A gathering like no other in Woodland Park last week reflected a community’s concern for a place ripped apart by turbulence over the school board.

The Vision Forward Rally was the culmination of the task force founded by Tony Perry to offer guidance to the board and pave a path for the future. The 31-member force recently released the report and hosted the gathering Oct. 1.

“This is the end of the task force,” said Perry, speaking to a packed house at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. “We set all grievances aside in the effort to heal the divisions.”

For a district sued by a parent over a lack of transparency, the task force recommended that the board include all issues to be discussed on every agenda

In the future, the board must be up front with the status of financial audits, said Victor Lebario, a member of the task force, referring to a recent audit whose delay was approved by the board.

Addressing the flurry of requests over the past two years through the Colorado Open Records Act that caused upheaval between the board and the public, the task force recommended establishing a procedure for submittal and response, Lebario said.

Of particular concern among the community was the former superintendent’s closing of Gateway Elementary School, a singular decision, along with adoption of the American Birthright standards for social studies.

“We need to know how and why decisions are being made,” said Kelly Hunsaker. “We recommend that you slow down the decision process and give seven days’ notice of meetings.”

Despite the vitriol and division, a plus for the high school is the intern program, a work-based learning opportunity, said Robb Davidson, task force member who oversees the interns. “Local business leaders are behind this. Businesses are establishing a pipeline for employment. This is a beacon of hope and a team approach.”

With change coming to the school board after the election Nov. 4, six candidates running for three vacancies, the remaining members Keegan Barkley and Mick Bates share their vision.

“I’m encouraged by the large turnout; I thank the community, Tony Perry, and the task force,” said Bates, the board’s president.

Bates’ vision for the school year includes enhancing safety and security. In fact, Ginger Slocum, interim superintendent, has an appointment with Sheriff Jason Mikesell and Woodland Park Police Chief Chris Deisler, Bates added.

“The relationships had been severed in the past few years,” Bates said.

However, the district is hiring a leader for the district’s security team.

“We need armed security in the schools, a paradigm shift,” Bates said.

Barkley’s vision for the school district is ensuring “absolute” financial transparency and engaging the community before making decisions. In the effort to be transparent, Barkley recommended that the board initiate 1st and 2nd readings of proposed ordinances or resolutions, as cities and counties do.

Recognizing the bitterness among some in the community about the closure of the elementary school, Barkley shared a result.

“Fifty-eight percent of teachers left the district after Gateway closed,” she said.

Barkley noted the degradation of trust within the community, reflected in letters to the editor in The Courier and chaos at school board meetings.

“My hope is that school board meetings become boring,” she said.

Acknowledging the split within the community, the interim superintendent paid tribute to those who endured.

“The past few years have revealed the strength and resilience of the staff,” said Slocum. “We need to begin rebuilding trust and to ensure that all voices are heard and each school is supported equally. We need to improve our climate and culture.”

For each person who was in the audience, Park State Bank & Trust will provide a $100 grant to the school district, up to $30,000, the details to be announced. Perry is the president and chief executive officer of the bank.