In response to Tammi Flemming's letter to the editor (re: the 6/29 “Changes to school district parent policy approved in 4-2 vote” story), I would like to respond as an individual and just one District Accountability Committee (DAC) member who has served on the committee for the past two years, as well as a parent who has been an active participant in our schools and district since 2009.

The DAC is an autonomous and diverse body composed of parent and community representation from all feeders, in addition to primary and secondary school district staff. The DAC is respectfully independent from our board of education (BOE) liaisons, Director Myers and Director Meek.

The fact is that the DAC did not have ample time to provide feedback on the KB Parent and Community Engagement Policy. We were notified of the BOE's last-minute request with a few weeks' notice, and we only had room for one 25-minute agenda item during our 6/15 virtual meeting, due to other pre-set agenda items. A 25-minute discussion is not sufficient for a committee of our size to review and come to a consensus on such an important policy document's proposed changes. Therefore, the DAC unanimously agreed to request additional time from the BOE, and both Director Myers and Director Ray (Director Meek was unable to attend) supported our request during the DAC's 6/15 meeting.

Interestingly, the BOE's KB policy version changed the day after the DAC met and we weren't all aware of this, nor was it communicated clearly. During the 6/20 school board meeting, there was not a coordinated attack on any board member. In fact, the DAC felt confident that more time would be granted to us.

I was watching the 6/20 school board meeting online and felt blindsided that the DAC was not allowed additional time to review the KB policy before it was voted upon and passed by the BOE majority, as well as frustrated that the DAC was not represented accurately during the board meeting.

Per Colorado Statute 22-32-142, “... the board of education shall work with the parent members of the district accountability committee in creating, adopting, and implementing the [parent engagement] policy.” Unfortunately, that did not occur. However, the DAC will continue to work on this item, as well as the others that it is tasked with. The community is always welcome to attend DAC's monthly meetings.

Kelly Pointer

Highlands Ranch