Meeting Minutes | redhillpto

Red Hill PTO - Public Meeting
Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Red Hill Elementary School Library

Meeting Opening & Introductions

Call to Order & Introductions: Anna Englehart (President), Nicole Trujillo (Secretary), Libby Little (3rd Grade Teacher), Hannah Waltz (Kindergarten Teacher), and Renee Westenfelder (Principal).
High turnout for the public meeting held in the school library.

EFEC & Funding Overview

Tessa & Juan from EFEC (Education Foundation of Eagle County).
Funding Challenges: The State of Colorado underfunds Eagle County, placing per-pupil funding far below neighboring mountain districts ($2,936/pupil compared to Summit County's $3,312 or Aspen's $13,340). Property tax increases have been offset by drops in state backfill, causing budget cuts, declining enrollment, and a loss of about 78 staff members over the last two years.
Mill Levy Override (MLO): MLO is considered the best path to secure funding for ECSD ($10.6M goal). Cost to homeowners is roughly $133/year per $1M in home value. Funds would help retain staff, support 13 Hope Center therapists across the district, and keep PE and essential programs.
Key Legislation & Election: Ballot measures include Amendment 87 (Income Tax Fairness Act) and Position NN (TABOR Act). Election Day is November 3. Campaign outreach includes town council visits (Sept 16), Wild West Days (Sept 20), and Walk & Knock events (Oct 3 & 24). Donations are currently needed for the campaign.

Principal’s Update

Positive Start: Off to a great start focusing on getting to know students, establishing routines, and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment.
Parent Guidance: Emphasized building a strong parent-school partnership, keeping open communication, maintaining consistent morning and bedtime routines, and celebrating kids at home.
School Initiatives: Actively reducing screen time during the school day and encouraging staff to utilize the printed library.

Fundraisers & Events Schedule

Wild West Days: Format has changed. Red Hill keeps all proceeds from its raffle and silent auction ticket sales ($10k raised in past years). Day-of volunteers and silent auction item donations are still needed (sign-up details being sent via ClassDojo).
Butter Braids: October 19th – 30th.
Boo Grams / Candy Grams: Proceeds support the 5th-grade field trip.
Breakfast with Santa: December 5th (includes Santa, donuts, Dewey dabbles, etc.).
Ice Skating Fundraiser: February 12th Funds support the 5th-grade field trip.
Kindness Week: April 5th – 16th.
Make-a-Wish Support: High School fundraiser usually held in March.
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 3rd – 7th.
Movie nights throughout the year.

PTO Board & Communication Updates

Open Positions: Vice President and Fundraiser positions are currently open. Sign-Up Genius forms will be distributed for various volunteer needs.
Upcoming Public Meetings: Dec 7, Feb 2, April 27 (bilingual options will be provided).
Communication Channels: Updates will be posted on ClassDojo, sent via PTO email, and meeting recordings/summaries will be made available to ensure all families are reached.