Strengthening Learning. Managing Responsibly
 

Summit School District (SSD) is taking two thoughtful steps forward: refining our instructional model to strengthen academic rigor and ensuring responsible financial planning amid a challenging funding environment. Both reflect our unwavering commitment to student success.
 

Instructional Vision Update: A Unified, Homegrown Framework

On May 1, 2025, the SSD Board of Education approved a transition away from the International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP and MYP programs. After listening to families, educators, and community voices, we are shifting to a district-developed instructional framework that aligns more directly with Colorado standards and the SSD Graduate Profile.
 

This approach keeps what worked best from IB—inquiry-based learning, global perspectives, hands-on experiences, and student exhibitions—but offers greater clarity and consistency for teachers and students.
 

“This shift is about strong instruction, clear expectations, and meaningful learning for all students.”
— Dr. Tony Byrd, Superintendent
 

Core Benefits:

• Standards-Based Instruction that supports academic growth at every grade
• Clarity Across Schools through a unified model
• Tier 1 Teaching that ensures high expectations and equitable outcomes
• Sustainable Implementation with teacher input and professional support

Implementation begins in 2025–26, following summer planning and staff training. The IB Diploma Programme at Summit High School remains unchanged.
 

For more detailed information view the email sent earlier this week. 

Budget Outlook: Investing Responsibly in Our Priorities
 

As we work to strengthen learning, SSD is also navigating a difficult funding landscape. Colorado schools are funded through a state formula combining local taxes and state aid, but the state ranks among the lowest nationally in per-pupil funding.
 

“We’re doing more with less—and still delivering quality education.”
— Dr. Tony Byrd
 

2025–26 Budget Challenges:

• Colorado faces a $1.2B shortfall
• A new funding formula (HB25-1320) begins phased rollout:
  • 2025–26: 15% implementation using a 4-year enrollment average
  • 2026–27: 30% implementation, shifting to a 3-year average (only if fully funded)
• Per-pupil funding increases by just $195.42 (2.3%)

 SSD’s Budget Process:

• Guiding Principles (equity, excellence, sustainability)
• School & Department Budgets Created
• SACs Define Priorities at each school
• Community Input Collected via survey
• Budget Proposal to Board by May 31
• Approval by June 30, with updates allowed through Jan. 31

Right-Sizing for the Future

Though SSD is receiving $1M more in per-pupil revenue, that increase was used to raise educator salaries, a long standing community priority.
 

To balance the budget:

• Staffing is being right-sized to reflect lower enrollment
• Central roles are being restructured
• Non-essential spending is paused
• Planned reserve amounts as required by policy

These changes protect the classroom and preserve our commitment to competitive pay and strong instruction.
 

Continued Investment in Students

SSD remains focused on:

• Instructional Excellence through our new framework
• Teacher Support via professional learning and resources
• Personal and Academic Success of ALL students

Transparency & Trust

SSD provides ongoing financial accountability:

• Financial Transparency Portal
• Monthly board updates
• Public forums and SAC meetings

From Dr. Tony Byrd

“Colorado’s funding system continues to underdeliver, but our commitment to students has never been stronger. We’re making strategic decisions that support learning, reward teachers, and reflect our community’s values.”

Thank you for being part of the Summit School District community. Together, we’re building a stronger, smarter future—for every student.

Tony Byrd, Superintendent
Kara Drake, Chief Financial Officer
Laura Cotsapas, Chief Transformation Officer