HIT THE TRAIL

Adams County Warrants

also save money.

“We anticipate ongoing annual savings up to $1.1 million,” Takhar said.

e conversion will also require some upgrades and one-time expenses. ose estimates will be shared with the district soon.

Pomona High School was built in 1975 and Moore in 1978.

More school studies coming

While the district wasn’t involved in the Pomona/Moore consolidation proposal, it is taking a close look at all its facilities through a two-phase program called Regional Opportunities for riving Schools.

e initiative aims to create a plan that ensures “thriving schools with enrollment to support extraordinary student experiences across our district.”

Phase I of ROFTS, which focused on under enrollment in Je co elementary schools, resulted in the school board’s decision to close 16 elementary schools.

In Phase II, the district will consider consolidation recommendations for K-8 and middle schools with declining enrollment, conduct a study of school boundaries to get a better understanding of where students live, analyze its alternative education campuses to ensure they’re meeting students’ needs, and coordinate its

Briefs

New Adams County Veterans Service Officer Appointed Adams County Commissioners have selected Andrew “Drew” Dixon as the new Veterans Service Officer.

Today at a public hearing, the Adams County Board of Commissioners appointed. Dixon previously served as the assistant VSO with the Arapahoe County Veteran Services Division, and he’s received state and national accreditation. He officially started on June 7.

“The Board is pleased to appoint Drew as the new VSO,” says Steve O’Dorisio, Adams County Board Chair. “Drew is a dedicated public servant with a deep understanding of the challenges facing veterans. I’m confident he will be a strong advocate for our veterans and will help them access the benefits and services they deserve.”

Originally from New Mexico, Dixon is a graduate of Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs. Dixon served as an aviation mechanic in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in December 2007.

As officer, Dixon assists veterans and their families in the filing of claims for insurance, pensions, compensation for dis- plans with impacted municipalities. “A lot of it has to do with the changing demographics of Je erson County,” said Kimberly Eloe, Je co Public Schools executive director of communications. “ e school-aged population of Je erson County has been steadily declining for 20 years, and is expected to continue.” ability, hospitalization, vocational training, and any other state or federal benefits available to veterans.

Public school enrollment has dropped nationwide since the pandemic. An Urban Institute report says increases in homeschooling and private schools accounted for some of that loss, while more than a third of the decline is unexplained. For more information on the proposed Pomona/Moore consolidation, visit the Sustaining the Pomona Pipeline page on the school’s website.

To learn more about the Adams County Veterans Service Office and available programs for veterans, visit adcogov.org/vso.

A Stroll in the Garden for CASA

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program, or CASA, for the 11th Judicial District is promoting one of its major fundraisers now scheduled for September.

CASA is inviting supporters to come enjoy a Stroll in the Garden at this year’s Indulge for CASA Gala from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Denver’s Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 E 66th Ave.

This Garden Party will be full of delicious food and drinks, fantastic auction prizes, exciting entertainment, and more! Indulge for CASA is presented by the Kenneth & Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation.

CASA’s mission is to provide court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth from the child welfare system so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to thrive.