D-11 board approves changes at Wasson, Trailblazer
A plan to break some of the rules governing regular public schools and apply to the state to transform Wasson High School into a School of Innovation was unanimously approved Wednesday by the Colorado Springs School District 11 board.
The board also unanimously approved a plan to add sixth grade at Trailblazer Elementary School, a move that was strongly endorsed by parents and staff.
The votes came after a mixed bag of public comments over the Wasson plan, including a plea from the Colorado Springs Education Association to delay implementation because of the pending resignation of Wasson principal Sean Dorsey, who is expected to take the top job at Sand Creek High School in Falcon School District 49.
CSEA Director Tim Cross said the change in leadership at Wasson has left the staff worried about making such significant changes so quickly. He also said many Wasson teachers would not publicly oppose the plan for fear of reprisal.
“I am not convinced the board understands the concerns … with the Wasson School of Innovation plan,” said Cross, who said it was the first time in five years as CSEA’s chief advocate for teachers that he felt it necessary to publicly address the board. He said he and many staff members believe the plan will fail if it’s implemented this year.
“I think this is a dangerous path the district might be walking down on its own when it doesn’t have to be,” he said, encouraging the board to more thoroughly involve teachers.
Board members said they’d received many emails on the proposal, some for and some against.
The plan calls for Wasson to create a freshman academy and three upper-level academies that would offer courses in the arts, law and leadership and math/science. In seeking innovation status, it would get waivers from some policies and state laws, including those governing hiring practices and campus rules.
Board president Tom Strand said he’s struggled with some issues and asked Superintendent Nicholas Gledich if the timing was right to move forward. He invoked Gledich’s standard of “first do no harm.”
“If Wasson chooses to do nothing it will be doing harm,” Gledich said. “We need to think strategically about Wasson.
“I do think the timing is right. We’re ready to go.”
The planning began more than a year ago when the board spared Wasson from closure and directed the administration to develop a four-year plan for the school, which has had declining enrollment.
The change would have about $400,000 in startup costs, and would mean a $700,000 boost in Wasson’s budget in future years, according to the plan.
Board member Charlie Bobbitt said the costs will be offset by increased enrollment if the concept is successful.
Despite the misgivings of some Wasson staff, he said, he expects the plan to revitalize the high school.
