San Juan Schools hear update on school projects

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan School Board approved the calendar for the next school year, received an audit report and got an update on capital projects in Blanding and Montezuma Creek at their latest meeting.
Members of the San Juan School Board began their December 9 meeting with a moment of silence honoring former administrator Aaron Brewer who passed away earlier in the month.
Members of the school board also approved the calendar for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year.
The board followed the majority of staff and parent survey respondents by selecting option one for the calendar. The survey addressed two main questions, one related to the start day for the school year and one related to the timing of spring break.
A total of 192 district staff and 185 parents/guardians filled out the survey. Given the choice, 64 percent of surveys prefer starting a school day on a Monday with a snow make-up day planned in April rather than starting on a Tuesday with no snow make-up day.
And 69 percent of survey respondents prefer a spring break March 29-April 2 rather than March 15-19.
The school district received an unmodified opinion from an audit for the fiscal year ending in June of 2025, the auditor noted it is the highest opinion possible.
Among the highlights include district assets exceeding liabilities by $169.25 million, with $74.22 million available to meet ongoing, long-term needs.
The net position of the district increased by $3.7 million, with the growth attributed to an increase in operating grants and contributions.
The audit noted two findings; one that the school lunch program has a cash deficit. The district plans to monitor the fund balance monthly and a transfer from Fund 10 to be budgeted in the future to cover any deficits.
The audit also found the district to be non-compliant with the Open and Public Meetings Act regarding the failure to post notices for certain meetings – particularly budgetary meetings – at least 24 hours in advance. The district reports implementing new processes to be in compliance moving forward.
Members of the board also received a capital project update from district business administrator Jacob Swanson.
The new Blanding Elementary school project continues on schedule. The project is headed towards substantial completion estimated for late April.
Interior work, including luxury vinyl tile flooring, carpeting and door hardware, is ongoing with heat also being added to the building.
Additional projects include entrance safety upgrades at Montezuma Creek Elementary and San Juan High.
In Montezuma Creek, drywall is being installed in the vestibule and office areas.
At San Juan High, steel work is progressing on the exterior with renovations underway for the concurrent enrollment room.
The school board also reviewed proposed fee schedule changes. Although the item was discussed, the board needs to hold two public meetings before approving changes, with a final vote possibly coming in January.
Proposed changes include adding sixth grade students to the fee schedule to allow charging for extracurricular fees, as it is noted that sixth grade students participate in the cross country program in much of the district.
Administrators also recommend raising the maximum per-student rate for lodging from $34 to $40, and up to $45 for state competitions. Admin says the raise in rate would allow schools to secure more appropriate hotel rooms for travel.
District Superintendent Christine Fitzgerald gave a brief presentation on the new Alpaca staff survey. The new tool gathers anonymous feedback from school staff on health, wellness and self-care.
The data collected is used by the district to inform decisions related to school climate. The surveys are intended for monthly use at schools, with an exclusion at smaller schools where anonymity could be compromised.
Members of the San Juan school board also heard reports from principals in Monticello.
Monticello Elementary Principal Jenna Olson shared a goal of the school to increase standard growth percentile for students with disabilities by 10 percent and a focus to improve overall RISE scores by at least four percent from last year to this one.
Some positive growth in school goals is attributed to active monitoring and designated uninterrupted time for instruction in language arts.
The school is also celebrating growth, with 49 new students arriving and putting total enrollment to 286. That growth has led to challenges, with the fourth-grade class reaching a size of 37 students.
Additionally, 62 percent of the new students are performing at least one grade level behind their peers, which requires additional work to address.
Monticello High Principal KC Olson also noted an increase in school population with a 40 student increase, bringing attendance to around 240.
Principal Olson highlighted the success of the school’s zero-tolerance cell phone policy, which has also led to increased engagement by students outside of class.
Some challenges highlighted include staff turnover, difficulty hiring for classified positions and a continued concern about student attendance rates throughout the school year.
Members of the board also reviewed a staff presentation on the district strategic plan. The plan, based on feedback from 589 stakeholders, is built on pillars of uniting and engaging as well as educating and empowering.
To unite and engage, the district plans to streamline communication, deepen family engagement and use culturally sustaining and evidenced based methods.
To educate and empower, the district plans to implement academic goal setting and career/college readiness planning for every student. That includes using cross-curricular projects and utilizing data-informed instructions to enhance learning.
The district recognized Monticello High School staff Ivan Mack and Harvey Jelly with San Juan Sweet Job awards.
The board also recognized and thanked student artist Peyton Tome, who designed the district Christmas card.