School Views: A bit of holiday cheer
As we approach the conclusion of this year, I extend my warmest wishes for a restorative and meaningful holiday season. Whether you’re spending your holidays on the slopes, traveling somewhere sunny and sandy, or curling up at home with family and friends, I encourage you to take a moment to think about what’s important to you and reflect on your year.
At the beginning of this academic year, Eagle County School District identified chronic absenteeism as a critical priority requiring our focused attention. Regular student attendance remains fundamental to the educational process, a prerequisite for the transformative work we do.
While increased absenteeism has emerged as a nationwide challenge in recent years, I am pleased to report that our collaborative efforts have yielded measurable progress. Our latest data indicates a 15% improvement in chronic absenteeism compared to this time last year. I remain optimistic that we will sustain and build upon this positive trajectory.
We are currently completing first-semester benchmark assessments, and while comprehensive results are forthcoming, preliminary indicators are encouraging. According to the most recent School Performance Framework data from the Colorado Department of Education, we entered this year demonstrating substantial improvement across our district. I had the distinct honor this fall of celebrating with seven of our schools that met our goal of a 5% improvement, or post-COVID best scores, in their performance ratings.
Beyond our classrooms, recent civic engagement has reinforced the value of participatory democracy in shaping educational policy. The Colorado electorate’s decision to continue the Healthy Meals for All program represents a significant victory for engagement and student well-being.
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This initiative addresses food insecurity experienced by families throughout our state, and I am grateful that voters recognized its importance. As we look toward future elections, I encourage you to remain informed about ballot measures that directly impact our capacity to enhance learning opportunities, maintain safe and modern facilities, expand academic programming, and provide competitive compensation for all staff members.
The impact of community support is perhaps most evident in the tangible progress we are making on two priorities from our 2023 bond initiative: expanding early childhood education access and developing affordable housing for our employees. I am delighted to share that both initiatives will reach significant milestones in the coming months.
In January, the Gypsum Early Learning Center will open its doors, with a phased expansion continuing through the spring. Upon completion, this facility will provide 24 new classrooms dedicated to early childhood education with a total licensed capacity of 276, a transformative resource for our downvalley families and our youngest learners.
Adjacent to this center, our newest housing development will welcome its first residents at the end of January. Two buildings, each containing 20 units, will provide one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments exclusively for Eagle County School District employees, advancing us toward, and beyond, the goals outlined in our Housing Master Plan. What’s more, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley will also break ground on 10 additional units available for purchase, marking another successful collaboration. These achievements exemplify the power of collective investment in public education and demonstrate what becomes possible when a community believes in its schools.
As we conclude 2025, I am mindful that the holiday season holds different meanings for each of us and that this time of year can present challenges alongside celebrations. I encourage you to prioritize your well-being and access the support resources available throughout Eagle County as needed. Our strength lies in our community.
Philip Qualman is the superintendent of Eagle County School District. Email him at philip.qualman@eagleschools.net.
