Woodland Park school board names Ginger Slocum superintendent; district outlines strategic plan and oversight steps

Keegan Barclay, introduced as president of the Woodland Park School Board, briefed the City Council on March 19 about the district's recent activity, governance changes and next steps in strategic planning.

Barclay said the board has held multiple meetings, listening tours and a retreat since taking office, launched a draft strategic plan that is posted on the district website for public feedback through the end of the month, and has taken steps to strengthen financial oversight following a forensic audit of fiscal year 2024 and the annual audit for fiscal year 2025. Barclay said a finance committee of community leaders and experts is planned to add financial review capacity.

After an inclusive hiring and vetting process that involved community surveys, stakeholder interviews and a public forum, the board selected Ginger Slocum as the district's full-time superintendent. Slocum, who served as interim superintendent, thanked the community and highlighted student achievements, including state-qualifying athletes, undefeated varsity baseball and students advancing to nationals in forensics competitions.

Barclay also referenced an effort to clarify the district's relationship with Merit Academy and said the Colorado Association of Charter School Authorizers will facilitate a public work session on March 31 to help define agreements between the district and the charter school.

Why it matters: The superintendent selection and the district's focus on financial controls and community input are governance matters likely to affect district operations and local families. The board is soliciting public input on the draft strategic plan through the posted survey.

What happens next: The district will hold a public work session with a charter-school authorizer on March 31 and continue to solicit feedback on the draft strategic plan through the end of the month.