Dolores RE-4A School Board Sets April Meetings, Reviews Strategic Plan

Only 25.1% of Dolores RE-4A students in third through eighth grade met or exceeded expectations in CMAS math in 2024, a gap of more than nine percentage points below the state average of 34.2% — a figure that framed much of the Dolores school board's Monday meeting alongside updates on the district's new high school construction and a coming push on strategic planning.

District MTSS coordinator Brittney White presented the math data alongside an attendance check-in, attributing the academic shortfall to difficulties in "attracting/retaining professionally licensed math teachers." The district has set 2028 as its target year to match state standards for students meeting or exceeding expectations.

Matt Prinster of Artaic Group gave the board an update on the BEST Grant high school construction project, reporting that the new high school remains on track for winter 2026-27 occupancy. The agriculture lab tied to the project is expected to open sooner, in August 2026.

The meeting opened with public comment from a parent named Mary, who described her daughter's growing reluctance to attend school. She urged the district to put more emphasis on supporting children's development and emotional well-being to help "restore their love of learning."

Teacher pay also surfaced as an unresolved issue. Board President Maegan Crowley said she "wasn't sure whether the approach would attract new teachers if they remained at the same step for several years." The board did not reach a decision, instead choosing to revisit the question in April.

Superintendent Alesa Reed announced that a strategic plan meeting will be held Monday, April 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Among action items, the board approved a $1,500 donation to Operation Graduation and signed off on several new hires: Barbara Gail Perkins as a K-12 substitute, Brandon Randy as head high school baseball coach, and Tim Passell and Kevin Vaughn as assistant high school baseball coaches.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m.