A training session for the Woodland Park School District Board of Education March 31 is part of a pilot program by the Colorado Association of Charter Schools Authorizers.

The district is one of three to be selected for the program.

At issue is the relationship between the district and Merit Academy, a district charter school that opened in August 2021. The academy operates as a contract school approved by ERBOCES (Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Educational Services), after being denied by a former school board in 2020.

Presented by Alex Medler and Mackenzie Khan, executive director of the National Network of District Authorizing; and executive director/liaison of CACSA, respectively, the workshop was a first for the district.  

In its responsibility to charter schools, Medler urged the board to understand the authorizing process, clarify governance and responsibility, build confidence in its decisions and align local practices with Colorado Law and national standards.

“We want make sure everything runs smoothly,” said Keegan Barkley, the board’s president.

Medler and Khan encouraged the board to ensure that the charter school reflects the community’s interests and values while making decisions that can withstand legal scrutiny.

“It is important to identify the charter’s authorized liaison to the board and have that liaison practice consistency in communication,” Medler said.

Barkley asked Medler about the qualifications and responsibilities of a liaison. “The board should be receiving regular reports from the charter school. If there is a lack of transparency, the district can do site visits,” Medler added. “The district board has the responsibility to respect the autonomy of the charter school and recognize that families pick the best choice for their kids.”.

In the end, Medler said, it’s about the students. 

“I encourage you to support all your kids,” he said.

“Our goal is to ensure every student in our district receives a high-quality education, regardless of which building they attend,” Barkley said after the meeting. “That responsibility requires strong governance, clear processes, and consistent oversight.”

From the discussion, Barkley found gaps.

“Past practices did not always align with established best practices. This has created challenges for both the district and the charter school,” she said. “While we cannot change the past, we can take accountability for moving forward in a more effective and transparent way.”

The district intends to follow guidance of subject-matter experts and implement policies and procedures that are clear, consistent, and transparent, Barkley said. “By doing so, we can strengthen our partnership with charter schools while ensuring proper oversight and accountability.”