GILPIN/BLACK HAWK -- On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, President Sarah Swanson called a meeting of the Gilpin County School District RE-1 Board of Education to order at 7:01 p.m. The board stood for the Pledge of Allegiance before taking roll call.

All board members were present. Swanson, Vice President Joe Marr, and Secretary and Treasurer Kirsten Goodlett met in the board room at 10595 CO 119 in Black Hawk. Member-at-large Joe Stranaly attended remotely. The board read their mission and vision statements and unanimously approved the meeting agenda as presented.

Swanson congratulated Josh Bloom, Jill Peterson, and Kelly Ragland for stepping forward as candidates to fill a vacant board position after the board accepted the resignation of Tami Velasquez on Tuesday, June 3.

With no presentations or public statements, the meeting transitioned to facility reports from Superintendent David MacKenzie. After the reports, the board unanimously approved three consent motions: the human resources report for June 17, the meeting minutes for June 3, and the reconciled general fund revenue and expenditures for May 2025.

With no old business on the agenda, the board transitioned into their new business and the primary focus of the meeting: interviews and discussion with board candidate appointees Bloom, Peterson, and Raglan, who answered six questions sent beforehand by MacKenzie.

The candidates ran to fill an interim position for the board until November 2025, when they can choose to re-run in the school board election. The elected candidate in November will fill a two-year term through 2027.

Ragland, out of town during the scheduled board meeting, pre-recorded her interview. Bloom and Peterson jumped back and forth to answer questions in the board room.

The first question asked the candidates for a general background of their work and community experience. Ragland’s background includes intergenerational programs, higher education in Denver and Gilpin, coaching and assistant coaching in sports, and volunteering for the community center and school district in Gilpin.

Peterson has worked in higher education for decades, primarily as a software engineer, and found a particular home in the school community of Gilpin. Bloom, senior pastor of Light On The Mountain Church, previously worked in construction, and for Gilpin schools, he has served as head, assistant, and volunteer coach in wrestling.

The second question asked what each candidate felt was most expected of them as a board member. All of the candidates hit similar points of attending board meetings, where they should compromise as an overall voice. Board members should work together to better review school district policies, oversee budgets, and serve as a liaison between the school, the students, the faculty, and the community.

The third question asked the candidates what qualities made Gilpin County School great. Ragland answered that the biggest assets of the school are the community connection, unique location, and dedicated teachers and staff. Peterson said the district's community, pride, and dedication stood out most to her. Bloom cited the tight-knit connection between the smaller community despite continuing changes to the school.

The fourth question asked the candidates about which district challenges the board should address and possible solutions for those challenges. Ragland emphasized enrollment within and outside of the district and improving the culture of the secondary school.

Peterson highlighted reinforcing funding outside of the educational enhancement task (EET) agreements and addressing policy issues involving AI use. Bloom suggested increased awareness of drug use and safer discussion of subjects connected to students’ lives outside of school.

The fifth question asked the candidates about their understanding of the EET agreements between the school and the city of Black Hawk. All of the candidates hit similar points, agreeing that the EET agreements are critical to the budgetary success of the school. However, because of the fragility of the agreements and their conditions, reinforcement through higher enrollment, grants, and scholarships is necessary and should be contributed to higher teacher salaries, up-to-date maintenance, and a focus on student-centric items.

The sixth question asked the candidates if there was anything else they wanted to add that they didn’t cover in the previous questions. Ragland expressed how passionate she is about the school and education in general and how much of an honor this opportunity was for her. Peterson emphasized the importance of public education to continue the district’s work. Bloom highlighted his desire to spread truth, support, and light for the community, giving hope in looking to the future.

The board asked follow-up questions about where Peterson and Bloom previously lived and more in-depth thoughts on the district’s use of AI. After deliberation as to how the board would choose the candidate most suited for the position, the board selected Jill Peterson as the interim board member. With no executive sessions, the board adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.

To hear the complete answers of each candidate and watch livestreams of previous and upcoming meetings, head to the Gilpin County School District RE-1’s YouTube channel, @gilpincoschools.