The Dolores RE-4A school board on Monday heard about a recent high school language arts project, received a building update and discussed student retention.
During the presentation period, high school language arts teacher Jessica Kuntz told the board she uses hands-on learning experiences to combat cellphone use in her classroom. Her class recently joined an adults’ book club at the Dolores Public Library. Students were paired with book club members, conducted interviews and wrote about what they learned.
One student said she felt a personal connection because of its hands-on nature. She said completing an activity and writing about was more engaging than writing a paper based solely on online research.
The board also received a building update focused on flood mitigation. Members learned that some of the district’s welding students have been assisting with construction work on the building.
Students from the senior class then presented plans for their senior trip and asked for board approval. Their itinerary includes visits to an aquarium and a theme park in Phoenix. The board later approved the trip.
In her report, Superintendent Alesa Reed said the district is exploring the possibility of placing a track and field facility at Joe Rowell Park rather than on school grounds. She emphasized that no decision has been made and that the district is only reviewing options.
Reed also said the district is developing programs to attract and retain students, including mountain biking and fishing. Student retention remains a concern, she said, noting that the Montezuma-Cortez School District has added a full-time online option.
In other action items, the board approved several new hires, including Aurora Everett as academic adviser for the 2026-27 school year; Jordan Lanning as assistant track coach; Candice Fry as food service custodian; and Brandi Twilley, Bethany Jorgenson and Leslie Hagel-Brozovich as K-12 and elementary substitute teachers.
The next board meeting is Monday, May 11, at 6 p.m.
