May 27, 2021
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
HighlandsRanchHerald.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 23
VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 25
School board meeting structure scrutinized Community members ask to speak earlier on agenda, and in-person BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Trailblazers Inc. Davidson told students life does not always worked out as planned, sharing a story about when she was a young ambitious girl who wanted to be a fighter pilot with the Navy. She was told “girls can’t fly.” Davidson joked that after she told the board that was the “stupidest” thing she had ever heard, she did
When and how the Douglas County School Board hears public comment at its meetings has drawn recent scrutiny from some community members, although the board president says changes to how agendas are structured have been aimed at helping public commenters be better informed. Approximately 20 people gave public comment during the board’s May 11 meeting, many of whom requested the board move public comment earlier on the agenda, and that they allow people to speak at meetings in-person. Until Jan. 19, the current board heard public comment before staff and superintendent reports, meaning it was typically scheduled to begin around 6:30 p.m. That changed by February, with public comment starting after the superintendent and staff presented district updates to directors. Agendas since then have slated public comment to start anywhere from 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or later. Public comment started May 11 after 9 p.m. For some concerned speakers, the timing is inconsiderate or
SEE STEM, P9
SEE MEETING, P8
One guest speaker was Dr. Carletta Stewart, founder and president of Lady Trailblazer Inc.
PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES
STEM graduates proud to persevere in tough year May 20 ceremony sees more than 150 receive diplomas BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
More than 150 STEM School Highlands Ranch students took the final step in their high school
careers on May 20. As students accepted their high school diplomas, students and guest speakers talked about perseverance and how life can continually take unexpected turns. The ceremony at EchoPark Stadium in Parker featured two guest speakers, Dr. Janine Davidson, president of Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Dr. Carletta Stewart, founder and president of Lady
PATHWAY PROTOCOLS
Enjoying the trails with etiquette in mind
P14
PREP SPORTS IN ACTION
Sports roundup, swimming and lacrosse P23