In recognition of their outstanding record of stable, courageous leadership, the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) named D49’s five-member Board of Education the sole Board of Distinction among those nominated for CASB’s All State Board recognition for 2019. The Colorado All State Board Award recognizes school boards across the state for overall excellence in governance.

The Fremont RE-1 (Canon City) BOE was honored as all-state board of the year, although CASB reports that program judges had a very difficult decision to make based on the strength of D49’s nomination. In a congratulatory letter to the BOE (ahead of the 2019 election), CASB representative Randy Black said “the judges all thought your governing effort was excellent, courageous, and a model of superior board leadership.” 

The judges looked closely at the D49 leadership group’s performance giving the BOE high marks in sustaining effective governance through the development of a shared vision, engaging constituents, transforming learning systems, promoting strong ethics, and sharpening the board's work.  

D49 Chief Education Officer Peter Hilts reported the achievement during the November 7 regular meeting and hinted that our D49 board will remain a strong candidate for All State recognition when judges reconvene in 2020. He continued, “Please join me in recognizing and thanking our board for their leadership in our community and the role model of selfless service they provide for us all.”