NHS principals new and old speak to Niwot Business Association members

The Niwot Business Association (NBA) took the show on the road to Niwot High School on March 12 for its monthly meeting. The meeting was hosted by the Niwot High School Education Foundation, and after a short business meeting, NBA members heard from the Superintendent of Schools for the St. Vrain Valley School District, Don Haddad, and Niwot High School Principal, Eric Rauschkolb.

Haddad, former principal at Niwot High School, spoke of the success of the school district, "We have the highest graduation requirements in the state, and the highest graduation rate. Many of our students graduate with one year or more of college credit." He estimated current enrollment in the district, which continues to grow, at 33,000. He estimated that the student population would grow to 65,000 to 70,000 at build-out, with most of the growth coming from the eastern parts of the district.

Haddad spoke of an upcoming bond issue that will be on the ballot in the fall. "We need bonds to build new schools," he said. "Not as much as we need, but as high as we can go and not raise taxes. It costs $130 million to build a new high school."

Haddad said, "Our budget is very strong. We received over $61 million in grants last year. The assessed valuation has gone up so much that we don't need to increase the mill levy." He indicated that they were actually able to lower the mill levy by 1.147 mills.

Rauschkolb said, "We celebrate championships," noting that it's now a tradition to gather at The Wheel House in Niwot whenever a state championship is won. "We have the highest percentage of state championships," he reported.

He also said Niwot seniors earned over $34M in college scholarships last year.

Niwot High is now 70% open enrolled, with an incoming freshman class coming from 50 different middle school backgrounds. "Ninety percent of our students are involved in activities," Rauschkolb said. "There really is a place for everyone at Niwot High School."

At the same time, the student population is very diverse. Rauschkolb noted that between 20 and 25 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-fee lunch. "We are 30% Latino, and over 50% minority," he said.

ToniJo Niccoli, principal at the school district's Career Elevation and Technology Center, also spoke to NBA members, describing the work-based learning program of the district, and encouraging business owners to take advantage of students enrolled in programs such as welding, graphic design, manufacturing, medical sciences, and agriscience.

Nicolli noted that a pre-law program, now in its second year, includes criminal justice, civil rights and business law studies, and is headed by attorney David Elchoness of Niwot. Six of the programs are affiliated with community colleges, and enable students to earn college credits and certifications. "Fifteen hundred students have earned 1100 certifications," she said. Speaking to NBA business members, she asked, "Tell us what to do better."

Mary Horrocks of Open Studios announced that the Boulder County Plein Air Festival would be held June 1-8, and encouraged NBA members to consider sponsoring some of the awards. The event allows select artists to come to Boulder County and participate in the art contest. Open Studios will have a six-week-long exhibition in Niwot at the former Feed Store Gallery opening June 8. Horrocks said, "Thirty competition artists will be painting in cities, mountain towns and on open space throughout the week."