Welcome to the September 2026 Edition of the

APS Board of Education Newsletter!

President's Message

Greetings, Aurora Public Schools Community!

Welcome back to the 2026–27 school year!

I hope you all enjoyed your summer and took some much-needed time to fill your cup, especially because you spend so much of your time pouring into others.

This year marks my fourth year as an elementary assistant principal and my 13th year as an educator. The work we do is "heart" work. It takes a unique and committed individual to pour into students, particularly those who have historically been marginalized and underserved.

I truly believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we have to liberate our young people, expand their possibilities, and prepare them for life beyond high school.

That is why I am excited about the new goals and guardrails we are ushering in this year. Goals designed to ensure that our systems are setting every student in APS up for long-term success. We are truly moving toward becoming the Destination District, and I am excited to be a part of this change alongside all of you.

As you wrap up the first quarter of the school year and prepare to enter the second, I encourage you to take some time for yourself. Practice self-care. Rest when you can. Pour back into yourself. Remember, this work is a marathon, not a sprint. Know that our students are capable of achieving great things. Know that you are an expert in yourself, and you have what it takes to change the narrative of your circumstances and the circumstances of the students you serve.

I wish you all continued success as you enter the second quarter. Keep believing in our students, keep believing in yourselves, and keep doing the "heart" work that makes such a difference in the lives of our young people.

I look forward to connecting with you all soon!

- Tramaine Duncan, APS Board President

Important Board of Education News

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

Goal 1: K-2 Early Literacy Skills: In APS-operated schools, the percentage of K-2 students not at the not English proficient level demonstrating grade-level proficiency skills as measured by an end of year (EOY) State-approved READ Act assessment will increase from 41% in May 2025 to at least 80% in May 2031.
GoPM 2.2: 12th Grade On Track Menu of Options and Credits Combined. The percentage of fourth year 12th grade students (including active and inactive students who have dropped out) who are on track to graduate by earning the necessary credits in required subjects AND fulfilling the menu of options in Reading/Writing/Communications and Math will increase from TBD% in May 2026 to at least 82.2% in May 2029.
Learn more about the Board of Education Goals and Guardrails.

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.

September 22, 2026 Edition

Agendas & Minutes

View the latest agendas and minutes in BoardDocs

Upcoming Events

Board Retreat

9/27

Board Meeting: Work Session

10/6

Board Business Meeting

10/20

Board Meeting: Work Session

11/3

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

Being visible matters. Whether we are visiting classrooms, supporting student events, volunteering with community partners, or showing up at district and neighborhood gatherings, we believe leadership means being present, accessible, and engaged.

These moments reflect our ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and working alongside families, educators, and students across Aurora Public Schools. When we show up for one another, we build stronger schools and a stronger community.

- Gayla Charrier, Board Secretary

Community Connections

Elementary Students Enjoy Reading Sessions with Board Members

Board Treasurer Vicki Reinhard reads to second-grade students at Kenton Elementary.

Board Director Kristin Mallory reads to first and third graders at Yale Elementary.

Board Members Attend Urban Leadership Conference

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (left) and Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing at the Urban Leadership Conference

Board Director Dr. Anne Keke (center) at the Urban Leadership Conference

Student and Staff Highlights

We also like to celebrate the voices, leadership, and achievements of students and staff across Aurora Public Schools, in the classroom, in the community, and beyond.

AfrikImpact Event Honors Superintendent

Board members recently attended the AfrikImpact event where Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. received the Educational Impact Award.

Right to left: Aurora City Councilman at Large Robert Andrews, Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing, Councilman Andrews' wife Genevieve Andrews, Board Director Dr. Anne Keke and Board Secretary Gayla Charrier, at the AfrikImpact event to honor Supt. Giles.

Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. (top right) with others at the AfrikImact event to receive his award.

Educator Impact Award given to Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. at the AfrikImpact event.

Aurora community leader Angela Garland (left) and Board Secretary Gayla Charrier attending the AfrikImpact event.

Patrick Surtain II STEAM Inspiration Room Grand Opening at Columbia

Board Director Dr. Tiffany Tasker recently joined Denver Broncos’ superstar Patrick Surtain II at Columbia M.S. to unveil a state-of-the-art STEAM classroom. Dubbed the “Patrick Surtain II Inspiration Room,” the transformed space will help students hone their craft in creativity.

Denver Bronco Patrick Surtain II cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of the STEAM Inspiration Room at Columbia Middle School.

Denver Bronco Patrick Surtain II (center) cuts the ribbon at the grand opening of the STEAM Inspiration Room at Columbia Middle School.

From left: Board Director Dr. Tiffany Tasker, Denver Bronco Patrick Surtain II and Columbia Middle School Principal Katie Law-Balding at the Patrick Surtain II STEAM Inspiration Room Grand Opening.

Columbia Middle School students celebrate the grand opening of the Patrick Surtain II STEAM Inspiration Room.

Coal Creek P-8 Grand Opening

Board President Tramaine Duncan, APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., Coal Creek P-8 Principal Megan Ortiz-Capozollo and Board Treasurer Vicki Reinhard help cut the ribbon at the Coal Creek P-8 Grand Opening.

Starting second from front left: Board President Tramaine Duncan, APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., Coal Creek P-8 Principal Megan Ortiz-Capozollo and Board Treasurer Vicki Reinhard help cut the ribbon at the Coal Creek P-8 Grand Opening.

Board Treasurer Vicki Reinhard at left heads to the Coal Creek P-8 Grand Opening Ceremony with Deputy Chief Operation Officer of Nutrition Services Shannon Solomon.

APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. give a high five to a Coal Creek P-8 student who is about to give a speech at the school's grand opening.

APS Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr. gives a high five to a Coal Creek P-8 student who is about to speak at the school's grand opening.

Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening

Board members recently joined Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and family members of trailblazing legislator Betty Benavidez to celebrate the grand opening of APS' first ever Dual-Language School, Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez.

APS Board members, Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., Principal Anabel Rafoul and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman assist Betty Benavidez's daughter Susan Castro cut the ribbon at the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening.

APS Board members, Superintendent Michael Giles, Jr., Deputy Superintendent Jesus Rodriguez, Principal Anabel Rafoul, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, students and others assist Betty Benavidez's daughter Susan Castro cut the ribbon at the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Board Director Dr. Anne Keke, Board President Tramaine Duncan and Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing attending the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening.

Right to left: Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Board Director Dr. Anne Keke, Board President Tramaine Duncan and Board Vice President Danielle Tomwing attending the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening

Board Director Kristin Mallory speaking in English and Spanish at the Escuela Bilingüe Betty Benavidez Grand Opening.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, our focus remains on student voice, inclusive opportunities, and strong community partnerships, building a future where every APS student is supported, seen, and set up to succeed.

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 Executive Assistant Claudia Paz-Blossick at cpaz@aurorak12.org or call 303-344-8060, extension 28988.

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