CASB Connections

A conversation on policy basics with Jeri Hodgson-Fleuter, Deputy Executive Director and Policy Director, CASB and host Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning, CASB. Find more information in CASB's 2017 Leadership Workbook (Chapter 3 on Policy) and check out their website at www.casb.org for additional policy resources. Music: El Tajo by Cholate

Thinking about running for your local school board? This conversation about the journey is full of wisdom and insight as shared by Carrie Warren-Gully, CASB Board of Directors Past President and Littleton Public Schools Board of Education Treasurer along with Nancy Sarchet, CASB Board of Directors Executive Committee member and Weld County RE-1 Board of Education President and Randy Black, CASB Director of Member Relations with host Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning.  Candidate resources are available at www.casb.org. The 2019 Candidate Guide will be available late spring and the 2019 Election Seminar is held in June.  Music: El Tajo by Cholate

Local school districts are creatures of statute, formed by the law and subject to the law. Discover the legal structure that affects school boards in Colorado from the federal to state to district levels. Interview with Jeri Hodgson-Fleuter, CASB Deputy Executive Director and Director of Policy and Kathy Shannon, CASB Legal and Policy Counsel. Host is Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning. Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

You've made the decision to run for a seat on your school board. Step 1 accomplished! Now it's time to create a campaign strategy. Jan Tanner, former CASB Board of Directors President, former President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Citizen Treasurer for District 11 in Colorado Springs and current board member for the Citizens Project and the Pikes Peak Restorative Justice Council, shares what she learned through three successful campaigns. Your host is Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning.   Music: El Tajo by Cholate

Gain insight and practical steps your board can take in making sure  school board meetings are policy-focused. Without a policy-focused meeting, boards may make decisions that have negative consequences for their district, their students and their community.  Interview with: Jeri Hodgson-Fleuter, CASB Deputy Executive Director & Director of Policy; Kathy Shannon, CASB Legal and Policy Counsel Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

Long advocacy for rural school districts is gaining momentum and it has taken a village to to get these efforts to where they are today. Rural stories are just one aspect that has helped our legislators, and larger districts, gain a better understanding of our rural school districts - their concerns and successes. But there's much more. Find out what long advocacy is and how pinto beans created a bond betweeen rural and urban students!   Interview with: Michelle Murphy, Executive Director for the Colorado Rural School Alliance; Bret Miles, Executive Director for the Northeast Colorado BOCES; Matt Cook, CASB Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: El Tajo by Cholate

Mary Nichols and Sue Chandler have both experienced the benefits of taking part in Littleton Public School’s school board candidate orientation program. Orientation programs prepare candidates for the position by filling in the blanks and sharing the realities of what it means to be a school board member. The great thing about orienting board candidates is that any district can do this! Mary and Sue were elected to their boards and their experiences frame the work of a school board member.   Music: Sine de Cobre by Cholate   Interview with: Mary Nichols, Littleton Public Schools board member 2007-2015, CASB Board of Directors 2011-2014, CASB McGuffey Award recipient 2015 and CASB All State Board Award 2010 Sue Chandler, Littleton Public Schools board member 2005 – 2013, CASB McGuffey Award recipient 2011, CASB All State Board Award 2010, Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning board liaison and National Peer Leader Committee for Health and Wellness in Education co-chair and chair. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning

Before you jump onto the campaign trail, make sure you've completed a proper self-reflection. The steps shared in this podcast will be your last look in the mirror before heading to community forums and events.  Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sine de Cobre by Cholate

Find out what's being accomplished in the efforts to address rural teacher recruitment and retention in Colorado and how districts can utilize existing programs to grow their own recruits. Dr. Lori Reinsvold and Dr. Valerie Sherman will share what the Colorado Center for Rural Education has in place and how, through collaborative forces, the Center's programs are growing beyond what they envisioned.    Dr. Lori Reinsvold, Co-Director for the Colorado Center for Rural Education; Associate Director for the Mathematics and Science Teaching Institute in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Valerie Sherman, Rural Education Coordinator for the Colorado Center for Rural Education, former professor at the Univeristy of Northern Colorado and former K12 classroom teacher. Host is Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning for CASB Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub

Accountability Clock. Performance Watch. What does this mean to school districts and what support does the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) offer through the Turnaround Network? It's more than you think. Lindsey Jaeckel and Nicole Monet share details on the support their department provides to districts and schools - heart and soul - as members of CDE's Turnaround Network. Interview with: Lindsey Jaeckel, CDE Director of Turnaround Support & former school teacher; Nicole Monet, Turnaround Support Manager & former school teacher & leader. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub

Listen in on a conversation with two of Colorado's sages in education: Ken DeLay and Dr. John Hefty. You'll gain an historical context of K12 public education in our state, as well as where it is going in regard to school finance, state and federal regulations, teacher concerns, the achievement gap and much more.  Interview with: Ken DeLay, CASB Executive Director (1999-2019); Former attorney with Semple, Miller, DeLay & Mooney; Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado.  Dr. John Hefty, CASE Executive Director (2004-2011); Brighton Public School Superintendent (1998-2004); Former Superintendent Eagle County School District; Former Deputy Superintendent Jeffco Public Schools; Former adjunct professor at the University of Denver; Former high school principal and secondary science teacher; Undergraduate and advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub

In our nation, the story of inequity has many faces and Dr. Joyce Brooks is one of them. Growing up separated and not equal to championing for equity in our education system today, Dr. Brooks takes us on her journey and what it means for all groups to come to the table for our students.  Interview with: Dr. Joyce Brooks: Great Education Colorado Board Member, NAACP Colorado Education Chair, Colorado Industrial Areas Foundation Steering Committee Member Host: Leslie Bogar, Colorado Association of School Boards Director of Professional Learning Music: Foreign Exchange by Gobuldub

Do you have a desire to serve as the delegate for your school board? It's not as daunting as it sounds. Matt Cook, CASB's Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, shares details on the delegate's role and responsibilities, the crafting of resolutions and what goes on at the CASB Delegate Assembly. This is democracy at its best! Interview with Matt Cook, CASB Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub

As a public school board member, you have a role as an advocate for your schools, students and community. As an elected official, you are a peer with other elected officials in your state including legislators and even your governor. Matt shares tips and tools that will help you  gain strength as an advocate and build relationships that last and work for your school district. Interview with Matt Cook, CASB Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub; You're a Punk, I'm a Punk by Studio_d

Cheri Wrench, CASB's new Executive Director, brings a unique perspective to her role with a career grounded in education from the classroom on up. You'll hear her vision for CASB and its members as the association continues to grow in providing members the tools that are necessary for governing their school districts with excellence.  Interview with: Cheri Wrench, executive director, Colorado Association of School Boards Host: Leslie Bogar, director of professional learning, Colorado Association of School Boards Music: Foreign Exchange by Globuldub

Listen to the results of the Colorado Association of School Board's 2019 Delegate Assembly. Out of 50 resolutions brought to the floor by Colorado school districts, the delegates passed 41 along with CASB's nine standing resolutions. This is democracy in action and CASB will take these to the 2020 Legislative Assembly this January. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: You're a Punk, I'm a Punk

Bill de la Cruz is known for his insight into personal bias, but it's more than insight. Bill shares information for all individuals that want to grow in their cultural awareness and develop skills that enable them to work toward collaborative efforts.  Interview with Bill de la Cruz Host: Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning, CASB Music: You're a Punk I'm a Punk

Whether you're a new board member or one that's been serving for a while, you're sure to gain valuable information from this episode on the Colorado Open Meetings Law. Topics covered are the eight reasons executive session can be called, the difference between discussion and strategy, the two reasons executive sessions don't have to be electronically recorded, and much more. Use your 2019 CASB Leadership Workbook, check out CASB's website in the A-Z resource center, download the podcast discussion guide, and make sure you catch Part II on public comment.  Interview with Jennifer Mueller, CASB Chief Legal Counsel and General Counsel Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: You're a Punk, I'm a Punk

CASB's 2020 Winter Legislative Conference is February 27-28. You'll hear details on our new location and the line-up for the conference. Don't miss out! Register Today!   Music: You're a Punk, I'm a Punk by Globuldub

As a public K12 advocate, do you know what's going on in our state capitol during the legislative session? Matt Cook, CASB Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, will give you the low down on the top bills that have hit the floor in the first week of the 2020 legislative session.  Interview with Matt Cook, CASB Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Host is Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sino de Cobre

Even though girls have been heavily involved in STEM programs the same isn't true for computer science. Girls Who Code clubs are changing that trajectory with their 3rd - 12th grade clubs, which are free, provide money, curriculum, support, and don't require a computer science or coding background for facilitators. This is a win-win program for your district schools.  Interview with Ellie Canter, Regional Partnership Coordinator for Girls Who Code Host: Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning, CASB Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

Do “respect” and “dignity” mean the same thing? Actually, there’s a big difference and one that’s inadvertently hurt a lot of our youth. Dive into the details with NY Times bestselling author, Rosalind Wiseman as she discusses her organization, Cultures of Dignity, and how she learns from and incorporates the voice of youth experts in the field – teens. Interview with Rosalind Wiseman, Co-founder of Cultures of Dignity and NY Times bestselling author. Host: Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning for the Colorado Association of School Boards Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate  

The 2020 Census is open from March 12, 2020 through July 31, 2020. As a district leader, your goal should be full community participation and you'll learn about the available resources to reach that goal. An accurate and complete count not only provides funding for our state and your district, it also helps to provide for a fair redistricting process. This is another opportunity for your district to lead the way! Interview with: Dr. Rebecca Theobald, Assistant Research Professor at UCCS; Dr. Melissa Colsman, CDE Associate Commissioner for Student Learning; Nadeen Ibrahim, 2020 Census Partnership Specialist Host: Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning for CASB Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

HB20-1301 has paved the way for Colorado school boards to hold meetings during the ongoing crisis of COVID-19. CASB has information that boards need to know in regard to 1301 and the current status of requirements for schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Host: Leslie Bogar, Director of Professional Learning for the Colorado Association of School Boards Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

Learn what it takes to work on the school board budget, where it comes from and how to navigate incorporating the vision for placing students first in the process. School board budget experts, Glenn Gustafson and Barb Clementi share insights and tips into making the budget work for your district. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: El Tajo by Cholate

HB20-1301 allows Colorado school boards to meet electronically. What does this look like? CASB's staff attorney, Sam Jones-Rogers and CASB Executive Director, Cheri Wrench, share facts associated with the bill and insights into how boards can meet electronically. This podcast was created from the CASB Conversations HB20-1301 webinar recorded on March 25, 2020. Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

The Colorado Association of School Boards and the Colorado Department of Education discuss the options school districts have in order to meet their district graduation requirements for 2020 graduates. This podcast is from a recording of the CASB Conversations webinar on April 1, 2020. Topics include flexibility, equitable access, and policy implications.  Music: El Tajo by Cholate

Gain some great ideas for 2020 end of year ceremonies that will honor your graduates, retiring staff, artists, and more. Although COVID-19 changed the way we handle traditions, it doesn't have to eradicate them and you'll hear how to keep them alive and well. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sino de Cobre by Cholate

Public comment during a school board meeting is important and there are ways to accommodate your community voice. Learn best practices for public comment, conflict of interest, the Colorado Open Records Act, social media and email do’s and don’ts, and much more. Interview with Jennifer Mueller, Former CASB Chief General Counsel Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sine de Cobre by Cholate

The COVID-19 shutdown has created a state fiscal crisis and school boards must navigate uncharted territory as they prepare their district budgets. Join Tracie Rainey, Diane Doney, and Matt Cook as they discuss possibilities, CARE stimulus funds, timelines, and much more. This podcast is taken from the CASB Conversations webinar on April 22,2020. Music: El Tajo by Cholate  

With virtual meetings as the new way of life, make sure to check out the 20 best practices to help you pull off a professional meeting or webinar. These easy to do practices create a win-win scenario for any virtual meeting.   Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: I'm a Punk You're a Punk

Learn about Initiative 271 Fair Tax Colorado, which includes benefits to tax payers, education, and much more. Cheri Wrench, CASB Executive Director, Bret Miles, CASE Executive Director, and Abby Vining, Vision 2020 Network Manager share the details and give listeners a call to action in order to get this initiative on the November 2020 ballot. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Sine de Cobre by Cholate

Now that we’ve heard the interim update on the state revenue forecast and the Joint Budget Committee deliberations, the nature of what school boards must grapple with in order to balance their budget is beginning to crystallize. Join Tracie Rainey, Executive Director for the Colorado School Finance Project, Dave Montoya, Executive Director of Finance, Poudre School District, and Matt Cook, CASB Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, as they discuss the ramifications of what we now know and provide some best practices on how to budget through a state fiscal crisis.  Music: Sine de Cobre by Cholate

It's been a nontraditional and even tough end to the school year and we all need to hear some good stories. Every district has great stories commemorating the end to their year and in this podcast you'll hear stories from Vilas RE-5, Montezuma-Cortez RE-1, Buena Vista, and Cheyenne Mountain District 12. Take a break, settle down, and listen to some good news. Interviews with: John Wittler, Sherri Wright, Suzette Hachmann, John Fogarty Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Lee Rosevere

If you are planning on purchasing Personal Protective Equipment for reopening schools in the fall, now is the time to act. CASB's partnership with BuyBoard links you with PPE vendors and it's free to you as a CASB member. Learn more and activate your membership now! Interview with Travis Maese, Assistant National Director for BuyBoard Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Lee Rosevere

The College Board has changed its mind as far as offering an online SAT test, your body language during a school board meeting may say more than you'd like, and FAFSA applications in Colorado took a dive. Check out these updates on the education front. Music: Bonus Points: Pizza and Video Games

The Coffee Cart program is a job and life skills curriculum for high school special education students with the goal of helping each student seek, obtain, and retain employment after high school. It's a wonderful program bent on making sure students do not become one of the 80% of disabled adults that are unemployed.  Interview with: Julie Lang, Cotapaxi school district board member, attorney & founder of the Gus Belt Family Foundation; Victoria, former Coffee Cart Program student Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Lee Rosevere-Montage

School board members typically put themselves last in line when it comes to self-care and we are at a point in time where anxiety and stress are mounting. There is a path forward in self-care and it is grounded in the principle of dignity; our collective belief that each of us has inherent worth and our relationships matter.  Interview with: Cultures of Dignity Co-Founders Rosalind Wiseman and Charlie Kuhn  Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Lee Rosevere

Policy guides the direction of public school board members as they govern their school district. If you need a refresher on the reasoning behind 1st and 2nd readings this Grab and Go podcast provides the information so you can grab what you need to get going as a school board leader.  

Join Lisa Weil, Executive Director for Great Education Colorado, and Matt Cook, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Colorado Association of School Boards, as they discuss the Gallagher Amendment and why a repeal is the best way to go for Colorado public education. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: The Cloud by Lee Rosevere

You don't want to miss our 80th Annual CASB Convention. Although it is virtual, you will gain great board development resources CASB is known for. With over 32 breakout sessions, six general sessions, and networking opportunities, you'll come away with resources to utilize for one full year. Don't delay and register today for our December 4-5, 2020 Convention.

Learn the basics of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, and how school boards can help to promote universal mental health for each and every student. Find out about online training and more. Interview with clinical psychologists Lisa Costello, Ph.D and Catherine Wolcott, Ph.D Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning Music: Faster Faster Brighter

Peak Health Alliance is a purchasing alliance that provides the ability for districts to save money on employee health insurance. It's Colorado grown and customizable to the needs of community members.  Interview with Tamara Pogue, former CEO for Peak Health Alliance. Host is Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning and Events Music: Molly Molly by Barstool

As a school board member you are an advocate for public education and students in your district. Former Colorado Association of School Boards Board President, Jan Tanner, shares  insights and practices that will help you in your advocacy role. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning & Events Music: Wingspan by Bayou Birds

The role of an advocate is built upon establishing relationships first and foremost. Adams 12 board president, Kathy Plomer, shares her insights into advocacy based upon years of experience as an advocate for public education. You'll hear why you don't have to be an expert on every single issue in order to be a great advocate. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning and Event Music: Wingspan by Bayou Birds

Rural advocacy requires commitment, perseverance, and gumption, which are also necessary characteristics for all school board members. Join Phil Virden, Former CASB Board of Directors President and current Board President for the Hinsdale School District as he shares wisdom in regard to establishing human to human relationships in order to move your advocacy efforts forward.

Join the Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board as they share their board's creation story, the goals the board has set for supporting gifted and talented students, and how they went above and beyond with what the pandemic brought to their doorstep. Allie Lindsay, Sarah Keller, and Zeyta Whitson-Deherrera share the why, how, and what of the work of their board. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning & Events Music: Energy Drink by Bio Unit  

Don't let your students miss out on the Colorado Virtual Career Fair coming April 2021. It's an educational event not a hiring event. Students, parents, and educators will connect with professionals in a variety of career fields to hear stories of their journeys. The Colorado Virtual Career Fair is seeking panelists as well as student facilitators.  Interview with: Larry Beer, Colorado State Youth Council and Department of the Army Education Services along with Kaream Reid, Colorado State Youth Council and University of Denver student Music: Alustrat by Azalai

The terms Equity and Equitable Outcomes are not one in the same. Bill de la Cruz, personal transformation guru in the field of foundational bias, shares the meaning behind both terms and how school board members and others can move forward in their goal to provide opportunity, access, and inclusion for their students and staff. Host: Leslie Bogar, CASB Director of Professional Learning & Events Music: Algae Trio by Algae Fields

If you're unfamiliar with how the Colorado legislative session works, don't know quite how a bill becomes a law, need a refresher on some of the terms used during the process, and are unaware of a few of our Colorado state symbols, this podcast will help.  Music: Gaena by Azalai

The Colorado Youth Congress is a program engaging students across the state in two focused priorities all the while building necessary skills for success after graduation. Learn about the program from three students that have been impacted by their involvement in the organization, as well as influenced the organization's DNA. Music: Downside Up

School board members are elected to govern their school district and many times this is much harder than it sounds. It boils down to the role and responsibilities of a school board member and if they choose to follow them or not. Two board presidents share their wisdom and insights gained from years of experience with boards that have stayed within the guardrails, as well as those that have driven through them. Interview with: Sherri Wright and Laura Case: Two board presidents in Colorado Music: City Lights by Audiobinger

The Tell Your Story Campaign has been created so that school districts can share relevant first-hand knowledge with their community members in regard to the importance of public education, how the district has and is using the federal stimulus funds, and more.  East Grand School District Superintendent, Frank Reeves, shares his district's story and why it is important for all districts to share their story. CASB has resources to help school districts share the story of how they've utilized their share of the federal stimulus funds (ESSER).  Music: Chill Funk by Cambo Smith

Do you have an onboarding plan for your new board members? There's still time to get one in place and this series of Onboarding podcasts will help you get there. Effective boards onboard new members well so they can get to work as a united team. Hear an overview of 11 steps you can begin to discuss with your board members in order to create a great onboarding plan. Music: Gaena by Azalai

Part 2 in this series focuses on sharing the district's vision, mission, and strategic plan process. A shared vision is imperative for a well-functioning board governance team. A vision action plan is necessary in order to move the district forward with the goal of improved student achievement for all students. A vision without a plan is not actionable. Get new board members on the same page by sharing the process up front. Music: Delighted People

Are you a new board member? Do you understand the difference between your role and your board responsibilities? When it comes to the role and responsibilities of the board it is imperative that board members understand what this means to them both individually and collectively. Effective boards know their lane of operation and do their best to stay in that lane. In this podcast you'll learn more about your lane.

There are multiple areas new board members should be oriented to in the onboarding process. These include orientation to the board, orientation to board member responsibilities and those of the superintendent, and orientation to the district. This podcast focuses on orientation to the board and the district and the documents and protocols necessary to help your new members get up to speed.

Want more information on the Why, What, and How of the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA)? Find out why CORA requests are a good thing, as well as best practices to follow when you do receive a request. Music: Soothe by Bodytonic

How do you engage student voice in the work of your board? Hear from three Colorado high school students that have worked hard to share their ideas, as well as work alongside board members and their state education department. You'll pick up insights into how your board can actively engage students in the work of the district and much more. Music: Breathe in the Static by Kirk Pearson

Including student voice in the work of the school board takes planning but most of all, it takes students that have an interest in and passion for influencing decision makers in their district. Hear how the Durango 9-R School District implemented student engagement in the work of their board and the effects it has had on the students serving on the board, as well as the district as a whole. Music: Traveling with Corina Long by Lobo Loco

The school board president is responsible for setting the tone and demeanor of the board and so much more. If you are new to this role or have future aspects of running for school board president, the insights and wisdom shared in this podcast are worth listening to. You'll gain insights from Tammie Delaney, Hayden School District school board president, and Karin Reynolds, former school board president for Academy District 20, as they share their experience serving in this important position. Music: Lumber Down by Barstool

Susana Cordova is Colorado's newest Commissioner of Education and she brings of wealth of education knowledge with her to this position. Susana is not new to Colorado or education. Get to know her and her hopes and dreams for the education system in our state that benefits all students regardless of where they live.

If you're a new board member you may be a bit overwhelmed with the policy coding system. This podcast shares the why and the what to the system so you can become familiar with your board policies in no time. Make sure to access CASB's top 20 policies board members should know, which is available on our website at www.casb.org.

Is the policy review process somewhat confusing? CASB's Policy Specialists, Kristina Gutierrez and Holly Burg, break it down into steps so you know how to organize your board meeting agenda, who should have input into policy updates, and depending on your board policy BG, how many meetings you are required to have in order to adopt policy and/or policy updates. 

Learn the ins and outs of public comment during school board meetings, as well as what constitutes public comment when it comes to social media use by school board members. Rachel Amspoker, CASB Staff Attorney, and Sonja McKenzie, Cherry Creek School District Chief Counsel, share the details involved in public comment and best practices that you will want to hear and put into practice.