the possible number of positions being considered for reduction in force.  Positions will broken down according to elementary and secondary.

04/01/10 – Individuals will be contacting regarding rif

04/30/10 – notice of involuntary transfer due

06/01/10 – teaching assignments for 2010-112 due

The board does not intend to eliminate any full-time teaching positions, tenured or probationary. There are some personnel that have retired or resigned, which will now be covered by other positions. And, there are some full-time positions that will become part-time.

Other decisions will be presented at the March 9 school board meeting.

You stated that the board has not made any decisions concerning next year, yet you stated no we were not cutting Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizon.” Why is this contradictory?

The statement made at a February meeting should have been…. “Has the board made a decision to sever our relationship with Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizons? No decisions have been made.” “Will Crest, Strawberry Door, and Horizons see budget cuts like other classrooms. Yes!”

It was thought that these three programs would be self-sustaining in their first year.  Each program brought in additional students to the district.  The fact is, state funding formulas that base funding on a five-year average to assist districts with a decline in enrollment (as we have been facing for several years), are a disadvantage for increasing enrollment – at least for a few years.

In reality, we did have to supplement the operations of these three programs for 2009-10 and will have to supplement them again, although to a much lesser degree next year before they become self-sustaining in 2011 or 2012.  The board looked at financial projections for the next five years and see that not only will these programs be self-sustaining, but they will bring in more money than their operating budgets for the long term.  The additional monies they will bring in will more than compensate for the money supplemented in the short term. Looking long term, this is the only way the board can compensate for decreasing enrollment and decreasing state funding. It will help stabilize our funding for all students and all staff in the future.

Adding these programs to our district supports our mission, which is to educate our kids for the 21st century.  Providing alternative educational programs makes our district competitive with other school districts in the state and will, in the long run, be an asset to our community.

Please understand, the addition of these three programs did not cause next year’s financial short falls. The budget changes we face are due only to state funding decreases and increases in worker’s compensation, PERA, and utilities.

Do you have a feasibility report done per the accountability committees?

Yes, that meeting occured February 22.  For those who do not know, the master agreement between the board and the Salida Education Association requires a feasibility study.

Do you think it is wise to focus on buildings when people are losing their jobs and we are working at barebones now?  Is it realistic for a community to support this?

Money used to build facilities does not come from our operating budget.  Any money used to build a school will come from a bond issue (voted on by the community) and/or from grant money (such as the Colorado BEST funding which provides up to 41% of the cost to build a school). Building a new school does not come out of the money used to operate schools or pay salaries.  In addition, the BEST funding will probably not be available for more than a few years.  This is our best chance for the foreseeable future of attaining State funding assistance with building new schools to replace our deteriorating facilities.

Building a new school will have a significant impact on future budgets because a more efficient school will decrease utility costs and reduce the operating budget.

It has never been easy in this community to raise money for our schools.  If we get this BEST grant, we will still need to pass a bond issue to get this funding.  We will all have to work together to achieve this.

In short, building new schools does not come at the expense of teaching positions.  We need to balance our operating budget, which is independent of the new building issue.

How much money is gained by high school eating lunch on campus?

The Salida School Board voted to have freshman and sophomores eat lunch on campus beginning with the 2009-10 school year. Juniors and seniors are able to leave campus for lunch. Having a closed-campus lunch for 9th and 10th grade has provided a net revenue increase of $20,735.

Many other factors were considered when making this decision, such as improving student safety and student nutrition and reducing tardiness.  These factors are still valid and important regardless of the financial impact.

It is important to understand that we have supplemented the food service department for many years and have decreased the amount of supplementation over the last few years.  It will probably never be a self-sustaining department, but with 38% of our students on free or reduced lunch plans, we believe it is important support to students’ health and education.  Each year we evaluate the program and implement changes to make it more efficient.

Longfellow paras are essential to student success!

The board values all employees, departments, and programs.  These decisions are not a matter of what or who we value.  We understand that any decision we make will have an impact.  Every option we face there will be support for and against. In the end, the board will have to make some very difficult decisions.

Is the district considering grant writing?  Either through a grant writer or a superintendent with grant/fundraising experience?

We have written grants and continue to do so.  Grants are definitely helpful. They are usually for a short amount of time and are designated for a very specific use.  When the grant money runs out, the board then has to determine how to continue funding the program.  Grants are another source of money that are unreliable or for short-term use only. They are also highly competitive right now.

Financial – Add parental and community input.

We have been aggressively pursuing dialogue with the staff and community for the past three years.  We have had conversations about priorities, goals, expectations, 21st Century skills, buildings, and leadership to help us develop a plan that gives us direction and create successes through all types of financial conditions.  The resulting plan, driven by our missions and goals, came from these discussions and has directed our decisions.  It is a continuous conversation.

Can parents help pay for field trip costs or sports bus costs?

Parents can always make contributions to the school district.  We have to carefully consider charging fees for field trips and student activities because not all families are able.  We do not want to create that obstacle to educational opportunities.

Could all employees take a small pay cut to help keep more people employed?

We have worked hard to get staff salaries to the current level.  At this time, the board is not considering this option.  Employees will get their 3% mill levy override increase for the 2010-11 school year.

Does the district have any assets that can generate revenue?  Any land that can be leased?

The school district does have property along Holman Avenue. It is used mainly for the Ben Oswald Soccer Fields (a long-term GoCo Grant) as well as the Loyal Duke Dog Park, and a bike park.

The school district also has a few empty lots in Poncha Springs and we have been discussing the best use for this property including the idea of developing a building trades program for our high school students. If houses were built on these lots, they could potentially be sold or rented. There is still a great deal of discussion that needs to take place.

Do we have to have a food service program? Do we need a food service director?

We do have a food service program.  It is an important program for our students to have access to food so they have energy to learn.  It is especially important because 38% of our students are on free or reduced-lunch programs because their families meet federal requirements and need this support for the health of their children.  Our program provides most of these students with breakfast and lunch.

We hired a food service director two years ago.  The decision has been beneficial to the district and we have seen reduced costs, improved meal options, and someone who understands and helps comply with federal regulations.

Are we required to have a transportation program?

No.

Transportation:  Are they paid hourly or salary? Do they receive benefits?

Bus drivers are paid either hourly or by salary. They currently receive half of the benefits for insurance regardless of hourly or salary. Medicare and PERA still have to be paid.

Why are the busses so empty going to/returning from sporting events

We do have a transportation program that gets students to and from school, student activities, and field trips.  In terms of sporting events, parents who attend an away game often take their students home after the event.

Do we need a maintenance director?  If competent people were hired, they could be given a job description and I’m sure would be able to handle most responsibilities.

We hired a maintenance director a year ago and have seen significant improvement in care of our buildings.  We have also saved money on repairs that can now be done by our staff instead of by contract work.

Is it possible to ask for any tax increases next November to help cover expenses?

We are limited by Colorado law in how much we can ask from the public in increased taxes.  We were successful in getting a mill levy override/tax increase two years ago that is going to staff salary increases and are currently unable to request more. Our community is quite conservative and asking for increased taxes is not an easy request to pass.

We will most likely be on the November ballot for a bond issue to build a new school.  Keep in mind that money to build schools does not come from the district operating budget and therefore does not impact our day-to-day operations.  A new school building would be funded from a bond (a tax increase) and possibly some grant money such as Colorado BEST which funds up to 41% of the cost.  If we build a new school, the energy efficiency would have a great benefit to our operating budget by decreasing utility costs.

Do we face the same cuts as prisons?

We do not know what budget cuts prisons face this year.

Why can’t students take CMC credited classes during the school day?

Our students are able to take dual enrollment courses at CMC or Adams State. This does not reduce any costs to the district however.

Are the COWS (computers on wheels) meeting our needs and goals?  Are these better uses of monies?

The COWS are being used in classrooms.  It allows children more computer time during school and helps them integrate technology into their classroom. We will ask for a report on usage and effectiveness at a future board meeting.

Are any administrative positions going to be cut?

We have looked at all options from administrative to teaching to support staff.

As with the overall staff, overall budget, there are not many areas to cut. We do not have assistant superintendents or assistant principals. Our staff, at all levels, wear many hats, so we do not believe there is duplication at any level.

The board has agreed to take one administrative position from full-time to part-time.

How much do we spend each year on sports?  salaries, transportation…..everything?

$615,615. This is for all student activities at all grade levels.

I can see a time when Salida is recognized nationally for its great schools and approach to education as an overt community-wide value. We can attract families that want a great education for their kids, and the type of people who recognize that great schools are an indicator of a communities character.

I believe Salida can be a regional hub of 21st-century learning.

There I said it.

So, let’s be clear, I’m not talking about “getting our schools back on track.” This is because we ARE on track. We are better poised than any community I have seen in Colorado to step up and make this happen.

Across the state, gyms and auditoriums are being packed with angry or confused citizens, frustrated school boards and administrations with disparate goals. Yet, here in Salida our collective goals represent a longer arc beyond the immediate perceived crisis, and as a parent I feel (infrastructure not withstanding, but this too will change) my kids are in a great environment to learn.

Aside from just being a great little town, with great people, we have some clear and identifiable assets to propel this vision.

Our retirees are a unique lot. The Boomers I know who are retiring here, and frequent the Citizen, are a wonderful mix of smart middle class fun hogs, and active community members willing to bring their wealth of experience to the fold. This observation as it relates to my leading statement is significant, because unlike some areas of the country that attract a different breed of retiree, these folks, based on my informal polls, are here for community, as much as lifestyle. They are active enough civically to recognize that preserving our schools helps attract families, service workers and labor which then sustain the type of community they moved here to be a part of.

“Small town character” is a catch phrase in countless resort towns, and though I am highly biased, I would argue that in Salida, small town character is real and tangible for many reasons. Like other places, we put on parades, host bike races and sell Girl Scout Cookies, but we are thriving, even during the current down turn. We are building and creating. People are arriving from all over the country saying it reminds them of Mayberry.

It’s downright charming.

It’s an oblique claim, I admit. But, as some of you know, I have watched towns change. I have lived in Jackson, Wyoming and The Flathead Valley in Northwest Montana. I have had the opportunity to see those places change radically, and forever. This place has something different. Again, you get it, or you don’t. We are leftover and have been missed by the sweeping changes that so many towns saw in the booms of recent years, and now, thanks to the downturn we have a chance to breath in and look around —and perhaps, if we really care about the preservation of community, and believe it is a value that can be sought, we have a chance.

A Rural Character

Seeking to preserve our rural character has brought out some great people, young and old, natives and transplants, who recognize the importance of working to head off what they don’t like about other “hot spots,” as can be seen on the I-70 corridor and many other places.

Though we’ve been on some Top 10 lists, Salida has a lot of baggage, as do most rural areas that have seen hard times. But, for some reason our schools have taken the biggest hit in terms of reputation. I’ve spoken with new folks to the area (Laura and I moved here with our babies ten years ago) who presume our schools are “not so great,” or feel we could never be on par with a Cherry Creek, or Boulder.

To this I would argue that, for many, our town has an identity crisis that is not backed up by reality. Our facilities are unquestionably in a poor state, but our teachers, staff, administration and school board are excellent, and have gotten progressively better each year since we moved here.

As my own own kids move into high school, and I look back at their formal education since its beginning at Strawberry Door years ago, I can say with confidence that they have had an excellent experience, with many caring teachers that are worldly and up to speed in terms of technique. As recently as last week, two teachers called to discuss details of my son’s learning that stunned me with regard to their insight. Consider that I came out of the Wisconsin Public School System, in Madison, which is (or certainly was) widely respected as one of the best in the country. A college town and state capital, my schools were littered with sons and daughters of professors and it was a bastion of forward thinking citizens bent on who could be the most involved in their kid’s education.

But guess what? Madison had big public schools, and turn over rate  for teachers was high. Additionally because of sheer size, it was impersonal at times. Here in Salida, we run into our teachers at the market, or in the mountains. We are neighbors.

This personalized cocktail of unique progressive small town intangibles, if combined with a collective effort by our community to up the ante, could yield amazing results for our town.

A brand worth talking about

Before anyone jumps on me about the fact that our brand is already THE HEADWATERS OF ADVENTURE, or as some people would like it to be; NOW THIS IS COLORADO, I am simply proposing that we embrace the idea of “a new way to think about Salida.” I’m talking about a brand that we can all hang our hats on, young, old, rich and poor. We could be “An Amazing Place …that has particularly Great Schools.

It serves us all on so many levels. The economic benefits are well known. Who in real estate or when standing at a trailhead hasn’t heard the question, “…but, how are the schools?”  I’m not going to go into a lengthy argument for the economic benefits of good schools as they are well established, I simply want to argue for the idea that schools are a key indicator by which we can gauge success at sustaining the small town character of this place that we love.

How does one monitor that view corridors have been preserved? Well, a Uranium mine on the side of Tenderfoot would be considered a unanimous sign of failure. Clearly some things are easier to identify as problems than others. This obtuse example is meant to show how monitoring change can be easy with some things. But, changes in the fabric of our community are more oblique, and can seep into the viewscape of our rural lives. Letting down our students by letting our schools survive on the shoulders of a few while we build 400 thousand dollar homes is at the heart of why most of us did not move to “that other place.”

A history of getting after it

As in the pubs of the East when our country was wrestling with its independence and big ideas were the rule of the day, people got together and made things happen. Civic responsibility and involvement is more important right now than ever before as we shape Salida’s character for the 21st-century. Schools should be first and foremost. Committees are already formed, challenges are recognized, needs assessments are respected and, yep, I’m going to hammer it again —there are good people involved who will welcome your contributions and honor what little time you can give.

We are better poised than any community I know to step up and make it a place known for it’s schools —and the way in which the community supports its kids. Being respected as a place known for it’s great schools is a worthy endeavour with virtually no downside. Educating the populace is not party specific, and transcends age. It is the ultimate American and universal value.

Can we be truly great? Deserving of national attention? I’ve heard this buzz murmured in meetings when people see perspective plans for our super green high school, or during discussions about a glass atrium at the elementary school for learning about sustainable farming.

Our teachers are motivated. People are talking to each other. There are no major problems. We are handling the current challenges like a slalom boat on water, navigating the issues while looking ahead. The school board is listening and ready to go.

We, at the Citizen, are creating a plan to move us in this direction, complete with tasks and easy steps to be involved. We are happy to host public meetings and fascilitate gatherings in our space.

If you love Salida, it’s up to you to get involved. Salida is poised for major change, how will we manage growth? Will the retirees relax having “done their time in a different community?” and complain it changed too much, too fast? Will we choose to attract new young families thereby keeping our community as fresh and vibrant as it is today? Or, will we languish in this paradise like frogs in a frying pan, unconsciously creating the place we didn’t want to move to.

Schools are the heart of a community. We can be great. Salida, are you ready to embrace this vision?  -bd

719.539.0177

bill@dangerouscollective.com

A New Model for Community Groups and Investors- Opening March 11

At this event we hope to show some exciting new solar technologies, introduce some of the Solar Panel Hosting team, and unveil our top ten Solar Gardens sites.  Barring schedule conflicts, Sen. Gail Schwartz will be attending.

Article from The Denver Post:

The First Working Solar Garden: A New Model for Community Groups and Investors- Opening March 11 Hosted by SolarPanelHosting.com and SolarGardens.or

SolarGardens.org and SolarPanelHosting.com will be unveiling a working Solar Garden in Westminster, Colorado March 11, 2010, the same day the Solar Gardens bill (HB 1342) will be introduced into the Colorado State Assembly. The bill, introduced by Claire-Levy (D-Boulder, Gilpin) will allow people to come together in groups from 10-1,500 to establish community-scale power plants. A Solar Garden can be located on multiple homes, large buildings, or integrated into working agricultural land.

The event, beginning at 11am at 4800 West 80th Ave, Westminster CO, will consist of a press conference and tours of the solar garden and will be free and open to the public. This will be the site of a future Solar Information Center open to the public. It will be followed by a lunch presentation at Los Arcos restaurant featuring several speakers, including Senator Gail Schwartz (D- Southern Colorado) and Joy Hughes, founder of SolarPanelHosting.com.

“The idea of Solar Gardens is beginning to capture the public’s attention and imagination. We are active in at least a dozen Colorado Counties and a dozen U.S. States. The interest is spreading around the globe through SolarGardens.org and the Solar Gardens Facebook group.” says Hughes.

“Imagine getting a check in the mail each month instead of an electric bill. SolarPanelHosting.com pays like a small oil well on your roof, but without the mess.” says Hughes. “Property owners and investors have been asking how they can make money from solar energy. We hope to show how investors can realize a rapid return.”

“Libraries, schools, and churches can benefit by hosting a solar garden on their property. Homeowners can donate roof space to support their favorite charity. Using rooftops instead of industrial solar farms helps protect important landscapes like Colorado’s San Luis Valley. We support independent solar professionals in each area.” The hosting revenue for at least 10% of the panels at the Solar Garden in Westminster, Colorado will be donated to a non-profit organization to be chosen by SolarGardens.org members.

At the Westminster model garden, ten subscribers each will purchase the rights to solar panels providing one kilowatt of solar energy. Some of the subscribers will be tenants in the building, demonstrating how a subscription to a solar garden on the same building can be part of a standard rental contract. Other subscribers will be located in the local neighborhood, around Colorado, and as far away as Seattle. According to Hughes, “Remote panel owners can gain more in sunshine than the cost of their subscription. Owning a share of a solar garden could very well be less expensive than going it alone. People will be able to go solar with just a click.”

About Solar Panel Hosting

Based in the rural community of Saguache, Colorado, SolarPanelHosting.com offers a way for everyone to own solar panels in their community, even if they have a shady roof, rent an apartment, or might move. As a pioneer Hosting Service Provider, SPH is bringing together solar subscribers, property owners, investors, and local solar professionals to build and manage distributed power plants throughout America. This independent company is dedicated to protecting critical landscapes through ten principles of responsible solar development. Website: http://www.solarpanelhosting.com

About Solar Gardens

SolarGardens.org is forming as a non-profit cooperative, organizing communities to pool their resources to go solar. Libraries and schools, churches and non-profit groups can benefit by hosting a distributed power plant where anyone can own solar panels. SolarGardens.org advocates for community based energy development through legislation such as Colorado’s “Solar Gardens” bill, introduced in 2010 (HR 1342). Solar Gardens are self-organizing everywhere, beginning to transform America through solar power and people power.