GROWTH

is the tra c impact. Such a huge development (1400 homes) will have a huge impact on an already congested Hilltop Road.”

“We moved to Elbert County to get away from the sprawl and hustle and bustle of the city. Increasing the density will bring more tra c, more

Elbert County resident Greg Lopez, a former Parker mayor and Republican gubernatorial candidate, had raised concerns that the amendment plan was moving forward improperly after modi cations and joined others in arguing that the public notice had been insu cient, but those claims did not prevail. County Attorney Bart Greer, in a Jan. 4 memo, defended the noti cations of the process and pointed out that the presence of members of the pub- di erently. e small classroom setting provides the best learning experience for my kids. For others, online education works for them,” said Snively. “ e pandemic has demonstrated the need to look at our kids and their education through a slightly di erent lens. If we don’t learn anything from this pandemic, we’ve missed a huge opportunity.”

Snively went on to talk about the wide variety of programs available at Elizabeth High School, expressing the importance of di erent options in education. He also commented that Interim Superintendent Dr. William Dallas has a vision for the school district that mirrors the views of the Town of Elizabeth.

“I really appreciate what Dr. Dallas and the school district would like to do for extracurricular studies and generally broadening options for students,” Snively said. “It’s illustrated in the di erent programs available at EHS like nursing, automotive and technical studies.”

Snively also stressed the importance of a strong relationship between the school board and the Town of Elizabeth.

“ e Town of Elizabeth Board of Trustees wants to emphasize that there are numerous educational opportunities in Elizabeth for kids,” said Snively. “ e relationship between the Town of Elizabeth and the Elizabeth School District is unique. e relationship and working together is the backbone of our community.”

Dallas responded to Snively’s comment in a Jan. 25 email where he agreed the school system is a crucial part of a healthy, growing community.

“ e school district is just one critical component to the overall health of the community, and I am pleased to work with the Town of Elizabeth to look at a future for the students and community that promotes and develops opportunities and programs that will reinvest in the overall health of the community,” said Dallas. “I believe Mayor Snively and I agree that a healthy school system allows students to choose between multiple programs that provide them the experiences and opportunities that will prepare them for a world after school.” e “Proclamation Commemorating Town of Elizabeth School Choice Week” reads:

Whereas, all children in Elizabeth should have access to the highestquality education possible; and,

Whereas, our area schools are the 4th highest rated in the Denver Metro area according to the Colorado Department of Education; and,

Whereas, Town of Elizabeth recognizes the important role that an e ective education plans in preparing all students in Town of Elizabeth to be successful adults; and

Whereas, quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of Town of Elizabeth; and,

Whereas, Town of Elizabeth is home to a multitude of excellent education options from which parents can choose for their children; and,

Whereas, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and,

Whereas, our area has many high-quality teaching and support professionals who are committed to educating our children; and, Whereas, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for e ective educational options; erefore, I, Nick Snively, Mayor of the Town of Elizabeth, CO, do hereby recognize January 22-28, 2023 as Town of Elizabeth School Choice Week, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens. For more information on school choice/open enrollment, visit cde. state.co.us/choice/openenrollment. For more information on Colorado School Choice Week, visit schoolchoiceweek.com/states/ colorado.