Greeley & Evans
In August, 2024, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Deidre Pilch, superintendent of Greeley and Evans, School District 6, speak at The Greeley Area Realtor Association meeting. The goal was to educate the Realtor community with what is happening in the district so we can pass that information to prospective home buyers contemplating a move to the Greeley or Evans communities.
Dr. Pilch feels encouraged and positive about the staff, infrastructure and facilities of the district and are excited to say that the schools are well attended. This is not true of some of the neighboring cities who are dwindling in attendance and considering closing some schools.
On November 5, 2019, voters in Greeley and Evans approved a $395 million bond issue to improve school facilities throughout Greeley-Evans School District 6. See https://www.greeleyschools.org/our-district/bond-measure-and-mill-levy-override. Since then, they have been updating buildings with secure entrances, new paint, carpet, new gym floors, and technology.
The school district is on budget at this point and is working diligently to stay ahead of the future needs. A new high school was opened in 2022, Tointon Academy of pre-engineering. https://tointon.greeleyschools.org/
Teacher turn-over rate is low for the District, which implies the teachers are doing well and are happy. Dr. Pilch said they hire the best, which requires paying appropriately and giving raises when they can. Teachers have a lot on their plates these days and it’s important to support and back their teachers.
The transportation department is fully staffed this coming year, she believes because of the culture and competitive pay.
Greeley schools have open enrollment and it was said that 50% of the kids go to a different school than where the boundaries would have them attend. The "School of Choice" option gives parents the freedom to choose the school that is best for their family and their children.
Dr. Pilch mentioned that approximately 70% of the students come from low-income or poverty-stricken families. Greeley-Evans Schools have very diverse student bodies, from pre-K through High School. Several languages might be spoken in every classroom, some of which are not even written languages. However, she mentioned how quickly the students are able to catch on to English, and the use of technology and tablets has been very successful in the classroom. However, there is still a need for language services.
The district is dedicated to addressing the needs of all students, offering both high-quality educational opportunities and support for their basic needs.
Every school in the district provides three free meals a day for students, including the summer months when school is out or only summer school is in session. This is state mandated and it’s supposed to be fully funded by the state, but the school district has to pitch in and use some of their other budget dollars to make up the difference. However, providing nutritious food seems to be a necessity in this day and age. In addition, there are food pantries in most schools now, but will be in every school by October 2024.
One topic which brought a smile to Dr. Pilch's face was the Success Foundation. This independent nonprofit organization has served District 6 since 2010 and was created to link the community to the schools. It strives to provide additional resources to allow students to achieve their greatest potential. The programs they support are Internships and Apprenticeships, Technology and Innovation, SmartLab Creation, Arts Expansion and Development, Pre-Collegiate Services and Food Pantry Services. To read more on this go to https://www.d6successfoundation.org/impact
School Programs:
Preschools have now been added back to the school district.
The sports program is getting a boost through private donations supporting elementary students to be able compete with those who have access to club sports.
Music is also a priority, but the interest and need far outweigh the budget. They have a project goal of raising $620,000 in 2-years to be able to provide musical instruments. Let me know if you are interested donating money or your personal instruments that might be in good shape, and I can put you in touch with the contact person.
High Schools are successfully offering elective trade school options, like welding, electrician work and cosmetology. They also have a cyber security program. The goal is to equip high schoolers to have skills and to give them some college credits. Dr. Pilch said that over 1000 kids have earned college credits with the district.
University of Northern Colorado, also in Greeley, is on track to have a college of osteopathic medicine, anticipated to start as early as fall 2026. So, the Greeley PK-12 school district is working on a premed program to prepare students, as well.
The next generation is being shaped today with quality education, art, music, sports, experiences and community involvement. I was personally inspired by Dr. Pilch and the work the Greeley-Evans School District 6 is striving to achieve to support children and their families.
For more information, check out https://www.greeleyschools.org/
Opmerkingen