As we wrap up the school year, thank you for following the View of the Summit. It’s been an honor to share the progress, partnerships, and priorities shaping Summit School District’s future. While classes end Friday, the Central Administrative Office remains open as planning begins for the year ahead.
 

We'll continue sharing monthly updates this summer, with news on initiatives like Special Education, the Board of Education’s summer retreat, facilities planning and more.

Have a story idea or topic for us to cover? Email us at communications@summitk12.org—your input shapes meaningful conversations.
 

A Year of Growth and Achievement

As the 2024–25 school year ends, we celebrate the incredible progress made by our students and educators. This year’s focus was ensuring every student knows what they’re learning and how to succeed.
 

Key Accomplishments:

• Clarity in Learning: Teachers set clear goals from elementary through high school so students understood what success looks like.
• Stronger Math Instruction: Students collaborated, explained reasoning, and focused on conceptual understanding.
• Inclusive Classrooms: 83 teachers co-taught to ensure English learners and students with special needs received grade-level instruction in general education settings.
• Strategic Transition: We began phasing out the IB Primary and Middle Years Programmes to adopt a Summit-designed approach rooted in our Graduate Profile, based on extensive community feedback.

Looking Ahead:

Beginning with the Class of 2027, all graduates will demonstrate being Prepared, Growth-Oriented, Curious, Courageous, and Globally Aware through a culminating project.
 

In 2025–26, milestone projects in 5th, 8th, and 10th grades will lead toward the final capstone project.

What Stays the Same: Rigorous academics and hands-on learning remain central.
 

What Improves: Clearer expectations, streamlined teaching, and a more focused journey from PreK–12 to prepare students for life—not just tests.
 

Thank you for supporting this transformative year. Together, we’re shaping tomorrow’s Trailblazers.

Strengthening Workforce Housing: SSD–Town of Breckenridge Agreement

On May 23, the SSD Board of Education approved a landmark agreement with the Town of Breckenridge to expand affordable housing access for district employees.
 

Agreement Details:

• SSD transfers the 10-acre McCain Property to the Town.
• In exchange, 35 deed-restricted homes in the Runway Project near Upper Blue Elementary will be prioritized for SSD staff through a lottery.
• Phase I homes will range from $351,000 to $620,000, targeted for 80–100% Area Median Income (AMI).
• Some units will include ADUs for rental income
• The Town covers key infrastructure costs, supporting access for workers earning 80–150% AMI.

Board President Redhorse praised the collaboration, calling it “a yearlong conversation built on trust, transparency, and shared commitment.” Construction begins in 2025, with future phases based on need. 
 

 Review the full resolution and agreement linked in the Board Minutes.
 

Summit Awarded BEST Grant to Enhance Safety and Modernize Infrastructure

We’re excited to announce Summit School District was selected for a competitive BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant—one of only 14 districts statewide recommended this year. The State Board of Education will finalize awards in June.
 

What This Funds:

• Upgraded VOIP phone systems districtwide.
• Modernized, expanded security camera systems across all campuses.

These updates will strengthen emergency communication and safety across more than 700,000 sq. ft. of facilities, with installation starting Summer 2025. Funding comes in part from SSD’s 2016 voter-approved Mill Levy.
 

Superintendent Dr. Tony Byrd emphasized, “Student safety is our top priority. This investment protects our people and supports modern, responsive infrastructure.”
 

Thank you to the Colorado Department of Education and Capital Construction Assistance Board for supporting this vital work.
 

As we look ahead to 2025–26, these milestones highlight what’s possible when we align around shared values: safety, educational excellence, and community.

See you in August!

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