MONTE VISTA— The Sargent Board Of Education met on Monday, Nov. 27. The new board reorganized and then conducted business as usual. They heard good news reports from students, updates from building principals and the superintendent’s report.

High school update

Sargent High School’s headboy and headgirl presented a “good news” report. The student council will be hosting a leadership summit at Forbes Ranch. It was shared that the National Honor Society would be visiting the elementary and reading Christmas books to the younger students. The Christmas programs and plays on Monday, Dec. 11 and Tuesday, Dec. 12 was also discussed.

Jr/High School Principal Ronna Cochran stated that PSAT scores should be arriving sometime in December. She reported that eighth grade students visited Fort Lewis College. FFA had a successful banquet with great speakers and activities said Cochran.

Superintendent’s report

Superintendent Greg Slover commended the Sargent community on the Veterans Day program that is scheduled every year.

Slover shared a Wish Grant that is being received. He said everyone was very excited and the funds will go towards things such as yoga mats.

The USDA audit went well according to Slover. There were a few corrections needed but nothing significant. He said the visiting auditors were impressed with the visible interaction between students and staff.

Sargent Early Learning Center

Marcia Mangan, director of the Sargent Early Learning Center (preschool), presented a report to the board of education. Mangan stated that the Sargent Early Learning Center has achieved a level four quality from the Colorado Shines rating system. Mangan explained a level five is the highest achievement possible. Sargent Early Learning Center has the points to receive a five rating but not in the necessary area. Mangan said with hard work she hopes the preschool will achieve the level five rating in a few years.

Mangan said she is working with others for fundraising opportunities. Grants are becoming available and writing those grants will be work her staff and board will be doing. A big area the preschool is looking into is funding to build and improve the playground. She said that through some recent reviews it was determined the playground at the end of the hill was not appropriate for children under the age of five. The cost is expected to be around $150,000 and a three-year plan.

The director shared that enrollment is full and there were waiting lists for every classroom. Even though there is a waiting list the numbers are not quite what they need to be to hold an afternoon preschool according to Mangan. They are in that bridge and hope to be able to offer the afternoon preschool within time. A good portion of the students currently enrolled and on the waiting list are expected to enroll in Sargent kindergarten.

Mangan invited the board to take a tour of the preschool and building and learn about the curriculum at any time.