“I care deeply about the school and its district. I feel honored that I had this opportunity.” ”

Sarah Swanson

 BLACK HAWK - At the October 21 Gilpin Board of Education (BOE) meeting, abundant cupcakes and compliments galore honored Board President Sarah Swanson’s last in-person meeting. After eight years of serving, she is term limited and will step down with the swearing in of new members on December 9. 

A resolution of Swanson’s many accolades was read, ending with a proclamation: “The Board of Education honor Sarah Swanson and recognize that her leadership has made a profound difference in the lives of Gilpin County School students, staff, parents, and patrons. Further, the Board proclaims that October 2025 is Sarah Swanson Recognition Month for her outstanding leadership and selfless service to our Gilpin children and school community.”

 After enthusiastic applause by all in attendance, Swanson accepted a plaque thanking her for her service throughout the years. Swanson enjoyed her time on the board, she said.

“I care deeply about the school and its district. I feel honored that I had this opportunity.” 

 To continue the celebration, mouthwatering cupcakes of several varieties were offered to attendees, which the elementary students especially enjoyed.

Student news

Students of the Month that were honored at the October 21 meeting were: Daenerys Peterson (elementary), Payton Reynolds (middle school), and Kai Silverman (high school). Athletes of the month were Ireland (Leo) Simpson for Spirit Team, and Hanna Thompson for middle school volleyball.

 Other notable news:

• Fourth and fifth graders attended the 100 Elk event in Buena Vista, which was overwhelmingly successful.

•  The football team won their Homecoming game, after which all enjoyed a chili cook-off. 

• High school Eagles volleyball team raised approximately $1,000 for an organization that makes clothing for breast cancer survivors who had mastectomies.

• There was a Suicide Awareness Walk in the secondary school, where students raised $574 for a mental health support organization.

• On November 1 there will be a Super Science Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that is free and open to all, at the Mesa Lab in Boulder.

• Elementary School Principal Patrick Linnehan announced that the students elected fourth and fifth grade representatives as the “first ever” student council. Those elected were Grace Upchurch (President), Remi Scott (Vice-President), Ella Carr (Secretary), and Lucy Judlowski (Treasurer). Goals of the new Council include lengthening the lunch period and getting new playground equipment. 

•  Elementary English Language Arts and Math are both below state averages. In his monthly report, Linnehan included what he is doing to address these discrepancies, including observing classrooms, “collaborating with our interventionalists on basic skill acquisition, and bringing in new curriculums.” 

• Secondary Principal Reich noted that the number of students referred to her office is down significantly from last year. 

• Secondary assessments indicated that eighth-grade English Learning Arts scores lower than Colorado’s average scores. This is being addressed with hiring a new teacher at the middle-school level.

• SAT and PSAT scores are showing growth above state standards. Areas that are below state averages are being addressed.

• Superintendent Dr. David MacKenzie noted that “educators are working with research-based and trauma-informed strategies.”

 Superintendent’s report

In his Superintendent’s Report, MacKenzie informed the board that the sewer project is in the process of shutting down for the winter and will restart in the spring. The district is projecting approximately $80,000 in additional expenses due to the need for additional engineering. The project is in line to be completed within the two year time frame, as originally predicted.

Furthermore, MacKenzie explained that with restorative practices, concentrating on culture and climate will pay off in both academic achievement and growth, “and we have a pretty good combination of things going at this time.” He stated that next year the school will show both achievement and growth.  

The next meeting will be held November 18 at 7 p.m., in the District Meeting Room, 10585 Highway 119, Black Hawk. The regularly-scheduled November 4 meeting is vacated due to it falling on election day.  At the December 9 meeting, the board will certify the mill levy and swear in the new members.