APS Board of Education Newsletter: January 13, 2026

Welcome to the January 2026 Edition of the

APS Board of Education Newsletter!

President's Message

Greetings, APS Community!

As we begin this new quarter in Aurora Public Schools, I would like to take a moment to recognize important leadership transitions and express my deep appreciation to our community and colleagues.

First, I would like to congratulate our newly elected and re-elected Directors: Kristin Mallory-Westerberg, Gayla Charrier, Dr. Anne Keke, and myself. Each of these leaders brings a strong commitment to public education, community service and student success. I look forward to the perspectives, collaboration and energy they bring as we work together to advance Destination APS and ensure high-quality outcomes for all students.

I would also like to congratulate our newly elected Board officers: Vice President Danielle Tomwing, Treasurer Vicki Reinhard, Secretary Gayla Charrier and myself as President. I am confident that this leadership team will serve Aurora Public Schools with integrity, purpose and a shared commitment to equity, accountability and excellence.

I am deeply grateful to my fellow Board members for trusting me with the responsibility of serving as Board President. It is an honor to serve in this role, and I do not take that trust lightly. I am committed to leading with transparency, collaboration and a student-centered lens as we work collectively to move APS forward.

Aurora Public Schools is strengthened by the voices, experiences and dedication of its people. As we look ahead, I am optimistic about what we can accomplish together and remain focused on ensuring that every APS student feels supported, challenged and prepared for the future.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust.

- Tramaine Duncan, APS Board President

Important Board of Education News

During this last quarter, the Board has monitored the following results and limitations:

Goal PrM 4.2, specifically monitoring the percentage of 9th Grade Black and Hispanic/Latinx students meeting college and career ready benchmarks in Evidence Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) on the Horizon Practice PSAT will increase from 12.5% on the 2023-24 midyear assessment (February 2024) to at least 45.6% on the 2025-26 midyear assessment. We are currently at 37.4%.
Guardrail PrM 4.3, Family Climate & Culture, specifically monitoring the percentage of families responding positively to questions about their perception of school climate and culture will increase from 87.6% in 23-24 to 89.6% in 2025-26. Our BOY survey yielded 91%.

We also...

Adopted new curriculum for Middle School Math (Illustrative Mathematics).
Adopted new curriculum for K-12 P.E. (OPEN).
Adopted new curriculum for Science in Grades 9, 10 and 11 (OpenSciEd).
Approved the name change of our Horizon Uptown campus to Coal Creek P-8 Pronghorns!
Renewed the charter for Aurora Science and Technology.
Renewed the charter for Vanguard Classical.

To read more Board news, discover upcoming agenda items, learn how to provide public comments and/or find the link to live stream our meetings, please visit our website at boe.aurorak12.org.

January 13, 2026 Edition

Agendas & Minutes

View the latest agendas and minutes in BoardDocs

Upcoming Events

Board Meeting

1/13

Board Executive Session

1/13

Board Meeting

2/3

Board Meeting
2/17

Board Meeting
3/3

View the BOE Calendar

We Want to Hear from You!

The APS Board of Education typically meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays. Time is set aside at the beginning of the second monthly meeting for the public to address the Board on items that are not on the agenda.

Board member

committee assignments

Board member

school assignments

If you have questions or comments, please join us at one of the meetings. View the complete schedule of APS Board of Education meetings or contact Aurora Public Schools at 303-344-8060, extension 28988.

Out and About: Board Members in Our Schools and Community

A Year of Connection, Celebration and Student Success

This past year has been one of service, engagement, and meaningful action for APS students and our community. From the campaign trail to Board leadership, we focused on listening, learning and supporting the priorities that matter most.

Community Connections

Back-to-School Night events brought students, families and staff together, strengthening partnerships and highlighting the importance of visible, engaged leadership. These interactions reinforced the importance of partnership and visibility, and the role School Board leadership plays in supporting strong, welcoming school communities.

Global Fest celebrated the diversity and cultural richness of our students, fostering inclusion and community pride.

Global Fest entryway and Board Secretary Gayla Charrier with colleagues at the event

Board Secretary Gayla Charrier (second photo, center) and Board member Kristin Mallory-Westerberg (right) attending Global Fest

showing a dancer in a dress in the left photo and women wearing various traditional attire from around the world in the second photo

with a man in traditional Mexican clothing carrying a Mexican flag in the left photo and two women presenting various national flags in the second photo

Many students and community members from throughout Aurora participated in Global Fest.

Student Highlights

APS middle school student Joash Mamo was recognized at the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) Conference for his beautiful artwork, showcasing the talent and creativity in our district.

Joash Mamo second from left holding his aware with Superintendent Michael Giles to the right and other CASB members on either side of them

APS Student Joash Mamo (second from left in first photo) being honored for his artwork at the recent CASB Conference with Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., (third from left) and two other CASB members

board secretary Gayla Charrier running alongside a Unified Sports student at a track event

Above: Board Secretary Gayla Charrier (left) assists an APS Unified Sports student in a track and field event.

At right: APS Unified Sports students waiting for their event at the Unified Track & Field Competition

Our Unified Sports students represented APS with excellence in soccer, basketball, and track, demonstrating teamwork, perseverance and inclusion in action. It highlighted the importance of providing opportunities for all students to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

five Unified Sports students sitting on a bench waiting for the event at the Track and Field tournament

APS Unified Sports students participating in a soccer match

Mental Health & Advocacy

Mental health forums provided space for open dialogue about student well-being, family support and accessible resources, reinforcing the connection between academic success and emotional health.

Board Secretary Gayla Charrier at right presenting at a recent mental health forum

Board Secretary Gayla Charrier (right) presents at a recent mental health forum.

Leadership & Collaboration

Engagement with the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) deepened our understanding of effective governance, policy and advocacy, helping the Board make informed decisions for APS students.

Board members attending the CASB Conference in two side by side photos

Board members in first photo (left to right): Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing, Board member Dr. Anne Keke and former Board member Michael Carter. Board members attending the CASB Conference in the second photo (left to right): Board member Tiffany Tasker, Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing, Board President Tramaine Duncan, Board member Kristin Mallory-Westerberg and Board Secretary Gayla Charrier.

This year’s Board of Education election win, shared with Tramaine Duncan, Kristin Mallory-Westerberg, Dr. Anne Keke and Gayla Charrier, reflects a collective commitment to moving from conversation to action. Together, we are ready to do the real work—collaborating to produce meaningful, measurable student outcomes.

At right: Newly elected and re-elected Board members from left: Dr. Anne Keke, Kristin Mallory-Westerberg, and Board Secretary Gayla Charrier

elected board members from left Dr. Anne Keke Kristin Mallory and Gayla Charrier

three board members from left including outgoing Board member Michael Carter, current Board member Tiffany Tasker, and Board President Tramaine Duncan

At left (from left to right): outgoing Board member Michael Carter, current Board member Tiffany Tasker, and Board President Tramaine Duncan

Looking Ahead

This year was more than campaigning, it was about building relationships, elevating student voices and laying the foundation for purposeful leadership. As we move forward, our focus remains clear:

service, collaboration and results for every APS student

Aurora Public Schools Board of Education

Educational Services Center 1

15701 E. 1st. Ave., Suite 206

Aurora, CO 80011

boe.aurorak12.org

Aurora Public Schools Boardroom

APS Professional Learning & Conference Center

15771 E. 1st. Ave.

Aurora, CO 80011

Questions or comments? Email Board Assistant Claudia Paz-Blossick at cpaz@aurorak12.org or call 303-344-8060, extension 28988.

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