Walt Cooper, Ed.D.
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When I look back at the 2010-11 school year I find myself far beyond proud of the success and outstanding achievements that permeated the Cheyenne Mountain School District.
At a time when most of the public attention (and much of my time) was focused on the continuing deterioration of public school funding in Colorado, our faculty, staff, parents, community, Leadership Team, and Board of Education refused to let the loss of nearly $4 million dollars over the last three years weaken their resolve to do whatever it takes to maintain our tradition of excellence. It is because of this commitment that some of the highlights of the year gone by include:
- The District’s highest 3rd grade reading scores in the history of CSAP and the District’s best-ever performance on the 11th grade Colorado ACT
- Accomplishing many more objectives in the first year of the District’s comprehensive and aggressive long-range plan than we anticipated
- 7 state athletic championships and a state Science Olympiad title
- Completing the initial year of courses in the CU Succeed Gold program at Cheyenne Mountain High School, allowing students to receive both University of Colorado and CMHS credit simultaneously
- Diligent work by our elementary faculty and principals to successfully implement our new comprehensive math program
- Being recognized by The College Board as one of only four Colorado school districts to simultaneously increase student participation and improve student achievement across all Advanced Placement courses
- Outstanding support by our Tradition of Excellence Foundation that provided nearly $30,000 for smart-board technology across the district and more than $20,000 in advanced teacher training and professional development that would have otherwise been impossible due to budget cuts.
- All District 12 schools receiving the highest possible accreditation status (Accredited with Distinction) from the Colorado Department of Education
When I look forward to the 2011-12 school year, even with the promise of continuing financial challenges, I find myself filled with optimism for further success and a bright future that will, among other things, include:
- Our community supporting a mill levy override election that will replace a portion of the nearly $4 million the District has lost in state funding with local tax dollars
- Building on our first year accomplishments in year two of our long-range plan
- Further implementation and growth of our newly adopted math program that will expand through 8th grade
- Establishing Broadmoor Elementary School as the District’s first professional development site in partnership with the UCCS
In addition to all this, what is most assuring is knowing that our students, first and foremost, remain the center of our attention, and that the commitment, support, and effort among all stakeholders to continue our tradition of excellence is without question. This is, indeed, what keeps Cheyenne Mountain special.
Respectfully,
Walter C. Cooper, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
