A message from Superintendent Christopher deKay regarding recent events impacting our schools and community.:

September 14, 2025

Dear Ignacio Community,

In light of the recent tragic state and national events that have deeply affected our community, I want to reach out on behalf of Ignacio School District with care, concern, and commitment. First and foremost, please know that your voices, messages, and concerns have been heard. We value the trust you place in us, and we are dedicated to moving forward with a commitment to our students’ well-being and success in all we do.

We understand that these moments are difficult, and that our students, families, and staff are carrying heavy feelings. Please remember that all of our schools have counselors and support staff available. These resources are here for students who may need someone to talk to, a safe space to share their concerns, or guidance as they process these events.

We are proud to be Bobcats, and being Bobcat Proud means standing together as a strong community. That pride can only grow with continued support, care, and accountability. We do not condone actions or comments that reflect negatively on our students, staff, school, or community. At this time, an investigation is underway regarding a teacher’s comments made in class. It is our responsibility to understand the truth, own where we can improve, and ensure that our actions reflect fairness and transparency.

This is a time for us to reflect, to learn, and to move forward together. We remain committed to providing the best possible learning environment for all of our students, one built on respect, trust, and opportunity.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work through these challenges. Together, we will honor our students, strengthen our schools, and continue to build a future we can all be proud of.

With gratitude and sincerity,

Christopher deKay

Superintendent

Ignacio School District

Petitions to be a School Board Candidate may be picked up at the Administration Office, 455 Becker Street, Ignacio, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding Fridays, August 6 and August 11th). Visit the School Board page for additional information and specific times and dates. Petitions must be submitted no later than 11 a.m. on August 29th

August 4, 2025

Greetings from the Ignacio School District,

The staff and students are excited to get started this school year. We are committed to making this year one of the best yet. We are in year four of our District’s Strategic Plan which was developed in collaboration with parents, staff, and community stakeholders. The plan has smart goals in each of four focus areas which include Academic Achievement, Climate and Culture, Staff Retention and Development, and Facilities. Our mission remains steadfast: “Together, We will Engage, Empower, and Prepare all of our Learners for the Future.”

School is starting early this year. August 11th will be a transition day for students who are new to each building. On that day, Kindergarten, 6th grade, ,9th grade, and all brand-new students will be required to attend school at their buildings. School will start for all grades on August 12th. Both days have a normal start and release time.

Attendance at school is very important and one of the district goals is to decrease the chronic absenteeism rate. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student who has missed 15 days or more during the school year whether excused or unexcused. Children who achieve a rate of 93% attendance or higher consistently have strong academic growth and are more prepared for the next grade level. Parents can help by ensuring students have a good night’s sleep and show up at school on time and ready to learn. Please reach out to your building leadership if you need support getting your children to school.

All of our district principals and directors are returning this year. Consistent and effective leadership is very important to any system. This group of leaders is committed to improving our schools and supporting our community. Each school building will be focused on improving academic growth through tiered support for our students by challenging and supporting them.

Our continued focus for the coming school year is to enhance student engagement through research-based strategies. Regularly scheduled Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will utilize data to refine skill-specific instruction. We will concentrate on improving student academics by implementing safety nets for struggling and/or advanced learners across the district. Professional development this year will also focus on formative and summative assessments to gauge student growth and understanding. We are fortunate to have such an incredibly talented and dedicated staff who has already done much of the ground work in these areas.

We look forward to an excellent school year. We are committed to making a positive impact on every child who walks through our doors. Together, we will engage, empower, and prepare all of our learners for the future.

Sincerely,

Christopher W. deKay

Superintendent

Ignacio School District is partnering with the La Plata County Sheriff's Office to re-introduce a K-9 detection program aimed at maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. This initiative will be piloted during the fourth quarter of the current school year.As part of the program, a trained K-9 unit will conduct periodic visits to school campuses to assist in detecting prohibited substances. These searches will be conducted in common areas, hallways, lockers, parking lots, and other school district properties to ensure a drug-free and safe space for students and staff.We are excited to be working alongside local law enforcement in this proactive effort.  This partnership underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and the importance of a healthy school environment.The Ignacio School District, the La Plata County Sheriff's Office, the Ignacio Police Department, and the Southern Ute Police Department are dedicated to educating students about the significance of a drug-free lifestyle while fostering a culture of safety and accountability.For more information about this initiative, please contact Christopher deKay, (970) 563-0500.

V.I.P. (Very Important Parent) awards go to … Carlie Hight, Pedro & Rose Vigil, Ellen Baker and Leila Baker at the IES Rise and Shine Assembly held Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Get refreshed on all the ways we communicate and stay up-to-date at the Ignacio School District!

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