Wasson gets 'Innovation' status from state board

It’s official: Wasson High School is a School of Innovation, the first in the Pikes Peak Region.

The Colorado State Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to grant Innovation status following a presentation by Wasson Principal Darryl Bonds and Colorado Springs School District 11 Deputy Superintendent Mike Poore.

The fast turnaround for the designation, which allows the school to seek waivers from some policies and laws, came as a surprise to the district.

“It’s tremendous for what we’ll be able to do for our students,” Bonds said.
Bonds credited many in District 11 for the time and effort that went into the application for Innovation status.

“I think the whole staff needs to be congratulated on the great work that went into this,” Bonds said.

Jessica Sharp, director of grants for District 11, said the status will make the school more competitive when seeking grants.

Bonds said the school has applied for several grants, including one aimed at improving graduation rates.

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